Port Hope announces residents-first policy

By Cecilia Nasmith

Port Hope's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department announces a new policy – residents-first registration.

Beginning with the Winter 2 session registration for programming, Port Hope residents will receive a 24-hr. priority registration window before registration is extended to non-residents. As well, the 80-plus program will be limited to Port Hope residents only, and the additional 15% discount on fitness classes for 55-plus members will be eliminated as part of the municipality's fees-and-charge update.

“Programs fill quickly, and many of our most popular classes have waitlists,” Director Julia Snoek said in the announcement.

“Prioritizing resident access helps Port Hope tax payers and residents participate in activities in their own communities, while still welcoming non-residents where space permits.

“We will monitor registrations and feedback closely, and adjust as needed.”

For this purpose, residency is determined by address and postal code. Staff members may request proof of residence during account set-up or at point of registration.

For Winter 2 registration, residents can begin signing up Monday, Jan. 26, at 7:30 a.m., with non-resident registration opening 24 hours later. It's first-come-first-served as you register on-line, by telephone or in person.

The household rule also applies – you may register only those who live in your household. Registering friends ins not permitted.

Administrative fees apply to on-line registrations, cancellations, refunds and transfers.

Residents-first is a policy in many Ontario municipalities to balance capacity and equitable local access, knowing that residents who live in in that municipality are the ones who contribute to municipal operations through taxes.

For more details, or to register, visit www.porthope.ca/registration