St. Albert senior and youth advisory groups believe walking-track-only membership at Servus Place would be beneficial for all ages.
In February, Coun. Jacquie Hansen put out the idea of offering a single-use membership at the city-run facility for those looking to only use the track to walk or run. Normally, anyone who wants to use the 270-metre track has to purchase a day pass or a membership pass.
The idea was put on hold in order to get feedback from various advisory groups.
Liam Kachkar, chair of the city’s youth advisory committee, supported the walking-track-only membership because of what it would mean for young families and those looking to get some exercise.
“Overall, the committee’s take was really positive,” he said. “I think the walking-track-only (membership) is going to be a sell, especially with younger families and also with folks that are involved in marathons and running in the city. There’s going to be a safer option for people that don’t want to risk gravelly sidewalks or slushy paths in spring or ice in -40 degrees.”
The youth committee did have a few concerns they wanted the city to address, particularly whether a single-use membership would increase revenues at Servus Place. Kachkar said the committee was also worried it could cost more to run the facility if there is an uptick in users.
He said they will have to wait and see how everything will turn out.The other main concern Kachkar had was around transportation to Servus Place. If more people end up going to Servus Place for the walking track, he said it could be an opportunity for the city to improve its public transit.
At the moment, Servus Place's adult day pass is $10.50, a month is $54.50 and annually it’s $545. Seniors 60 and up pay $8 for a day pass, $42 for a monthly and $420 for an annual one. Walking track-only passes would be cheaper.
Hansen also wanted to offer full memberships to St. Albert residents who are 80 years or older at Servus and Fountain Park.
Other cities in Alberta offer track-only memberships, including Spruce Grove and Fort Saskatchewan. Servus Place has a cost recovery of between 85 to 90 per cent, but a change to the existing operating and fee models could impact this a bit if the city offers a discount or free admission. City staff told council the impacts wouldn’t be very high.
Dick Tansey, who is with Seniors Advocating for Seniors, also thought it would be a positive step forward if the city offered a walking-track-only membership.
“There seems to be a general acceptance of the idea,” he said. “I think everything is favourable.”
He said he hopes the advisory committees involved in providing feedback will help alleviate any concerns councils has.
“There’s a lot of people out there in the community and they can’t afford to use the premises, can’t afford to use the facility,” he added. “This is a way to, number one, get them into the facilities to get them active and number two, expose them to other amenities that are there.”
The issue is scheduled to come back to council on April 23.
