The City of St. Albert appears ready to increase some user fees starting in the New Year, but transit fares won’t be among them.
Tim Saunders, director of Public Operations, said at a council meeting Sept. 3 the city has seen “quite an uptick” in ridership and doesn’t want to tempt fate.
“We’ve seen a 14-per-cent increase in ridership year-over-year through July,” he said. “That with the ARC card that has come out, and then our the renegotiation of the U-Pass (for University of Alberta students), which is one of our largest revenue generators, it’s better to go with a more holistic assessment in 2025.”
The fee hikes are expected to put about $97,000 more in city coffers. That money is already accounted for in the 2025 budget, according to Stanley Chan, a financial controller with Financial and Strategic Services.
The fees changes, which would take effect Jan. 1, 2025, are outlined in a document on the city’s website.
Coun. Sheena Hughes questioned the increases. Even small hikes to user fees at recreation facilities can affect families, she said.
“Essentially, we look at nominal fees on an ongoing basis across the board,” Kelly McConnell, senior manager, Recreation Facilities, said. “That’s based on our policy of using regional comparatives. We try to keep aware of economic conditions. We’ve been fairly consistent.”
Also in the proposed increases is a new 2.1 per cent credit card processing fee for taxation and utility bill payments.
There are slight increases to user fees at facilities including Fountain Park, Larry Olexiuk Field, and Servus Credit Union Place. It will also cost more for artists using space at St. Albert Place. The only fees dropping are those for running at Fowler Outdoor Track because the day rate will be based on a six-hour day, not eight.
Council voted unanimously to approve first reading of the relevant bylaw. Councillors now have about a week to submit any suggested changes to administration.
