Fee Increases Approved

By 250 News

The cost of  a swim or taking swim lessons is about to go up in Prince George.

City staff say rates  in P.G. are below the market norm when compared to cities like Richmond, Kelowna, Nanaimo and Saanich.  So, the rates are  going up.

Prince George City Council has approved increases to the following  rates:

Swim Lessons:

(Both pools)

Tot’s 30 minute swim lesson	+$2.40
Pre-school 30 minute swim lesson	+30 cents
Child 30 minute swim lesson	+$3.00
Child 45 minute swim lesson	+50 cents

The changes will take effect January 1st, 2007 and are expected to generate an extra $38 thousand dollars in revenue.

On the Gifts and Legacies side, Council has boosted the cost of picnic tables and park benches.  Staff say the move is strictly to cover the cost of the items involved as prices for materials and installations have increased over the years.

Councilor Shirley Graton worries the increases are too high for memorial benches and picnic tables.  Gratton says she would like to see more benches, but the higher prices may discourage people from making that kind of gift in memory of a loved one.  City Staff spokesman Colleen Van Mook says in Kamloops and Kelowna the prices are more in the $2800 - $3,000 dollar range.

Councilor Don Zurowski says  he too is concerned with the price, but says if someone is going to buy a picnic table or bench as a memorial, it is important those items stand the test of time.  He suggested the City also look at other ideas like a plaque program or something that has a lower price. 

But what happens if the bench or table is destroyed by vandals ?  That is the question posed by Councilor Glen Scott.  City Manager George Paul says once a table or bench or tree has been purchased, it is up to the City to ensure it is looked after, and if damaged, the City will make repairs or replace the item.

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