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continued from p.1 Seniors are vocal in opposition to losing discounts It appears to us that the elimination of the 35 per cent (discount) on seniors' memberships at recreation centres may have appeared to solve an issue, but in fact it has caused many other issues. Delegate to Town of Oakville budget committee 9 | Wednesday, November 13, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com The main user fees paid by residents include: transit fares, facility and field rentals, recreation program fees, building and planning permit fees, and parking rates. Each year, the budget committee reviews and makes recommendations on proposed annual operating and capital budgets as submitted by various town departments for the upcoming year. A Sept. 30 Town's Finance Department report outlined the proposed changes in programs and services fees, which will increase by approximately three per cent in most areas. However, admission and membership fees for seniors are going up by 12-14 per cent. The hike is due to the gradual elimination of the seniors' discounts for regular programs and memberships for those older than 65, according to a new pricing scheme approved by Town council in 2011. That saw the 35 per cent discount for residents aged 65 and older -- in place since 1994 -- reduced to 30 per cent. This year, the discount dropped to 20 per cent and it will continue falling until the discount is eliminated by 2016. Robert McKenna was one of five delegates who spoke before the committee Nov. 4. He argued the reason for the reduction was because "seniors older than 65 can afford to pay full price, while other age groups receiving a discount cannot." "It appears to us that the elimination of the 35 per cent (discount) on senior memberships at recreation centres may have appeared to solve an issue, but in fact it has caused many other issues," said McKenna. Any revenue generated from the discount reduction, he said, "will likely be offset by a reduction in membership renewals if the discount goes to zero." The Town estimates the proposed increases in fees and rates will generate slightly more than $1 million in revenue next year. The Sept. 30 report stated if new fees weren't approved, it would add 0.67 per cent to the Robert McKenna 2014 tax levy. Nina de Vaal, Town director of recreation and culture, recently noted the cost of senior centre programs is "considerably less" than the same programs offered at community centres. Resident Bonnie Gill argued the cost is "considerably more" at seniors' centres if seniors wish to remain active by taking multiple fitness classes weekly. "I determined it would (cost) approximately $5.88 per class. If a person wanted to take between two and four classes a week, this would almost be double the cost of the membership at a community centre," said Gill. She noted if she took four fitness classes a week at the recreation centre, it would cost $348 annually, but taking the same classes at seniors' centres would set her back nearly $1,260. De Vaal said the only fitness membership option available through the Town is at community centres, which gives members access to all of the services and drop-in programs. "If you wish to do it twice a week, you pay the cost of two classes during the week. If you take multiple programs, the cost does add up as it does at our community centres," said de Vaal. "If you have a fitness membership at our community centre, then you have access to some of these programs, so it does reduce the cost." Carol Hodgson, who frequently uses both a recreation and seniors' centre, said seniors can least afford a rate hike, and are "the ones who need membership benefits the most." "We have lived in Oakville for many years. We grew this town with our taxes. We've made it a better town by volunteering for countless causes," said Hodgson. The proposed 2014 fee for a seniors' one-year fitness or courts membership is $345.13 before tax -- up from $307.97 in 2013. For those who can't afford recreation and leisure services, de Vaal said the Town's Recreation Connect subsidy program is available. "We just changed the parameters a little bit, but it does provide up to $300 per year, per individual that meets the (qualifications). We use the same means test that (Halton) Region uses," she said. De Vaal said the cost of reinstating the original 35 per cent discount for 2014 would be about $30,000. After hearing from delegations and staff, the budget committee recommended maintaining the current 20 per cent discount for seniors' memberships. It directed Town staff to explore options for additional time-of-day discounts to enhance service levels. Also part of the 2014 rates and fees is Oakville Transit's proposed fare increases to balance the municipal contribution to transit operating costs. Due to increased fuel costs and other impacts, Oakville Transit is faced with higher operating costs. The following fare adjustments have been proposed: · A cash fare increase from $3.25 to $3.50 · Adult monthly pass from $99 to $105 · Student monthly pass from $65 to $70 · GO Transit co-fare from 70 cents to 75 cents No changes are being proposed for senior fares or the base PRESTO single ride fare. The budget committee will continue to meet throughout November and December to debate the proposed 2014 budget. The release and review of 2014 budget documents will be presented at a budget committee meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 at 9:30 a.m. Recommended rates and fees will go before council for approval later that night at 7 p.m. Commission presentations will take place at a budget committee meeting on Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m. and Nov. 22 at 9:30 a.m. Public delegations will appear at a budget committee meeting on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m.The budget committee will begin deliberations on Thursday , Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. with the budget coming before council for final approval on Monday , Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. Approved rates and fees for 2014 will be implemented Jan. 1, 2014. All committee and council meetings will be held at Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Rd. Residents' submissions -- in person, writing, email or through social media -- will be considered as part of the deliberations. Those wishing to appear before the budget committee as a delegate can register by emailing townclerk@ oakville.ca or calling 905-815-6015. Comments can also be emailed to budget@oakville.ca. The proposed 2014 rates and fees can be reviewed at www.oakville.ca or the ServiceOakville customer service desk. WATCH US WOMEN Shhhh... Oakville's Best Kept Secret. 4 DAYS ONLY Thursday ­ Sunday *Excludes Black 25% OFF Sympli* 1131 Nottinghill Gate GLEN ABBEY 309 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville 905.339.7604 · www.omnijewelcrafters.com *Subject to prior sale and may be terminated at any time. Pilgrams Way N. Service Rd. QEW Speers Rd. OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 4th Line 905-827-2271 Nothinghill Gate The Highest Quality,The Lowest Price. Guaranteed.