The Mayor for Steinbach says city council's decision to raise public swim fees is generating mostly positive feedback.

On January 22nd, council announced fees will be going up by about one dollar effective April 1st. City council also agreed to add a fee for the three to five year-old age group which currently swims free of charge.

Earl Funk says it seems the public understands that over time, costs rise and fees need to go up. He notes however, some people have suggested the increase be more gradual.

"That could be our fault," admits Funk.

He says they have so many other matters to look at, that user fee reviews are not always their highest priority.

At Friday's open door session, Funk says a few people came in specifically to talk about the rising fees. One person suggested that maybe on occasion, the city could offer free swim or Toonie swim sessions.

"I thought that's a neat idea," he says. "I'd like to bring it back to council."

Meanwhile, city council will be reviewing swimming lesson fees at its summer study session. Funk notes Steinbach offers a much lower student to instructor ratio in its classes than what Red Cross requires. He says parents from other communities recognize that and are taking advantage of those premium lessons.

Read More: 

Swim Fees Going Up In Steinbach