City of Powell River has approved a bylaw establishing fees for the parks, recreation and culture department.
At the March 19 city council meetings, councillors voted to adopt the bylaw, which will see no increases in admission fees for the Powell River Recreation Complex in 2020-2021, and two per cent increases in other fees that are levied.
Councillor George Doubt, in introducing the bylaw said there was a small increase in some of the fees that are charged by the department of parks, recreation and culture. He said most of the increases, where there are increases, are at two per cent and are pretty close to the rate of inflation. He said many of the charges are not increasing at all for individual admissions. This would apply for general admission fees for drop-in swimming, skating, hockey, weight room and group fitness classes. In the following two years those fees will increase two per cent each year.
“I’m in favour of this bylaw, it’s reasonable, and I hope that people use the parks and recreation facilities when they are available,” said Doubt.
Councillor Jim Palm said the fees to be charged when people walk through the door of the recreation complex will not be going up.
“We’re holding them steady and as soon as our doors re-open we hope to see all of our regular customers back inside,” said Palm.
Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman asked if while the city is in this COVID-19 phase, whether fees for using parks will be waived. Mayor Dave Formosa said he would pass that information along to the chief administrative officer to take into consideration, and he could report back to council with his findings.
