Photo by Curtis Galbraith

By Curtis Galbraith

City Hall

City Hall looking at ways to increase access to Eastlink Centre, Outdoor Pool

Aug 7, 2020 | 5:30 AM

City Council will discuss allowing administration to make changes to the bylaw governing fees at the Eastlink Centre and Bear Creek Outdoor Pool.

This idea came up after administration brought a list of proposals to a committee meeting that would open more time for usage at both facilities.

Bylaw changes usually have to be approved by Council.

Mayor Bill Given says COVID-19 has meant a different approach to access to city facilities.

“Rather than having a really burdensome process where administration has to come to City Council for each one of those changes, what we’re proposing is that Council delegates the fee structure authority to administration so they can make those decisions as the needs change.”

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He adds this should allow city staff to make changes more quickly.

“Administration may need to shut down facilities, start them up, start up different parts of facilities and we want to give them ultimate flexibility so they can respond quickly.”

Given says no fees could exceed the ones already approved as part of the Fees and Charges Bylaw and there would be a time limit on how long staff would have this authority. That limit has not been decided yet. He adds they want to make sure as many people as possible can use these facilities.

“Within the public health guidelines that are being put forward by Dr. Hinshaw, so that health and safety of residents is obviously the first priority. The second priority would be making sure that people have access to these facilities for subsequent physical health and mental health.”

That list of proposals administration brought to the committee meeting Tuesday included. adding bookings for half-hour slots at the Outdoor Pool, where there is a waitlist of 100 requests. There would also be chances to book the lazy river, splash pool and north concourse at the Eastlink Centre, with options to add on the hot tubs and water slides. Council will also discuss these at Monday’s meeting.