Property Services
Key Changes to Service Fee System
New name
In order to provide greater clarity the name of the program will be changing from Park District Service Fees (PDSF) to Property Service Fees (PSF).
New Services Perspective
Manitoba Conservation has three distinct roles which include: Public Facility Operator, Landlord and Municipal Service Provider.
In our role as Municipal Service Provider, Manitoba Conservation provides or contracts for certain municipal type property services to be provided to public use areas and private users. Service fee revenues and service delivery costs are what constitute the service fee system
Land rent, permit and park vehicle entry fees will continue to be separate from the property service fee system.
Additional service users
Manitoba Conservation will now be considered a service user along with cottagers, commercial operators and special consideration organizations (SCOs). Identification of other users (special permit, lease and license holders) may be considered.
Service provision
Municipal type services available vary among service districts, as does the level of each service, how it is provided and who delivers it. Principal property services include road maintenance, garbage, sewage, water and administration.
Minimum levels of service are to be maintained for health, safety and risk management issues, environmental compliance and long-term interest in maintaining infrastructure. Manitoba Conservation is ultimately responsible for final decisions regarding services and delivery of services.
New share allocation method
The share concept will be retained and assignment of shares by service will continue. Capacity for human activity (accommodation capacity of property and period of use) will now factor into share assignment for major services.
Allocations or splits between private users and Manitoba Conservation will be eliminated and shares for each service will be assigned to Manitoba Conservation for their operations that utilize or have access to municipal type services.
Neither category of user or location of user within a service district will affect share assignment. Private land owners and leased land owners will be treated equally from a services provision perspective. Users will not be allowed to opt out of available services. Users will pay only for services provided to them.
New Share Assignment Model
Use based services – service is consumed based on capacity and use pattern of the property. The number of shares per user will vary. Examples of these services are road, sewer, garbage, water, etc. Accommodation capacity of property and period of use will factor into share assignment.
Existence based services – Service is consumed due to the existence of a property. Typically the number of shares per user is one. Examples of these services are cottage watch, lighting, emergency, administrative, etc. Shares will be assigned due to the existence of property. Period of property use is not a factor to consider.
New Costs
Capital infrastructure costs will now be included as a cost item for recovery in service fees. The costs include all non-equipment capital assets directly utilized in the provision of services such as garbage transfer stations, sewage lagoons, etc. The cost of infrastructure assets will be amortized over a number of years and will include new and existing infrastructure with significant useful life remaining.
New Contact Information
Parks Service Fees staff can be reached by email or regular postal service.
