Nobody wants to pay higher taxes, or enjoys increases in user fees, but there are times when it is a necessity of practicality and economics.
Most recently, Weyburn city council approved a new set of rates for the Leisure Centre, and the two arenas, Crescent Point Place and Tom Zandee Sports Arena, and they will increase by an average of four per cent per year over the next three years.
Taken all at once, it may seem like an large hike, perhaps even an exhorbitant increase for public recreational and sport facilities, but there are mitigating circumstances that make the increase somewhat of a necessity for the city to put on.
One fact people might want to keep in mind is this increase won't come into effect for a year yet, and will affect the period from Sept. 1, 2013 through to Aug. 31, 2016.
There were a number of factors in consideration before these new rates were proposed, including the costs of building the new outdoor swimming pool, and the extensive renovations for the two skating rinks, with internal financing helping fund a large part of the costs, along with grants from community groups like the Young Fellows Club, and sponsorship monies from companies as well as government infrastructure grants. On top of the costs for the construction were the increases in operating costs, including increases in the costs of power, energy and rising minimum wages.
These facilities are built and maintained by the city for the public good, and to help bring a healthy and high quality of life for the city's residents; therefore, there will be a cost to have these sort of facilities available for the public to enjoy, and it makes sense that those who are the primary users pay for the privilege.
At the same time, it is also true there are residents of the community who may sometimes find it too expensive to enrol in, for example, swimming lessons or to be part of a club like Silver Seals or Synchro Stars. To help with this are organizations like KidSport and JumpStart, who help out those who cannot afford to be in sporting events or groups.
Also, the city has lined up sponsors who help provide free swimming days during the summer, and free public skating days over winter.
In the end, the community is all the better by having upgraded modern well-run facilities like we enjoy here in Weyburn, and there is a cost to pay so that everyone can continue enjoying these facilities.
