Pricing & Plans

pricing & plans

Understanding Your Investment in Facility Management Technology

Picture this: You’re managing a community rec center in Saskatoon, juggling ice time bookings, gym reservations, and pool schedules while dealing with phone calls that start at 6 AM. Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Facility managers across Canada are discovering that the right management software isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for staying competitive and keeping members happy.

But here’s the million-dollar question (or should we say, thousand-loonie question): What should you actually expect to pay for sports facility management software? With options ranging from basic booking systems to comprehensive enterprise solutions, the pricing landscape can feel as confusing as Toronto traffic during rush hour.

Breaking Down Subscription Tier Options

Starter Plans: Perfect for Small Community Centers

Most Canadian facilities start their digital journey with entry-level plans ranging from $49-$149 per month (plus applicable GST/HST). These plans typically work well for:

  • Single-sport facilities with 1-3 courts or fields
  • Community centers with basic booking needs
  • Facilities serving 50-200 members

What you’ll get:

  • Online booking calendar
  • Basic member management
  • Email notifications
  • Mobile-friendly interface
  • Payment processing integration

These plans usually include core features but may limit the number of bookings per month or charge extra for premium support. Think of it as the Tim Hortons coffee of facility software—gets the job done without breaking the bank.

Professional Tiers: The Sweet Spot for Most Canadian Facilities

The $150-$400 monthly range (before taxes) represents where most recreational facilities find their home. This tier suits:

  • Multi-sport complexes
  • Recreation centers serving 200-1,000 members
  • Private clubs with diverse programming
  • Facilities requiring detailed reporting

Enhanced features include:

  • Advanced scheduling algorithms
  • Waitlist management
  • Detailed analytics and reporting
  • Integration with accounting software
  • Custom branding options
  • Priority customer support

Many providers offer annual payment discounts of 10-20%, which can add up to significant savings over time. That’s like getting your 13th month free—not too shabby for budget-conscious Canadian operations.

Enterprise Solutions: For Large-Scale Operations

When you’re managing multiple locations or serving thousands of members, enterprise pricing kicks in, typically starting around $500+ monthly. These solutions cater to:

  • Municipal recreation departments
  • Large private club chains
  • University athletic facilities
  • Professional sports complexes

Enterprise packages often include custom development, dedicated account management, and specialized integrations with existing municipal or institutional systems.

Implementation and Setup Considerations

One-Time Setup Costs

Beyond monthly subscriptions, factor in implementation expenses:

Basic Setup (DIY approach): $0-$500

  • Self-guided onboarding
  • Online tutorials and documentation
  • Email support during setup

Professional Implementation: $500-$2,500

  • Dedicated setup assistance
  • Data migration from existing systems
  • Staff training sessions
  • Custom configuration

Enterprise Implementation: $2,500-$10,000+

  • Full-service migration
  • Custom integrations
  • On-site training
  • Ongoing support packages

Many Canadian providers understand the budget constraints of public facilities and offer flexible payment terms or seasonal pricing adjustments.

Custom Development and Add-On Features

Popular Canadian-Specific Customizations

Some features particularly relevant to Canadian operations may require additional investment:

Bilingual Support: Essential for Quebec facilities and federally regulated venues, typically adding $50-$150 monthly to base plans.

GST/HST Integration: Proper tax handling across provinces, often included in professional tiers but may cost extra for basic plans.

Weather Integration: Automatic notifications for outdoor facilities during harsh Canadian winters, usually $25-$75 monthly add-on.

Accessibility Compliance: Features meeting AODA requirements in Ontario or similar provincial standards, varies by complexity.

Comparing Value Across Pricing Models

Per-User vs. Flat-Rate Pricing

Per-User Model:

  • Typically $5-$15 per active user monthly
  • Scales with facility growth
  • Can become expensive for large member bases
  • Good for facilities with seasonal membership fluctuations

Flat-Rate Model:

  • Fixed monthly cost regardless of users
  • Easier budget planning
  • Better value for facilities with 100+ regular users
  • Popular choice for Canadian rec centers

Revenue-Based Pricing

Some providers charge a percentage of bookings processed (typically 2-5%). While this aligns costs with facility performance, it can become expensive for high-volume operations.

Regional Pricing Variations Across Canada

Provincial Tax Considerations

Remember to factor in provincial variations:

  • BC: 12% (5% GST + 7% PST)
  • Alberta: 5% GST only
  • Ontario: 13% HST
  • Quebec: 14.975% (5% GST + 9.975% QST)
  • Atlantic provinces: 15% HST

These taxes can significantly impact your total software investment, so always request pricing including applicable taxes.

Urban vs. Rural Pricing

Some providers offer adjusted pricing for rural Canadian facilities, recognizing the unique challenges of operating in smaller communities with limited budgets.

Making the Smart Choice for Your Facility

Questions to Ask Before Committing

  1. What’s included in the monthly fee? Ensure you understand transaction limits, user caps, and feature restrictions.
  2. How does pricing scale? As your facility grows, will costs increase proportionally?
  3. What about seasonal adjustments? Many Canadian facilities see dramatic usage swings between summer and winter.
  4. Is support included? Factor in the value of having Canadian-based customer service during your operating hours.
  5. What’s the contract commitment? Month-to-month flexibility versus annual savings—what works for your cash flow?

ROI Considerations

The best pricing plan isn’t always the cheapest. Consider these value factors:

  • Staff time savings: How many hours weekly will automation save?
  • Revenue optimization: Can dynamic pricing increase bookings during off-peak hours?
  • No-show reduction: Automated reminders typically reduce cancellations by 15-25%
  • Member satisfaction: Easier booking leads to higher retention rates

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

Choosing the right sports facility management software pricing plan doesn’t have to be more complicated than explaining hockey offsides to newcomers. Start by honestly assessing your current needs, projected growth, and budget constraints.

Most reputable providers offer free trials or demos—take advantage of these to test features with your actual booking scenarios. Pay attention to how the software handles your peak booking periods and whether the interface feels intuitive for both staff and members.

Remember, the goal isn’t finding the cheapest option—it’s finding the best value for your specific situation. A slightly more expensive plan that saves significant staff time or increases member satisfaction often pays for itself within months.

Ready to explore your options? Request demos from multiple providers, ask for Canadian customer references, and don’t be afraid to negotiate on pricing, especially if you’re considering a multi-year commitment. The right facility management software should feel like a trusted teammate, not a financial burden.