While anticipation grows about the opening of the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre, there is also dread from local organizations about the costs of using it.
That was made plain Monday by the North Battleford Water Doves Synchronized Swim Club, who told council they faced a massive increase over what they pay now.
Club president Melaney Bossaer and treasurer Melanie Roberts explained the dire situation the club faced under the new rate.
The club currently has 17 swimmers and paid $1,296 to the city for fees at Kinsmen Aquatic Centre this year. According to the club, under the new rate structure in 2013-14 at the new aquatic centre based on current pool times, their bill for pool fees would come to almost $12,000.
"An almost ten-times increase is difficult for a small club to absorb," Roberts told council.
They said it would be impossible for their club to function at that rate, given their heavy dependence on fundraising from parents to support the club. Roberts told council of the need to keep their fees reasonable for people to be able to afford to participate.
They asked the city for some accommodation on the fees, such as a longer phase-in period, and also sought some adjustments to the regulations that might allow sponsors to advertise during their practices and swim competitions as a way to raise money and offset their costs.
The delegation also noted Battlefords Swim Club and also the Scuba club faced similar issues.
Council appeared sympathetic to the concerns of the synchronized swim club and most indicated they wanted to see some sort of accommodation.
"I hope that we come up with some sort of resolution, figure something out and make this feasible for you," was the comment from Councillor Trent Houk.
Mayor Ian Hamilton asked a report be brought forward from administration to address the specific concerns and questions, to come back to their next council meeting in July.
