Why do we need to increase fees?
Due to the inflationary increases for program supplies and wages and to keep up the quality of our programs and retain staff, we need to increase our fees.
What is a sliding scale?
A sliding scale is a fee structure based on income. People with less income pay less, and people with more income pay more. This has been modeled at other community centres and agencies and has been used for our room booking fees for several years.
What is the new fee structure for the Riverdale Adventure Camp (RAC), the After School Program (ASP) and P.A. Day camp?
RIVERDALE ADVENTURE CAMP (RAC)
| HOUSEHOLD INCOME | NEW FEE (PER WEEK and PER CHILD) |
| $0-$40,000 | $0 |
| $40,000-$80,000 | $50 |
| $80,000-$120,000 | $100 |
| $120,000-$160,000 | $150 |
| Over $160,000 | $200 |
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
| HOUSEHOLD INCOME | NEW FEE (PER MONTH) |
| $0-$40,000 | $400 |
| $40,000-$80,000 | $420 |
| $80,000-$120,000 | $455 |
| $120,000-$160,000 | $495 |
| Over $160,000 | $525 |
P.A. DAY CAMP
| HOUSEHOLD INCOME | NEW FEE (PER DAY and PER FAMILY) |
| $0-$40,000 | $25 |
| $40,000-$80,000 | $70 |
| $80,000-$120,000 | $75 |
| $120,000-$160,000 | $85 |
| Over $160,000 | $90 |
How do I decide what to pay?
Depending on your household income, you can pay the fee according to the fee structure chart(s) above. If you are still interested in thinking more about your household’s access to resources, the Green Bottle method (image below) can help you reflect on your daily and overall access to resources and with what level of ease or stress you are able to achieve the basic needs of your family.
Will I need to provide proof of my annual household income?
No. We are relying on families to select the income level that applies to them.
Will how I pay my ASP fee change?
How you pay your fee will not change. You can still pay via the online payment form on the website, via direct deposit, phone call or in-person at reception. When using the form or website to pay, there will be a new drop-down menu with each income category. You can select which income level, and your invoice will be created according to the applicable fee.
Will there be a sliding scale for all programs at Ralph Thornton including Riverdale Adventure Camp (RAC) and P.A. Day camp?
Yes! We want to increase and extend our spots and streams to more kids and families of all socio-economic backgrounds. There will be a sliding scale for all fee-based programs including RAC, ASP and P.A. camps.
When will the fee increase take place?
The fees will increase for RAC this summer, May 2025 and for the ASP in September 2025.
How do I share my concerns and feedback?
Please share your thoughts and feedback with us through our ASP & RAC Parent Survey!