September 22, 1999
To:Scarborough Community Council
From:Joe Halstead, Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
Subject:Communication Strategy for User Fee Policy Implementation - All Former City of Scarborough Wards
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to provide Scarborough Community Council, at their request, with an overview of the
consultation process regarding recreation programs and user fee changes in the East District.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
There are no financial implications associated with this report.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that this report be received as information.
Background:
City Council formed a User Fee Committee to study the harmonization of recreation program fees in April 1998. The User
Fee Committee conducted extensive public consultation through the summer and fall of 1998. Policy options were then
presented to City Council. At its meeting of April 27, 28, 29, 1999, City Council approved the implementation of
recreation user fees according to "Option B" as recommended by the Budget Committee. Staff immediately began the
process of reviewing over 54,000 recreation programs and user fees in order that the programs would reflect the "Option B"
approved in the fall edition of the Toronto Fun Guide.
The new User Fee Policy aimed to provide an equitable approach to recreation program fees across the new City while
ensuring that all residents in the City continue to have access to high quality, community recreation programs.
In the East District, a communication plan was implemented to ensure that both the general public and specific user groups
would be informed of the various changes that would occur in the fall session. Public meetings were held in the evenings
on July 8, 14 and 15, 1999 at various community centres in the former East York and Scarborough. Meetings were
advertised through posters at local community centres as well as a mail out to over 100 community groups in the East
District.
In addition, specific meetings with the Seniors Centre Advisory Committee Executive members took place on June 30,
1999 and with Fitness Centre users on July 7, 1999 respectively. The purpose of the public consultation meetings was to
review the basic principles of the new user fee policy and in addition, answer specific questions relating to particular areas
of concern. (i.e. senior's programs and fitness centre fees) Although specific program fees could not be shared at these
meetings due to the harmonization process still taking place, a range of prices were shared with those that attended the
meetings.
Comments:
As mentioned, a specific meeting was held with members of the Seniors Centre Advisory Committee Executive members
to provide background on the new User Fee Policy. As registration proceeds, a number of issues have been raised particular
to the Seniors programs in the East District and more specifically at the L'Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre.
In 1998, the participants at L'Amoreaux were able to register for line dancing for the fee of $13.00 for a 2 hour program
over 9 weeks. With the new user fee policy being implemented in September of 1999, participants are now paying $18.00
for a one hour program for 9 weeks. In addition, the class size was reduced from 80 participants to 40 participants. With
the number of participants that attended registration beginning on September 13, 1999 at L'Amoreaux, it became apparent
that the maximum number of 40 registrants would not accommodate the demand. Staff in consultation with the program
instructors, made a decision to increase the class size to 60. This has resolved the issue and resulted in no waiting list for
the line dance program at L'Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre.
The Parks and Recreation Division is currently looking at a process by which participants and residents could be consulted
on future policy changes as it relates to recreational program and fee changes.
Conclusions:
As registration proceeds, staff are documenting comments regarding the new user fee policy and how it affects recreation
programs across the city. These comments are being forwarded to a staff committee who are continually addressing issues
as it pertains to the new User Fee Policy. Parks and Recreation staff will continue to consult with customers and user
groups regarding policy changes that affect the service level and delivery of programs.
Contact Name:
Gary Stoner
Director of Parks and Recreation
396-4490
Joe Halstead
Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism
