The District of Squamish's plan to build a fitness gym at Brennan Park Recreation Centre isn't pulling its weight with all residents.
The municipality's proposal to spend approximately $1.49 million on a public fitness centre is a waste of taxpayers' money, Squamish resident Herbert Vesely told council at its Feb. 19 meeting. In Squamish, the fitness industry is an "over-served market," he said, noting he hasn't seen district staff produce a business case to back the project.
"A proper business plan would lay this all out so the community could make an informed decision," Vesely said.
His sentiments were echoed by Squamish resident Doug Morrison. The creation of a gym doesn't seem to be good value, he said.
"If considered, I think this should go to referendum," Morrison said.
The district's push to build a 4,250-square-foot fitness room at Brennan Park is backed by the municipality's final draft of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (see related article, page A5). During a presentation to council last year, Tim Hoskin, district director of recreation, told officials fitness centres are known as cash cows. The District of Summerland, in the Okanagan Valley, spent $80,000 on a gym that generated $100,000 in its first year, he noted.
District officials estimate the facility will net $2.4 million in admission fees over a 10-year period. The money derived from the admission charge would increase over time, but is expected to average $458,000 over its first five years. Factoring in operating costs, district staff estimate approximately 4.5 years after opening, the gym would reach a break-even point.
Coun. Ron Sander isn't so pumped on the proposal.
"I don't agree going into competition with local businesses," he said, noting it flies in the face of the district's business retention and expansion plan.
The final draft of the district's Parks and Recreation Master Plan will be before council on April 2.
