Families living in Toronto might soon have to pay more for soccer and skating lessons if the city approves a new recreational plan.

The city is considering a proposal which would see an average 21 per cent increase in public recreational programs. Programs that are currently free will remain that way, according to the proposal.

Right now, the city recovers 30 per cent of the operating costs but the plan is to get users of the programs to pay for 50 per cent.

The fee hikes would be implemented over seven years. At the end of it, a city soccer program that costs $27 would eventually cost families $45 for nine weeks.

The extra money, according to the plan, would go right back into recreational programs to not only improve services, but to provide free access to children whose families can't afford to participate in the costs.

"This is not a tax grab," Coun. Joe Mihevc, an avid proponent of the plan, told CTV Toronto. "We need to do that. It's our role as a city to make sure everyone has a right to play and is able to play."

Mihevc also said the plan is a good way to get children active.

The extra money will go towards developing a partnership with the school board to offer free "skills-based" programs. Students in Grades 8 and 9 will take part in a "youth co-operative leadership" program while students in Grades 4 and 5 will be taught swimming and skating for free.

"Toronto is suffering from an obesity problem with young people and virtually everyone," he said. "We need to find ways to stimulate people, to get exercise, to get recreation going and to participate in the cultural, recreational life of this city."

The proposal is stirring up a debate among councillors.

Coun. Adam Vaughan said he can't support the proposal because the increased fees would hit the wrong people.

"It will help the poorest of the poor, but there are a lot of families that are working that have a very difficult time dealing with some of the increases that are being proposed," he said.

The public will have a chance to weigh in on the issue at several scheduled consultation meetings throughout January:

Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

  • Elmbank Community Centre (10 Rampart Rd.)
  • Wellesley Community Centre (595 Sherbourne St.)

Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

  • North York Civic Centre Council Chambers (5100 Yonge St.)
  • Scarborough Civic Centre Committee Rooms 1 and 2 (150 Borough Dr.)

With a report from CTV Toronto's Austin Delaney