Algonquin Highlands council has opted against offering township residents a discount on parks, recreation and trails
user and rental fees for now, though will be approaching Lake of Bays about contributing funds towards the operation of the Dorset Rec Centre.
At an Oct. 2 meeting, parks, recreation and trails manager Chris Card brought forward a recommendation that the township apply a 20 per cent discount to local ratepayers for facility rentals, recreational programming, water trails use, and entry to the Dorset Tower.
He estimated the move would cost the township around $6,800. Factoring in 1.9 per cent inflation, he suggested the township could recoup the money by upping its trails fees 2.3 per cent, canoe rentals 11 per cent for 16-foot boats and 16 per cent for 17-foot boats, Dorset Tower entry by 2.91 per cent, and all recreation programming 8.28 per
cent.
Card said ratepayers accounted for two per cent of all trails sales, which includes rates for camping, equipment rentals and ski passes; five per cent of all visits to the Dorset Tower; five per cent of facility rentals; and 30 per cent of all recreational programming.
Mayor Liz Danielsen said, “I think this is too much for too little,” noting she didn’t support the plan. Deputy mayor Jennifer Dailloux suggested that, since Algonquin Highlands residents had paid for these facilities and services through their property taxes, that they should be given a break. Coun. Sabrina Richards agreed.
Danielsen said she and CAO, Angie Bird, will meet with Lake of Bays administration to see if they’d be willing to contribute to the facility’s running costs.
Danielsen, Barry and coun. Julia Shortreed opted against applying the discount, though talks continued on how the township could cut costs. It was noted Algonquin Highlands manages trail systems in Minden Hills and Lake of Bays, with Richards suggesting those municipalities pay their way.
Card was asked how much events lik the Dorset Snowball cost to run – he said he would bring a report on the event’s revenues and expenses to a future meeting. He will also bring back another suggestion to implement a ratepayer discount for programming at the Dorset Rec Centre only.
