WHITEWATER REGION — There were changes to some fees and charges discussed at last night’s Whitewater Region council meeting.
Treasurer Sean Crozier noted there were only two changes in building and planning services. The $900 fee for Official Plan Amendment Application was removed and what the County of Renfrew charges the township will be put onto the applicant. Also, the individual file searches were deleted and there is now a $50 fee per roll number.
Under animal control, there is a change to $35 from $30 for unsterilized dog tags after March 31.
Community Services manager Jordan Durocher spoke about some of the fee changes in recreation and tourism.
Camping has been eliminated at Cobden Memorial Park, which is on Hwy. 17.
There is also a change regarding fishing tournaments, excluding ice fishing tournaments, he said. Any fishing tournament held between the May and October long weekends will be charged $250, he said. However, after the October long weekend and prior to the May long weekend, each tournament will be charged $10 per boat. The reduced rate is due to the fact there are no docks in the water at that time, so they are not using township facilities, he said.
There were also changes to ice rentals, Mr. Durocher said. The ice rental rates increased one percent, which is a pro-active approach because overhead costs will eventually increase, he explained. There was no increase to the slab rentals.
Public skating fees will be eliminated for the 2019/2010 season, he said. The revenue generated is about $4,000, and it’s not really worth the administrative burden and having staff collect money. If there is a financial loss, it’s hoped sponsors will step forward and host the free skating, or, the fee could be re-instated.
Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay said ice operators don’t generally deal with cash, and having to deal with loonies and toonies can be problematic.
The Cobden ball diamond uses went up a few cents. Hall rentals were deleted for tournaments and basic hall rental fees were implemented, at $25 an hour without kitchen and $30 an hour with kitchen; and basic day with bar at $300 and with bar and kitchen at $325.
In Westmeath, there were no fee increases except for the one percent increase for ice rentals and the elimination of public skating fees for the 2019/2020 season.
The public will have an opportunity to discuss the fees and charges at the public meeting on March 6, prior to the council meeting.
