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By Justine Kelsie

City working on price for admission to the Bear Creek Outdoor Pool

Jun 19, 2018 | 2:44 PM

The city is looking at how much it will cost someone to swim at the newly renovated Bear Creek Outdoor Pool once it reopens to the public. 

The fees have not been adjusted since the closure of the facility in 2012 and due to increases in operating costs, there had to be an increase. The proposed fees include $4 for a child from ages three to 12, $6 for youth and seniors, and $8 for adults. A family (maximum of two adults) would cost $20. 

Eastlink Centre Manager Jim Weller was involved in forming the fee structure and says it is important to have them figured out before they try to open.

“We basically try to take a simple approach because we knew this was going to be short term. We knew it was only going to be this summer. We knew we had to get something out,” said Weller. 

The fees could be changed in the next budget cycle in 2019.

In 2012, the fees for renting the entire pool space was $75.75 an hour up to 40 swimmers. The proposed fee for 2018 for the entire pool and water slide for up to 40 swimmers would be $130 an hour.

Although some councillors brought up the idea of having Eastlink Centre passes usable at the new outdoor facility, Weller says that won’t be the case, at least for this summer.

“We will probably evaluate this year in terms of what that looks like. We felt that we needed to be fiscally responsible, number one, and family friendly at the same time,” said the manager.

“Given some past history, fiscal responsibility is a critical part of what we do. If we were going to provide that option, we felt it might hinder us in making our budget goals.”

There is hopes the new facility will be open during the third week of July, but Weller says it all depends on how construction, commissioning, and inspections go. The flooding in Muskoseepi Park earlier in the spring set the construction back approximately three weeks.

On a regular year, there is plans to have the pool open from the May Long weekend until the Labour Day weekend.

All fees will be brought forward at the next city council meeting for discussion and debate. 

by Justine Kelsie