Some Grand River Conservation Area park fees will be going up this year.
The cost of a seasonal Grand River Parks Membership card remains $130 in 2018, the same as it was in 2017, but some other park fees have increased
The adult admission increases from $6.50 to $7, while the senior rate ($5.50) and child rate ($3) remain the same.
Admission continues to be free for children five and younger.
In 2018, all parks have the same adult entry fee, with the exception of Elora Quarry, where the rate will increase to $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and $5 for children.
“Visitor attendance at Elora Quarry has increased significantly during the past few years. In 2017, a daily capacity limit of 1,300 visitors was implemented. While the capacity limit resulted in a reduced number of visitors in 2017, the number still remains high,” the GRCA said.
“The increased visitation has required additional staffing in order to increase public safety and enhance the visitor experience, resulting in increased operating costs at Elora Quarry.
They also cited the new minimum wage as a reason contributing to the fee increase.
GRCA parks are run on a break-even basis, as no taxes are used for park operations.
Surpluses are put into reserves to be used to address aging infrastructure and fund new capital projects, as well as to provide a stabilization fund for years when revenue is lower.
Nightly camping fees at Grand River Parks are increasing by two per cent, and seasona camping fees are increasing by three per cent.
