Council Approves Fees Review Process for Non-Resident Fees at NSSRC

Media Release

Council Approves Fees Review Process for Non-Resident Fees at NSSRC

For Immediate Release

(February 29, 2024, Midland ON) On Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Midland Council approved a fees review process to explore supplementary funding options for the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre (NSSRC), including potentially implementing non-resident fees. Town staff will set up a working group with local user groups to review the options for collecting additional revenues starting with 2024 programs.

“Last night Council instructed staff to work with local user groups to determine a fair and equitable process for increasing revenues at the NSSRC to help offset the $1.8M deficit,” said Mayor Bill Gordon. “The Town is supportive of all youth in North Simcoe having the ability to participate in sports and activities at the NSSRC. Our goal is to ensure that the financial burden to run the centre is not placed solely on the ratepayers of Midland.”

A Town staff report at the February 28 Council meeting outlined the rationale for developing a user-pay system for non-residents to reduce the tax burden on Midland residents. User group data collected showed that Midland residents accounted for 39% of the overall arena user group participation and 49% of the overall gym user group participation. 

The staff report indicated options to be considered could include:

• Seeking direct support from neighbouring municipalities.
• Increasing ice rental rates.
• Recovering costs from user fees.

The report also noted that the Town’s 2024 Budget survey showed the majority of those who responded support the implementation of new user fees to maintain existing service levels.

“Participation in sport and group activities is vital to the well-being of all citizens, providing a sense of community, support and belonging,” said the Town’s Director of Operations, Dylan Flannery. “We’re proud that the NSSRC has become an important community hub that brings people from North Simcoe and beyond to participate in the recreation, sport, youth, and seniors’ programs that the centre offers. We look forward to working with our user groups to determine financial options that will benefit all our users and the residents of Midland.”

In the coming weeks the Town will establish the working group consisting of representatives from the various municipalities, user organizations and Town staff. Results of the working group discussions and a staff recommendation will be brought back to Council in a staff report in the near future. To learn more about the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre visit midland.ca/nssrc.