Recreation Programs and Day Camp Guidelines Policy

This is a transcription of By-law 118-2024. This transcription is for convenience only and does not represent a true copy of the by-laws it contains. To request a copy of the official signed version of the by-law, please contact the municipal office.

Where a discrepancy exists between this transcription and the official copy, the official copy will prevail. Any legal interpretation of this document should be verified with the municipal clerk.

By-law 118-2024 Being a By-law to adopt a Recreation Programs and Day Camp Guidelines Policy

Whereas under Section 8 (1) of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, C.25, as amended, a municipality has broad authority to enable it to govern its affairs as it considers appropriate and to enhance the municipality's ability to respond to municipal issues; and

Whereas under Section 9 of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001, C.25, as amended, a municipality has the capacity, rights, powers and privileges of a natural person for the purpose of exercising its authority under this or any other Act; and

Whereas under Section 11 (1) of the Municipality Act, S.O. 2001, C.25, as amended, a lower-tier municipality may provide any service or things that the municipality considers necessary or desirable for the public subject to the rules set out in subsection (4); and

Whereas Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bluewater deems it desirable to adopt a Recreation Programs and Day Camp Guidelines Policy;

Now therefore The Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Bluewater enacts as follows:

Policy Statement:

The Municipality of Bluewater recognizes the importance of living healthy, active lifestyles and coming together as a community for fun and recreation. The Recreation Programs and Day Camp Guidelines assists in navigating through processes dealing with changes in participation.

Scope and Applicability:

This policy applies to all Bluewater Recreation Programs and Day Camp activities inside or outside Bluewater facilities. The intent is to ensure consistent information for people registering in programs and regardless of whether it be in print, social media, electronic displays or on Bluewater's website.

Policy:

Recreation Programs

Recreation Program Refunds

If a person wishes to withdraw from a program and requests a refund, they will need to complete a Recreation Refund Request which will be used to track the request and to submit to the Finance Department. The municipality will issue a full refund if:

1. Bluewater cancels or changes program details and you are no longer able to attend.
2. There is a request to refund for medical reasons. (Doctor's note not required)
3. If Bluewater cancels a program due to low registration. The participant may transfer to another program if space is available, or they will receive a full credit or refund.

Pro-rated Refunds

All refunds will be pro-rated from the request data and subject to a $10.00 Program Administration Fee.

If a participant is withdrawn from a program by an instructor due to incompatibility, a pro-rated refund will be issued.

Transfers

All programs will need to meet the following transfer guidelines:

1. Transfer from one class or program to another is based on space and availability
2. Transfers will be permitted up to and including the third lesson in a program

Waitlist

Registrations for new programs from waitlists may be pro-rated.

Cancellations

Every effort will be made to make up any cancelled or postponed classes. Participants advising an instructor, onsite staff or not attending class are not considered notice of program cancellation. The Administrative Assistant/Designate to Facilities must be notified.

Day Camp

Refunds

Refunds must be made in writing and submitted to the Administrative Assistant/Designate for Facilities or to the Day Camp Coordinator during business hours. 

All refunds are subject to a $10.00 Program Administration Fee.

Refunds will be processed as follows:

1. Full Refund (minus program administration fee): Issued if a cancellation request is received up to and including five (5) business days prior to the activity start date. A full refund (minus Program Administration Fee) will be issued at any time in the event of a medical condition that prevents participation.
2. Partial Refund: A 50 percent (less program administration fee) refund will be provided if a cancellation request is received within four business days or less before the activity start date.
3. No Refund: If a cancellation request is received on or after the camp start date, no refund will be issued.

Program Administration Fee $10.00 plus HST

The fee is for some cost recovery for staff making the necessary changes for participants, instructors and for costs associated with issuing a refund cheque if a credit to a person's account is not chosen.

Definitions:

Bluewater: Bluewater is a municipality located in Huron County, Ontario, which is part of Southwestern Ontario, Ontario, Canada made up of villages which include Bayfield, Brucefield, Dashwood, Hensall, Varna and Zurich.

Recreation Programs: Voluntarily pursued activities of a recreation, sport, art or cultural nature that may be self-directed or instructional, providing skill development, social inclusion and/or increased physical health in a particular leisure pursuit. Programs may be introductory or specialty and are of an on-going nature. In some instances, fees are charged to offset the costs associated with the provision of the activity.

Facilities: A physical structure/space that is built, installed or established to serve a particular use or purpose.