Tri-City residents wanting to get fit at public pools, rinks, weight rooms and exercise programs in Coquitlam may soon have an easier - and cheaper - way to drop in.
This week, Coquitlam city staff proposed a new One Pass card that, starting in January, would allow recreation users to pay for a pass good for any civic facility across the city.
Under the concept, which has yet to be approved by city council, recreation users would load their One Pass for a month, three months, six months or a year, for example. Then, they would have universal access to any of the 100-plus drop-in classes - such as aerobics, boot camp and spinning - available during their specified time period.
As well, One Pass would allow holders to skate, take a dip in any of the pools or use the workout gear at City Centre Aquatic Complex, Chimo Pool and Pinetree community centre. One Pass would not, however, be valid for pre-paid, registered programs like swim lessons.
Joyce Fordyce, Coquitlam's recreation manager, told Monday's council-in-committee the aim is to get people more active by allowing users to take part in all drop-in classes, many of which have different rates depending on the facility. One Pass is meant to simplify the fee structure as well as sales and membership paperwork.
Last year, drop-in programs generated $2.4 million, half of which came from admissions at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre. Revenues won't drop with One Pass, Fordyce said.
The photo-ID One Pass is intended to be more convenient so that residents can "do more at the same price," said Kurt Holden, acting GM for parks, recreation and cultural services.
"Once people have this in hand, they will be able to drop into any facility," Coun. Terry O'Neill said at the meeting, adding One Pass will be handy "especially during the summer."
Coun. Craig Hodge, who chairs the city's sports council, added One Pass will beneficial for children, teens and seniors. And Hodge said he would eventually like to see One Pass go regional so residents can have the flexibility to use any civic facility in the Tri-Cities.
"I want this to be in competition to video games," Mayor Richard Stewart said of One Pass.
City staff are expected to report to city council in the fall, with a $10,000 marketing campaign targeted for November.
Fordyce said similar passes are used in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Delta, North Vancouver and Langley township. As well, Greater Victoria offers a "Four-Twenty-Ten" annual pass for its 16 municipalities.
