The Town of Rocky Mountain House has approved a new bylaw to make recreation facilities more affordable for families facing financial barriers.
Clearwater Regional Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) will assist by receiving referrals and conducting financial vetting to ensure candidates meet the program’s requirements. Qualifying families will receive a Facility Access Card, valid for one year, to use at town recreation facilities.
Under the bylaw, approved individuals will pay 50 per cent of the fees for various drop-in programs, lessons, or memberships, according to Lisa Tchir, recreation services coordinator for the town.
Council justified the bylaw, saying it will improve wellness, contribute to residents’ quality of life, and strengthen the community both socially and economically.
Council also heard the bylaw is not expected to significantly impact the town’s finances, as families paying the lower fees are likely to be those who otherwise wouldn’t access the facilities.
The bylaw was modeled after a similar program in Camrose, where FCSS reported that about 180 people accessed the program last year, benefiting the community.
A separate bylaw was discussed during the Dec. 3 council meeting, proposing to lower the eligibility threshold for free recreation memberships from 75 to 65. The estimated lost revenue from this change is nearly $22,000, which would be absorbed by the town, as the town’s agreement with Clearwater County contributes a base amount annually as opposed to 50 per cent of the deficit.
Councillor Tina Hutchinson said the previously mentioned new bylaw would help seniors with low or fixed incomes.
Wes Amendt, director of Recreation and Community Services, suggested waiting a year to assess the number of passes issued and reconsidering a separate bylaw for seniors at that time.
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