Facility Renewal Fee Update
January 19, 2026
Effective February 1, 2026, the FRF will increase to 9.5%. Children and youth programs will continue to be exempt from this fee, and camp programs will remain subject to a 5% FRF. In addition, the Facility Renewal Fee will be expanded to include senior LifeFIT members.
This fee plays a critical role in helping us maintain, repair, and modernize the RA’s facilities, many of which are now more than 50 years old. After operating the FRF for a full year, we now have clearer visibility into deferred maintenance needs and priority projects planned for 2026, making this adjustment both timely and necessary.
The FRF is a dedicated and restricted fund. Every dollar collected is reinvested directly back into the RA for capital repairs, safety improvements, and facility renewal, it is not used for day-to-day operations. Members and guests have already seen the impact of this investment through recent improvements, and the updated rate will allow us to continue addressing critical needs while protecting the quality and reliability of your experience. Even with this change, the RA remains one of the most affordable sport and recreation facilities in Ottawa.
We recognize that any fee increase raises questions. Our intention is not to increase the FRF year over year, but rather to assess priorities each fall and make thoughtful, responsible decisions that support long-term sustainability. A full FAQ and examples of FRF-funded improvements are available below, and our staff are always happy to help if you have questions.
Thank you for your understanding and for your continued commitment to the RA. We look forward to building on this strong foundation together and ensuring the RA remains a vibrant community hub for years to come.
If you have any questions please contact us by email at [email protected].
January 19, 2026
Effective February 1, 2026, the FRF will increase to 9.5%. Children and youth programs will continue to be exempt from this fee, and camp programs will remain subject to a 5% FRF. In addition, the Facility Renewal Fee will be expanded to include senior LifeFIT members.
This fee plays a critical role in helping us maintain, repair, and modernize the RA’s facilities, many of which are now more than 50 years old. After operating the FRF for a full year, we now have clearer visibility into deferred maintenance needs and priority projects planned for 2026, making this adjustment both timely and necessary.
The FRF is a dedicated and restricted fund. Every dollar collected is reinvested directly back into the RA for capital repairs, safety improvements, and facility renewal, it is not used for day-to-day operations. Members and guests have already seen the impact of this investment through recent improvements, and the updated rate will allow us to continue addressing critical needs while protecting the quality and reliability of your experience. Even with this change, the RA remains one of the most affordable sport and recreation facilities in Ottawa.
We recognize that any fee increase raises questions. Our intention is not to increase the FRF year over year, but rather to assess priorities each fall and make thoughtful, responsible decisions that support long-term sustainability. A full FAQ and examples of FRF-funded improvements are available below, and our staff are always happy to help if you have questions.
Thank you for your understanding and for your continued commitment to the RA. We look forward to building on this strong foundation together and ensuring the RA remains a vibrant community hub for years to come.
If you have any questions please contact us by email at [email protected].
frequently asked questions
What is the Facility Renewal Fee?
What is changing and when?
Why is the FRF increasing now?
After operating the FRF for a full year, the RA now has clearer insight into:
What does the FRF pay for?
FRF funds are used exclusively for:
Where does the money go?
Who pays the FRF?
Who is exempt from the FRF?
Is the RA Centre experiencing financial trouble?
Why not rely on fundraising, grants, or sponsorships instead?
Will the Facility Renewal Fee increase every year?
How does the RA Centre compare to other facilities?
Where can I get more information?
- The Facility Renewal Fee is a dedicated fee that helps fund repairs, renewals, and modernization of the RA Centre’s facilities, many of which are more than 50 years old. The fee supports long-term facility sustainability rather than day-to-day operations.
What is changing and when?
- Effective February 1, 2026, the Facility Renewal Fee will increase from 7.5% to 9.5%.
Why is the FRF increasing now?
After operating the FRF for a full year, the RA now has clearer insight into:
- Deferred maintenance needs
- Capital renewal priorities for 2026
What does the FRF pay for?
FRF funds are used exclusively for:
- Facility repairs
- Capital renewals
- Modernization projects
- The fee is not used for daily operations, staffing, or programming costs.
Where does the money go?
- 100% of FRF revenue goes into a restricted Facility Renewal Fund
- All funds stay on site at the RA Centre
- Money can only be used for approved facility renewal purposes.
Who pays the FRF?
- The FRF applies to all adult memberships, programs, and facility use.
- The FRF has been expanded to include senior LifeFIT members.
Who is exempt from the FRF?
- Children and youth programs remain fully exempt
- Camp programs continue to be charged a reduced 5% FRF
Is the RA Centre experiencing financial trouble?
- No. The FRF is a proactive planning measure. As a not-for-profit organization, the RA reinvests revenue back into services and facilities, and a dedicated renewal fund ensures responsible long-term stewardship.
Why not rely on fundraising, grants, or sponsorships instead?
- The RA continues to pursue grants, sponsorships, and partnerships. However, these sources complement rather than replace stable, predictable funding needed for ongoing facility upkeep.
Will the Facility Renewal Fee increase every year?
- No. The intention is not to raise the FRF annually. Each fall, the RA reviews facility priorities and determines whether the existing fee level can be maintained or adjusted.
How does the RA Centre compare to other facilities?
- Even with the increase, the RA Centre remains one of the most affordable sport and recreation facilities in Ottawa, particularly given the breadth of amenities and services offered.
Where can I get more information?
- Our Guest Services and Programming staff are happy to answer questions.
- Questions can also be emailed to [email protected].
- This page will be maintained with FRF Progress updates so you can stay informed about what the funds have been used for.
