The city isn’t meeting the needs of residents due to changes at the Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
That’s what a group of residents are saying following the city’s to begin offering a number of registered “progressive” fitness programs at the Tsawwassen facility.
The implementation of registered classes (as opposed to drop- in), has led to cancellations, loss of individual fitness improvements, disappointments and economical unfairness. Management, and the powers that be, justify these changes by using reasoning and words such as ‘progressive’ or striving to make all facilities uniform,” Jane Drinkwater said in a recent letter to council.
“We pay for admission and are told to pay again for Pilates, Yin Yoga or Restorative Yoga at our fancy facility after years of doing these classes as drop-in.”
Drinkwater, who also submitted a petition with almost 80 names, said many people want drop-in, and not registered classes, for a multitude of reasons.
“Countless numbers of us have lost our drop-in Pilates and yoga classes and are forced to buy registered classes instead or to seek classes elsewhere,” she noted in another letter. “In addition to this, children are no longer allowed to swim after their registered classes, the way they used to, in order to have a bit of fun with their friends. As well, registered adult swim classes are no longer allowed to use the hot tub or sauna after their classes.”
She described the moves as “shocking” as well as “uncaring” by the city.
In a response memo to council, Todd Stewardson, acting director of parks, recreation and culture, noted the move to registered classes in early 2018 allows patrons to receive a higher, more personalized level of instruction provided through registration fees.
“As the instructor becomes familiar with the patron’s needs and development, the instructor can support the patron’s fitness progression,” he explained.
“Registered programs also enable patrons to secure a consistent scheduled time and location, versus drop-in programs where patrons may be turned away due to class capacity.”
Stewardson also noted that from the spring of 2018 through the winter 2019 winter season, Delta has offered over 120 drop-in fitness classes at no additional charge beyond the admission or membership fee. In comparison, Winskill has offered 13 registered fitness programs during that timeframe.
He also explained time allotments for three drop-in classes were reassigned to registered programs.
“One of the registered fitness classes, a Pilates class, proved to be highly successful with fifteen participants registered. The second and third class times have not proved to be as successful. One class time has already reverted back to a drop-in class, and the second class time is scheduled to undergo the same revision in 2019.”
He added that prior to 2018, Pilates has been a paid registered fitness program at all of Delta’s fitness centres, with the exception of Winskill.
