Port. Coquitlam Recreation Department

Policy on Fees & Charges

General Principles of Charging

For many years there was widespread acceptance of the view that
public park and recreation services should be free, or almost free,
to all potential users. The rationale for this provision has been
that recreation, like education, is a basic human need and should be
available to all. But as recreation facilities have become more
elaborate and expensive and as the type of activities offered have
become more diversified, a system of imposing charges to support
these services is more important.

While the collection of a fee for service has become more and more
acceptable, most agencies are of the opinion that basic services
should still be free to the public. One writer says the following
about fees and charges:

"T assume we all believe that there is considerable indivi-
dual and public benefit from involvement in quality leisure
experience. Hopefully, any service we provide can be
construed as a quality experience; consequently, it would
seem that we should be interested in as much participation
as possible. Since a fee is undoubtedly a deterrant to
exercising one's prerogative to participate, it would seem
logical that a no-fee policy is the desirable level of
charge. Some may argue that anyone can afford a small fee -
the question is at what level does the small fee deprive
even one individual from participating. Economists tell us
that (in very simple terms) demand decreases as price in-
creases."

A no-fee policy is considered ideal. However, it is not practical if
we wish to continue to provide our present standard of service to the
community. Bill Young, Parks and Recreation Director of Saanich, says
this about fees and charges:

"That fees and charges be only established as a result of
economic necessity and that establishing fees and charges
for facilities and activities be done in a manner to enable
and encourage maximum participation at the broadest economic
levels."

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