Chatham-Kent council, led by Coun. Brock McGregor, is looking at ways to keep C-K summer camp prices in check.
McGregor, with full council support, successfully lobbied on Sept. 8 to freeze Stay N Play Camp fees – camps that are run by the municipality – until the next four-year budget process, which begins in 2028.
“We’ve seen some pretty significant changes in the cost structure,” McGregor said. “I think that while we think about the financial aspects, we also need to think about the community aspects.”
Dr. Shanker Nesathurai, C-K’s medical officer of health, told council camps such as Stay N Play are important to the youth of municipality.
“Health is more than just medicine,” he said. “For most young people, the summer is the opportunity for cultural enrichment, social enrichment, being athletically active, spending time with the family and going overseas. But the summer is also an opportunity – particularly for disadvantaged young people – to have declines in educational attainment and experience more social isolation.
“Having recreational opportunities in the summer is a real priority for us in public health service.”
West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan, who works in health care, said the Stay N Play Camps operate across the municipality.
“They are in smaller rural communities where other camps may not be as accessible,” she said. “I think it’s really important that we protect the accessibility of these camps.”
Municipal CFO Gord Quinton said council can look at the numbers during the budget process to get a better idea on the financial impact of the freeze.
McGregor said the added cost to the municipality to hold the prices in check is worth it.
“It’s really important to freeze these fees. It’s a relatively small budget ask to keep these camps affordable,” he said.
