December 5, 2024
Effective January 1, 2025, the RA will be introducing a Facility Renewal Fee across most of our offerings to address urgent and growing needs within our facilities.
This decision was not made lightly but comes after careful consideration of the increasing pressure from a long list of deferred maintenance, essential repairs, and the ongoing need to renew and sustain our assets. As a result this new fee will be critical in ensuring that our facilities remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all members and guests.
The RA’s history and current need for action
The RA’s original membership and programming model was established during its earlier years as part of the Federal Public Service where funding for building maintenance, infrastructure, and land management was provided by Public Works. During that time revenue from memberships and programs was directed primarily toward operations. When we were decoupled from the Federal Government, in 1994, the RA became accessible to the broader community; however, with this shift came the responsibility for managing and maintaining all of our physical assets—and, crucially, covering the associated costs.
The original funding structure did not account for the ongoing needs of asset renewal and property upkeep. Over the years the RA has faced a persistent capital account deficit which has led to today's urgent need for action.
A challenging future, but one we are prepared for
For many years we have relied on stretched-thin operational resources relying on borrowing and short-term fixes to fund emergency repairs and ongoing maintenance. This situation has left us in a precarious position as we work to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to meet the demands of our growing community.
The RA is committed to ensuring the health, wellness and satisfaction of its members and guests. To achieve this we must make long-term investments in our facilities so we can continue to serve you effectively and sustainably in the years to come.
The Facility Renewal Fee
On November 27th the RA Board of Directors, on the recommendation of Management, approved the introduction of a Facility Renewal Fee and the establishment of a designated fund. This new fee will be applied to memberships, pay-as-you-play transactions, programs, leagues, House of Sport license renewals and facility rentals. Children’s day camps will have a reduced fee. Most other child and youth programs and Senior LifeFIT fitness memberships will be fully exempt.
Importantly, none of the funds generated by this fee will be used for day-to-day operations or administrative expenses. We recognize the challenges posed by the current economic climate and we remain committed to offering one of the most affordable sports, recreation, and community spaces in the National Capital Region.
How much will this cost?
A 7.5% fee will apply to memberships, pay-as-you-play transactions, programs, leagues, House of Sport license renewals, and facility rentals. A 5% fee will apply to Day Camps. Most child and youth programs, as well as Senior LifeFIT fitness memberships will be exempt.
For example, an annual Adult LifeFIT fitness membership will incur a Facility Renewal Fee of $37.87 while a Pay-as-you-Play Pickleball court rental will have a fee of $2.25.
Transparency and accountability
In the coming weeks we will share a high-level plan that outlines the ongoing priority list of capital projects and essential maintenance that the Facility Renewal Fee will support. We are committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on how the funds are being utilized. We will also celebrate the completion of key projects that will help position the RA for continued success and growth in the future.
We appreciate your continued support as we implement these changes to ensure the RA remains a thriving, sustainable and welcoming space for everyone.
If you have any questions please contact us by email at [email protected].
Effective January 1, 2025, the RA will be introducing a Facility Renewal Fee across most of our offerings to address urgent and growing needs within our facilities.
This decision was not made lightly but comes after careful consideration of the increasing pressure from a long list of deferred maintenance, essential repairs, and the ongoing need to renew and sustain our assets. As a result this new fee will be critical in ensuring that our facilities remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all members and guests.
The RA’s history and current need for action
The RA’s original membership and programming model was established during its earlier years as part of the Federal Public Service where funding for building maintenance, infrastructure, and land management was provided by Public Works. During that time revenue from memberships and programs was directed primarily toward operations. When we were decoupled from the Federal Government, in 1994, the RA became accessible to the broader community; however, with this shift came the responsibility for managing and maintaining all of our physical assets—and, crucially, covering the associated costs.
The original funding structure did not account for the ongoing needs of asset renewal and property upkeep. Over the years the RA has faced a persistent capital account deficit which has led to today's urgent need for action.
A challenging future, but one we are prepared for
For many years we have relied on stretched-thin operational resources relying on borrowing and short-term fixes to fund emergency repairs and ongoing maintenance. This situation has left us in a precarious position as we work to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to meet the demands of our growing community.
The RA is committed to ensuring the health, wellness and satisfaction of its members and guests. To achieve this we must make long-term investments in our facilities so we can continue to serve you effectively and sustainably in the years to come.
The Facility Renewal Fee
On November 27th the RA Board of Directors, on the recommendation of Management, approved the introduction of a Facility Renewal Fee and the establishment of a designated fund. This new fee will be applied to memberships, pay-as-you-play transactions, programs, leagues, House of Sport license renewals and facility rentals. Children’s day camps will have a reduced fee. Most other child and youth programs and Senior LifeFIT fitness memberships will be fully exempt.
Importantly, none of the funds generated by this fee will be used for day-to-day operations or administrative expenses. We recognize the challenges posed by the current economic climate and we remain committed to offering one of the most affordable sports, recreation, and community spaces in the National Capital Region.
How much will this cost?
A 7.5% fee will apply to memberships, pay-as-you-play transactions, programs, leagues, House of Sport license renewals, and facility rentals. A 5% fee will apply to Day Camps. Most child and youth programs, as well as Senior LifeFIT fitness memberships will be exempt.
For example, an annual Adult LifeFIT fitness membership will incur a Facility Renewal Fee of $37.87 while a Pay-as-you-Play Pickleball court rental will have a fee of $2.25.
Transparency and accountability
In the coming weeks we will share a high-level plan that outlines the ongoing priority list of capital projects and essential maintenance that the Facility Renewal Fee will support. We are committed to transparency and will provide regular updates on how the funds are being utilized. We will also celebrate the completion of key projects that will help position the RA for continued success and growth in the future.
We appreciate your continued support as we implement these changes to ensure the RA remains a thriving, sustainable and welcoming space for everyone.
If you have any questions please contact us by email at [email protected].
