It took three votes to do it, but Regional District of Nanaimo directors were able to agree about how to keep their recreation facilities open on Family Day.
The subject became controversial this year when, during the inaugural Family Day long weekend, both Ravensong Aquatic Centre and Oceanside Place were closed for the statutory holiday.
A report from the District 69 Recreation Commission called for the facilities to open for four hours on Family Day, with a rate of $2.50 for children and students, $3 for adults and seniors and no charge for families.
This idea didn’t fly however, with a tie vote meaning the motion failed.
Commenting on the motion, Coombs-Errington director Julian Fell said he didn’t like the idea of separating people by saying some are families and some are not.
A second motion was tabled by Qualicum Beach director Dave Willie, which would see admission rates waived for everyone on Family Day. This, too, resulted in a tie vote and thus defeat.
Bowser-Deep Bay director Bill Veenhof said he voted against the second motion because he was concerned about the cost to taxpayers. The cost to run the two facilities for four hours is about $1,150.
Julian Fell proposed a compromise motion that would see all users charged a uniform rate of $2 each. As well, he suggested that sponsors be sought to lower the tab to the district — or even eliminate the cost to both district and taxpayers. This motion passed.
