The cost of a year-long adult pass to use the Crystal Pool will increase by $20 to $420.42 in February, after Victoria council Thursday approved a five per cent increase to all recreation fees in the city.
The increase, which will affect everything from skate rentals and tennis court reservations to filming fees and the cost of renting meeting rooms, will come into effect in February.
Council passed the increase unanimously without debate on Thursday.
The five per cent increase is expected to generate $68,000 in new revenue for the city.
According to city staff, recreation fees are reviewed annually, and departments are asked to consider a minimum increase that is equal to inflation.
Recreation fees rose two per cent last year, but remained flat this year due to the economic impacts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fee adjustments are designed to deal with rising operating costs.
A city staff report said maintenance expenses at Crystal Pool and Royal Athletic Park increased 19 per cent over the past two years.
The City of Victoria will still fund the Leisure Involvement for Everyone program, which offers financial support for residents facing financial barriers to recreation programs.
More than 3,000 residents access services at the Crystal Pool through the program annually
This year’s draft city budget includes $100,000 for the program.
