Dear Editor
The new assessment notices, combined with the increased property tax rates, have resulted in questions arising from many locals. That, coupled with the invitation in the newspaper for the public to attend the budget meeting, triggered me to drive down to City Hall Feb. 19.
It was a bitterly cold, windy night to be sure, but I thought I better get there a little early in order to ensure myself a seat and a good parking spot. I arrived 15 minutes early at 6:45 pm and parked right in front of the main doors. I was a little surprised by the lack of vehicles, but by 6:55 p.m. a few cars and trucks had pulled up and I saw some people going in. I went inside and asked a gentleman where the meeting was and he directed me upstairs.
I walked into the room where the mayor and the six councillors conduct the meetings that have so much effect on the lifestyle and quality of life that the people of North Battleford experience. I was quite shocked, to say the least, when I realized I was the only person in the public gallery. When the meeting began, there was one other gentleman observing.
The budget was passed by a 4-1 decision, with two councillors absent. Discussion ensued with various items of City business addressed. When talk of the new swimming pool arose and the subject of "Toonie Tuesday" came up, and it became apparent that it would be discontinued, I felt I had no option but to interrupt the proceedings.
I asked the mayor if it was customary to take questions from the public gallery nearer the end of the meeting, in which case I would wait until that point. The mayor said that would not be necessary and gave me permission to say what was on my mind.
I introduced myself and expressed my opinion on the subject. I commented that I had attended a couple of "Toonie Tuesdays" and was impressed with the facility. I pointed out that the City actually can make more money by selling more tickets at a lower price, than fewer at a higher one. It's also important that all members of society are able to enjoy the new pool, regardless of their income. An exclusionary society must be avoided at all costs, especially in this rather unique municipality.
On my way home, I was thinking of how nice it had been to see a full cross-section of our society enjoying the pool last Tuesday when I was there. There were people of all ages and it was good to see the joy in the faces of the children and how well everyone seemed to get along.
Now recently, I went to the pool on a Thursday night and it was almost empty. Now even with the difference in the admission prices between the two nights, the City takes in much more revenue on a Tuesday than a Thursday. Also, the cost to heat the building and the water, along with the other utilities, would be comparable on both nights.
I would like to propose a "Thrifty Thursday" and a "Frugal Friday" as well. Imagine how I felt when I went to the pool on Friday, Feb. 22 and an adult admission had risen from $7.00 to $8.40. Also, on top of that, the place closed half an hour earlier!
I feel that the shiny new facility that's here now, whether you were initially in favour or not, has to be made accessible as possible to the greatest number of citizens in the Battlefords. Children have to be able to enjoy this new facility. It is paramount that the price of admission for a young family not be the sole reason they cannot enjoy the experience.
I encourage citizens of the Battlefords to write their councillors or the mayor and voice their opinions. If not, a phone call is better than silence.
Neil MacGillivray
North Battleford
