Municipal recreation fees to increase in Bracebridge

A 3% surcharge will be added to rentals at the MLCC

Bracebridge announced that it’s municipal recreation fees will increase, in the May 6, 2025, General Committee meeting.

According to the staff report, “The fees are designed to help offset a percentage of the costs of each service, however, this revenue source does not recoup all the expenses, with the difference being funded by part of the tax levy.”

It adds, “Programs that are purely personal interest and benefit should generally receive less subsidy for the general taxpayer than those that are of community-wide interest or use.”

The fee structure includes facility rentals, admission passes and memberships, and programs, with the goal of accessibility, affordability, cost recovery, and comparative pricing of other municipalities.

Comparing market pricing includes location distance, facility similarities, usage, size, economy, demographics, and public feedback.

The report continues that the Town also provides low cost and free programs to the community, which includes “toonie swims, skates and climbs, sponsored public skates, swims and climbing; and annual free ‘try-it’ fitness classes,” along with subsidized programs to residents that qualify based on income.

Changes will also include a Facility Rental Capital Surcharge Fee at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre. Staff recommended that a 3% fee be applied to all rentals including the MLCC.

Mayor, Rick Maloney, inquired about whether the capital surcharge fee goes into a particular reserve for future use.

Staff advised that they track fees and use them exclusively to the facility where they collect it from.

They added that they also consider other similar programs and services offered by local facilities that are “trying to make a living.”