It seems being a local may not have much clout when it comes to renting the Puslinch Community Centre.
On Oct. 5 Puslinch councillors discussed changes that would effectively increase rental fees for local residents and drop them for non-residents.
Councillor Wayne Stokley said the issue came up at the last Puslinch recreation commission meeting. The changes recommended by the commission include removing any distinction between Puslinch residents and outsiders and instead switching to one flat fee for everyone.
“We felt there should not be a distinction,” Stokley said.
For a full-day Saturday rental, for example, the change means residents will be paying 23% more ($450 as opposed to $365), while non-residents will pay 19% less ($450 as opposed to $555).
Stokley said the commission hopes the move will allow it to run the hall more effectively and possibly generate more revenue.
“We looked at the charges and fees for a number of halls in the area for day and night use,” he said. “We decided we were well below the amount that other areas had.”
As a result, they decided to increase the fees.
“We are still probably a lesser amount than most, if you look at the size of our hall and the seating. It’s still a good deal for the rental of the hall,” Stokley said.
Proposed charges include $325 for use of the main hall on Sundays, while use only in the morning, afternoon or evening would cost $200 with no kitchen privileges.
From Monday to Thursday the main hall would cost $350 for a full day, with the rates the same as Sunday for morning, afternoon or evening use. Use for full days on Friday or Saturday would be $450, with no four-hour rate slots.
The Alf Hales Room would be rented for morning, afternoon or evening sessions at $50.
All licenced events using the patio and requiring patio fencing would be $50.
Commercial rentals of the hall would be $700 (50% of a one day rental would be a non-refundable deposit).
Stokley said the group decided to divide the use of the hall into three time slots (instead of renting on a four hour basis), which should create the potential for additional revenue. He said there are still a number of issues to be discussed at the commission level, including the possibility of being able to waive the HST on rentals for local residents.
“We’re still looking at it,” said Stokley.
Councillor Ken Roth agreed the resident fee was increased quite a bit, but the non-resident fee was lowered substantially.
“The reason is that there are not that many non-resident rentals … because [it seems] everyone knows someone in the township,” Roth said.
Council will consider final approval of the fees at a future council meeting, after being reviewed once more by the recreation commission.
