HST pressures fees upwards

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 13, 2010 6:00 PM

Greater Vernon sports groups are going to be forking over more cash. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee gave the nod Thursday to parks and recreation fees for 2010/11. There will be a four per cent overall hike to cover operational costs, but that could climb to a total of 10 to 11 per cent with the harmonized sales tax. “This year will be a hard year for all of our user groups,” said Jim Bailey, facilities manager. In the case of ice rentals, minor sports will face a 10.9 per cent hike or an extra $8.82 an hour (total $89.40), while at Wesbild Centre, minor and recreational hockey will face a 10.9 per cent increase or an additional $22.80 an hour for ice ($231.37). The Kokanee Swim Club’s hourly rate for training will jump by $4.23 (total $43.05) and by $12.74 an hour for meets ($129.20). Adult soccer clubs will hand out an extra $28.07 a day for fields (total $284.84), while it will be an additional $14.04 a day for youth soccer ($142.44). Fees will also increase for public skating and swimming.

Director Patrick Nicol is upset with the impact the HST will have on sports activities. “That’s going to pay for some income tax agent in Ottawa,” he said. Nicol suggested that GVAC not increase its fees by four per cent as a way of lessening the pressure of the HST on groups and families. He also said that higher fees could lead to fewer bookings which takes away from GVAC’s budget. However, the rest of the committee disagreed. “We subsidize hockey by 50 per cent already so it’s still a good deal,” said director Mike Macnabb. “We can’t continue to give more breaks.” Director Jim Garlick added that parents can claim sports fees for children when doing their income taxes. The 2010/11 fee schedule must now go before the North Okanagan Regional District board for consideration.