Starting on Sept. 1, “Toonie Swim” times at the Prince George Aquatic Centre and new Canfor Leisure Pool will cost a pair of toonies.
On Monday night, city council approve the first three readings of a bylaw to change the fees and charges bylaw for the Prince George Aquatic Centre and new Canfor Leisure Pool, expected to open this fall. Final adoption of the bylaw is expected to happen at city council’s Aug. 29 meeting.
Currently the Aquatic Centre offers $2 admission between noon and 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. Two dollar admission is also offered after 9 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.
As of Sept. 1, $4 admission will be offered at both pools between noon and 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., Monday to Friday. The Prince George Aquatic Centre will also close at 9 p.m. Starting in 2023, that price is expected to rise to $4.10 per person.
Two dollar admission will still be offered on School District 57 non-instructional days, and for people swimming after taking part in a swimming lesson.
“It’s nice to see the two dollar non-instructional days (remains),” Coun. Kyle Sampson said.
City director of finance Kris Dalio presented the report to city council on Monday, on behalf of city director of recreation and events Andy Beesley. Dalio said because of inflation, charging $2 to use the pool is “almost free.”
Currently locker tokens are $0.35 each at the Aquatic Centre, with medium-size lockers requiring two tokens. As of Sept. 1, all locker sizes will take one token, which will cost $0.75 each, Dalio added.
“We have a brand new pool, the Canfor Leisure Pool,” Dalio said. “To align (fees) for the cost of the Aquatic Centre, some fees for both pools are changing.”
Under the new bylaw, regular adult admission will be $7.50 for the reminder of 2022 and rise to $7.70 in 2023. The senior and youth/student rate will be $5.80 in 2022 and increase to $6 in 2023. The rate for children is $4 until the end of December, rising to $4.10 in 2023.
The bylaw also sets out the rental fees for pools, multi-purpose rooms and other spaces at the two pools.
