Proposed Fee Changes for 2017 Announced
As part of the program review process and Budget 2017 preparation, the City of St. John’s has released a proposed list of fee changes for recreation programs, parking permits, tickets, Metrobus and inspection services, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2017.
“It has been a number of years since these fees have increased,” explained Councillor Jonathan Galgay, Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance and Administration. “As part of our budget engagement this year, participants have suggested that the City look for new sources of revenue, so a review of fees is both timely and appropriate.”
Metrobus/GoBus
Metrobus/GoBus rates have been held at $2.25 per ride since 2008. As of 2017, rates will increase to $2.50 per ride due to increasing costs of operating the service. Metrobus/GoBus pass prices will also increase: details will be made available on metrobus.com.
Recreation and Room Rentals
Swim rates for the City’s indoor public pools will be increased by one dollar on average; outdoor pools will continue to be free for general swims. Rental rates in recreation facilities will also be increased to come more in line with other facility rentals in the region. Adjustments have also been made to the cost for swim lessons.
“With the new Paul Reynolds Community Centre scheduled to open in January, we are actively recruiting more lifeguards for our aquatics programs,” explained Councillor Galgay. “To encourage more people to join, we will reduce the cost of lifeguard certification as a recruitment incentive until we have filled our complement of staffing for the 2017 season.”
A fee to rent the Foran/Greene Room at City Hall will be introduced. This fee will be in line with other rentals within the City and help to recover the costs of maintaining that space for both internal and external users.
Parking Permits and Tickets
Currently, the City issues 4,000 parking permits to residents in the downtown area who do not have access to off-street parking. The current cost for a permit is $6 annually. In addition, each property is also entitled to a visitor permit which costs $6 annually.
“Our parking permit fees are very low in St. John’s. Rates will increase in 2017 from $6 a year to $15 a year for areas 1 through 12, with some special permits also increasing,” explained Councillor Galgay. “However, rates for not-for-profit organizations will not be changed.”
Additionally, monthly downtown (commercial) parking permit rates will increase by an average $30 per month in 2017 and again in 2018. These fees were approved by council in 2015.
There will also be ticket fine increases between $5 and $20 depending on the ticket infraction.
As part of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador 2016 Provincial Budget the fee for processing tickets increased from $7 to $9 per ticket. Also, as part of the 2016 Provincial Budget it was decided that the Crown Prosecutor would not prosecute any contested tickets. This decision has resulted in the City needing to hire a prosecutor to do this work. The increase in fines will help offset this cost.
Inspection Services and Commissioner’s Hearings
The City has also taken a close look at fees and processes in certain areas related to building inspections.
“Permit fees for work started without a permit will double as a deterrent to those who start projects without the required permits in place,” explained Councillor Galgay. “When we get a complaint about a project starting without a permit, significant time is invested – from our Customer Service Representatives, Inspectors and possibly the legal team – and we currently get an average of one of these complaints a day.”
Other fee and process changes are intended to minimize our current costs for inspections and maximize the use of available technology. All changes have been discussed with affected stakeholders.
For a development application that calls for an amendment to the St. John's Municipal Plan a public hearing chaired by an independent commissioner is required. As part of program review the City looked at the costs for these hearings. The fee is being increased from $500 to $1,800 per hearing to better reflect actual costs.
“Increasing fees charged for services has a significant impact on the City’s budget overall,” said Councillor Galgay. “These revised fees, which have been considered together with our estimated overall program review savings, enhances our ability to meet expenditure needs for 2017 and to consider a mil rate reduction for the upcoming budget year.”
Please see backgrounder attached for list of proposed fee changes.
Media Contact:
Kelly Maguire
Media Relations
City of St. John's
709-576-8491
kmaguire@stjohns.ca