THUNDER BAY — Activity fees have been increased by 50 percent at the 55 Plus Centre, and some members are not happy with the change.
During one of several meetings held by the 55 Plus Centre's board chair, Laurie Forbes, members approached her to express their displeasure with the increase.
Activities are currently $2 per person per activity, but rates are scheduled to go up to $3 per person per activity as of Sept. 1.
The centre's board chair said fees haven't been raised in over 10 years.
"We looked at the deficit from last year and thought, 'ok, maybe we can actually do some extra fundraising and things like that.'
"Then when we lost those four activities and at that board meeting, it was decided, it is a foregone conclusion that the rates have to go up."
Forbes said the centre's rates are often less expensive or comparable to those of other activities and associated costs in the city.
A rate increase was discussed and dismissed in April, but it wasn't until insurance changes came into play that the senior recreation centre lost four activities. The previous year's deficit of over $10,000 and the rate increase became a top priority in maintaining treasury funds.
Forbes said the city has opted to run the four activities that were previously cancelled because of insurance costs and has taken them on instead. However, the money paid by members to attend those specific activities goes to the city and not the 55 Plus Centre.
Jean England said the increase is going to significantly impact those who are already on fixed incomes.
England recounted a conversation with a fellow member about how he would have to choose between socialization and buying food.
"He said I cannot go to 55 Plus because I have to (choose to) eat or to socialize. I said, 'But you need socialization . . . You live alone. You have no family. What are you doing?'
"He said, 'I do the best I can.'"
When asked if the city might be open to supplementing or waiving fees for certain members, Forbes said that is unlikely.
"I can't speak on behalf of the city. I just know the city ran into financial issues last year, too — so they were under very serious financial constraints.
"Can they give more? I don't believe it."
Katie Nicholls is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with Newswatch
