CAMBRIDGE – It’s going to cost a bit more green for some GRCA programs in the coming year.
Grand River conservation areas and nature centres review their fees annually.
Nature centre programs are funded through these fees combined with budgeted levy support.
Admission, camping and other fees cover the operating costs of GRCA conservation areas.
Nature centres and conservation areas face a similar challenge in providing affordable access to outdoor recreation and educational experiences, while ensuring enough funds are available to support infrastructure needs and capital improvements.
In 2019, fees for school programs, day camps, and other programs at GRCA nature centres will increase between three and 15 per cent. The increases are to help ensure program sustainability, while remaining competitive with similar outdoor education providers in Ontario.
Unlike nature centres, GRCA conservation areas operate on a break-even basis. User fees are meant to generate sufficient revenue to offset planned expenses for the upcoming year. When the conservation areas generate a surplus, it is placed into a stabilization fund to be used for future park needs.
In 2019, most conservation area fees will remain unchanged; however, a few areas will be impacted.
Charge for additional vehicles on a campsite will increase to $14, matching the fee currently charged at automatic entry gates. Nightly camping fees will be standardized to eliminate price changes between peak and shoulder seasons.
Seasonal camping fees will increase by three per cent in 2019 to help support investment in facilities such as washrooms, roads and electrical infrastructure in these campgrounds. Membership pass fees will remain unchanged at $130.
All nature centre and conservation area fees can be found online at www.grandriver.ca.
