Editor:
I am writing to thank the City of Delta for reopening their gyms, pools and recreation facilities. However, I find the new fee structure to be far above the pre-pandemic one and I believe its hindering peoples attendance and subsequent health benefits.
For example, as a senior, I previously paid $135 for a three-month (13-week) pass. I usually attend the gym and pool approximately five times a week for an average cost of $2.08 per visit. Under the new fee system I pay $5 per visit which is $325 for the same three-month period. A 240 per cent increase!
The predominant reason given by staff for this flat fee is that it's “fairer” for all participants. I fail to see how increasing the user fee by this amount is fair to seniors who need this exercise, especially with the winter months approaching which limits our ability to walk, bike, etc. outdoors. I have witnessed the initial rush to the fitness facilities drop off and some days I am now the only person in the weight room. I see no reason that the Delta registration website cannot reintroduce the previous three, six and 12-month pass system for all ages and have it linked to their on line registration.
Presently, you have to enter your credit card info every time you add a fitness class or telephone and put a larger amount on your account, which slowly gets deducted per drop in registration. Also, if for some reason you have to cancel a booked workout, you must call Delta Reg. ahead of time and cancel to get a refund or just lose your $5. I believe this is another reason that attendance and senior participation has dropped. It's just too much hassle every Monday or Tuesday morning to go online and find the fitness program you want to register for. I have heard this many times with a number of people just giving up, or heading down the road to Club 16, or any of the other private gyms in the Ladner/Tsawwassen community. Please restore the previous pass system and fee structure and allow more of us to access the fitness facilities without all these roadblocks we currently encounter.
Bob Lait
