Concrete Fitness requests a review of City rec services - September 21

Courtney Taylor

Cariboo Advisor

A topic that is on the minds of many Williams Lake residents was a hot topic at last week’s Joint Committee meeting.

The owners of Concrete Fitness made a request to the committee to complete a review of the services offered at Cariboo Memorial Complex. The purpose of the review would be to make a decision whether taxpayers dollars could be better spent than on an expanded gym or specialized fitness classes like yoga currently offered through Leisure Services.

Stefan Hoelzler, who represented Concrete Fitness but also held a letter of support signed by other private Williams Lake businesses as well as the BIA and Chamber of Commerce, presented on why he thinks the services at the complex need to be reviewed.

His main argument was that the City should not provide services that are directly in competition with local businesses.

At the meeting he gave a very well thought out presentation to the committee in regards to the reasons why CMC says they need to offer these services.

Hoelzler said he respects the other views on the topic, but feels taxpayers dollars could be better spent on other services, and the complex should review current services to decide if all of the current programs offered are needed.

Most councilors and CRD directors who commented did start off by saying they were impressed with the presentation, but were concerned with splitting the community, and openly wondered what limiting fitness services offered will do to lower income families.

Councilor Laurie Walters was very concerned for low income families stressing that the services available at the complex are in place in order to provide services for all sectors of the community.

“There is always going to be competition for any business,” said Walters.

She expressed her serious concern over how having these services are vital to low income families having a healthy lifestyle.

After listening to the presentation, Mayor Kerry Cook thanked the delegate, and said the decision would be made at the next meeting.

Concrete Fitness representatives wanted to make it very clear that they are not trying to shut down classes at the complex. They want a review of services to determine whether the city really needs to offer several variations of the same classes offered by other private businesses at a more competitive rate due to tax subsidies.

According to the City, a report from CMC will be brought before the October Joint Committee meeting. At that time the Joint Committee will vote on whether to review services provided by Leisure Services.