By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
The City of Martensville’s Waiver or Reduction of Rental Fees Policy has now been updated to provide more clarity about the intent of the policy – to provide non-profit organizations and community groups with assistance in holding one-time events or starting new programs, as opposed to ongoing or regular programming.
Martensville councillors voted to approve the updated Policy 120/25 during their October 20 council meeting.
Back in September, Director of Recreation and Planning Roxane Melnyk had asked councillors for their input on the policy, which had been approved by council during the fall of 2025.
Within the 2026 budget, a total of $36,000 had been allocated to support the waiver or reduction of rental fees for non-profits and community groups seeking to hold events but needing financial assistance to do so. The total value of fees waived or reduced ended up being a little over-budget, exceeding $39,500.
Looking ahead to 2027, Melnyk indicated there had been requests from local community groups for the waiver/reduction of rental fees for regular programming.
“While these programs provide valuable services to residents, they are generally expected to operate through sustainable funding models, including user fees, sponsorships, grants, and organizational fundraising,” Melnyk noted.
She asked council for their input on these requests, noting that granting the applications could impact the city’s recreation funding.
Council indicated the policy should support one-time events and activities that contribute to fundraising efforts for community assets, as well as the introduction of new programs that enhance the community’s wellbeing.
The revised policy brought to the October 20 meeting now states outright that waivers will not be considered for programs, activities or services that form part of an organization’s regular operations or have moved beyond their initial development phase.
It does contain one caveat: council may consider requests for waivers to hold ongoing programs where “exceptional circumstances” arise (unforeseen facility closures, emergency community needs, significant celebrations and other circumstances beyond an organization’s control).
Also, programs that are offered free of charge will be given a higher priority in terms of requests being granted.