The towns of Midland and Penetanguishene recognize the geographical and historical connections in the region while acknowledging that operating and capital resources are primarily covered by Town funding sources, including user fees, property taxes, grants and reserves.

The towns are seeking a consultant to complete a study of non-resident user fees for municipal recreation programs and facilities, including a market scan of the approaches of comparable municipalities, stakeholder engagement with Council, staff and the public, and recommendations for short- and long-term strategies to manage non-resident use of municipally owned and operated recreational programs, facilities and services. The study should also include a research and/or market scan to review how municipalities manage non-resident usage of infrastructure that typically does not have user fees, such as courts, playgrounds and splash pads at municipal parks. 

Project Objectives:

The study will provide the towns of Midland and Penetanguishene with information and recommendations that will enable evidence-based decision making on how to manage non-resident use of municipal infrastructure.  The objectives of the study are to:

• Ensure responsible and sustainable financial management of associated infrastructure and programs
• Ensure equitable use of facilities as they relate to user subsidy
• Ensure that a variety of amenities and programs remain available to residents
• Minimize the administrative burden of user fees for user groups, particularly those run by volunteers and not-for-profits organizations