Change is coming for local aquatic users. After a petition signed by 363 people protesting a recent hike in rates, was presented to the Community and Leisure Services on August 28, discussions have continued in the city to find a fair rate for those attending lane swimming and aquacise."We had a good discussion with the users," said Coun. Rob Muench. The petition asked that "the City of Humboldt and Department of Leisure Services seriously reconsider the previously implemented fee increase prior to a moratorium for review and strive for a considerably more moderate increase which will not spurn people from using the Humboldt Aquatic Centre in the future." The petition was started after the user rates at the Aquatic Centre went up a substantial amount - from $36 for an unlimited month pass to $135 for a 30 punch pass for two months for aquacisers - on July 30. After aquacise users complained to management about the price change, the month pass prices were dropped back down to their original price, pending a review. At the meeting, the Council members did not realize how substantial the raise in aquatic fees was, explained Muench. Now the City is looking at a fair raise in price for the month pass for both lane swimmers and aquacisers. "We looked at different rates in similar sized communities," said Muench. The proposed rates the City is looking at now are: Aquacise: drop-in $4.50, 10 punch pass $40 and monthly pass $72; Lane swim: drop-in $3.75, 10 punch pass $35 and monthly pass $64.Muench explained they would like to keep communication open with the Aquatic Centre users in the future when it comes to situations like rate changes.
