7 days ago
Orillia outsiders slapped with surcharge for using rec facilities
Big changes could be coming to the cost of fun in Orillia... especially if you don't live in the city.
Those living in neighbouring communities to Orillia will be hit with a 50 per cent surcharge when using the city's recreational facilities next year.
This increase will apply to various programs like swimming, summer camps, and memberships but not to user groups like minor hockey and figure skating.
The city says more than half of its recreation users are non-residents and city councillors see this measure as a way to recoup some costs in next year's budget while maintaining service levels.
Mayor Don McIsaac saying, 'Residents have given feedback, and they say, 'Look, it's not appropriate that we subsidize people from out of town. I mean, Orillia provides services, we have beautiful parks, we keep those up, people from out of town, we encourage our users of the park so people come and use the park, we're fine with that, but the rec center and the library, those drive our costs, and we just want to make sure we recover appropriately and don't unduly burden the taxpayers of Orillia.'
The city says communities like Oro-Medonte, Severn, and Ramara can pay a lump sum to avoid the surcharge for its residents.
They have time to negotiate that sum, with this measure to go into effect next May.
