SARAH WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

At the most recent Regular Council Meeting, Councillor Brad Nieman put forth an amendment to the fees and charges bylaw passed by Prince Edward County Council at their December 14^th meeting. After listening to concerns from the audience, along with several concerns raised by members of council, the amendment was passed.

Speaking to the motion, Nieman noted the 2023 approach for determining fees and charges is a departure from past years and unfairly affects community groups looking to rent town halls and community recreation centres.

“This approach used to determine fees and charges is a departure from the past and creates significantly larger fees despite a reduced hourly rate,” said Nieman. “As we heard from a member of public, when we changed the fees, I think it caught everybody off guard. From some of the groups, I’ve heard it’s four times as much they’re being charged.”

Brad Nieman. (Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

Nieman further noted that, after conversing with members of the community, it’s become apparent seniors are unduly affected by the change in fees and charges.

“Most of the people attending these groups are seniors. It’s good for their physical wellbeing but also their mental wellbeing. Sometimes, this is their only weekly outing. If they’re on a fixed income and that group has to put their price up, that’s a lot of money extra money coming out of their pocket,” stated Nieman.

He further expressed concern that should attendance at any number of the events being held at town halls and community centres diminish, then the operation of these facilities could come into question.

“If enough people drop out of these groups, then the town halls won’t be running either,” he said.

Regarding specific changes to the fee and charges schedule, Nieman suggested the following:

-non-profit six-month rate, excluding stat holidays: $300 until July 1, 2023 (at which time it will be $10/hour)

-non-profit community group/service: $10 per hour as of July 1, 2023.

As well, Non-Profit Community Groups / Services must provide proof of non-profit status. Bookings will made quarterly beginning July 1st, 2023 (July-September, October-December) and accepted 30 days prior to the quarter.

And, as per Nieman’s amendment, Municipal Recreation Committees/Boards – Meetings, Community Programs and Services that have no cost to participants will have no charge as of July 1, 2023.

Staff have been directed to procure a report about the Town Halls and the opportunities and challenges of community use.

David Harrison.

North Marysburgh Councillor David Harrison chimed in on the subject, pointing to the fact that many of these town halls and community centres were established by members of their respective communities.

“These halls and community centres were built and established by members of the community that lived there. I know in the case of our hall we built it in North Marysburgh, we built it at a time when there was an infrastructure grant from the federal government, combined with donations from community members, we were able to build that hall,” said Harrison.

Harrison further stressed the importance of accessing these town halls and community centres as they are part of the “community roots.”

Speaking from the perspective of a community group was Janet Gerry, who runs a meditation group in the Bloomfield Town Hall.

As with Nieman, Gerry stressed the important function of town halls and community centres for groups that cater to seniors, many of which are otherwise isolated.

“The County is wonderful because of the amount of community involvement,” said Gerry. “If we have learned anything form the pandemic it’s that community connections are vital to mental health and wellbeing of citizens,” stated Gerry.

Trying to gain clarity on the new fees and charges, Athol Councillor Sam Branderhorst queried Lisa Lindsay, Director of Recreation and Community Facilities, as to who exactly would need to pay an hourly rate.

“If a recreation committee hosts a ticketed event, do they have to pay the hourly rate?” inquired Branderhorst.

Lindsay iterated the intention behind the 2023 fees and charges was to allow for an equitable distribution of fees amongst those using town halls etc.

“The intention of the proposed 2023 fees and charges was for an equitable distribution of fees for people using halls and the other component was to take away the recreation fee of $600+ HST,” explained Lindsay. “The intent was for any of the initiatives that have no cost to participate that there would be no charge to use the hall. If you are choosing to host a ticketed event, and you have to pay to participate, that’s where the hourly rate would come into place, unless it’s by donation.”

Lindsay added the hourly rate seemed more equitable and has already garnered an increase in bookings.

“The hourly rate has already precipitated an increase in bookings for one or two hour events…it just makes it so that you’re paying for what you use, which seemed more equitable for our community,” she said.