Residents might be paying the same fees for recreational facilities in 2011 as they are now after members of city council disagreed with a proposed increase.
Ward 1 Coun. Linda Sloan believes that continual fee increases make it harder for families to enjoy the facilities.
“Particularly in a downturn, economically, when families are under stress, we want them to have access to facilities that afford them the opportunity to seek a healthy outlook,” she said during budget deliberations Thursday.
Sloan and Ward 12 Coun. Amarjeet Sohi were appalled that an annual multi-facility pass for families would cost the same as property taxes for an average resident — $1,500 to $1,700.
User fees increased this year as well, so Sloan made a motion to freeze all fees.
She also made a motion to disallow a “discriminatory” two-tier system for the new Terwillegar Recreation Centre, slated to open in January.
The facility has more amenities than most, so the fees are higher. Also, passes purchased at the new centre can be used elsewhere but passes for elsewhere cannot be used in Terwillegar.
