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Come Jan. 1, Vernon residents will be able to get 50% off when they go to the pool or hockey rinks. Those living outside the city will have to pay the full rate.

That change is coming because a new user agreement was not reached with Greater Vernon municipal governments by a June 30 deadline.

While negotiations can still be held to settle the dispute, Vernon city council endorsed the two-tier system.

“It’s important to note that those residents that live in those outside areas, it’s not their fault that their communities, their elected officials, were not able to come to an agreement,” councillor Kari Gares said at the city council meeting today, Sept. 11. “This is an opportunity that would put the onus on those individuals and those communities, should they want to have some sort of annual pass, the opportunity for them to do it. More importantly, it’s a way for us to counterbalance the cost aspect.”

The idea is that “membership has its privileges” where Vernon residents can get a Vernon Resident Pass to claim the 50% discount.

Toonie swims would be available to everyone at the same fee.

For programs, Vernon residents qualify for a 25% discount and get to register two weeks ahead of outsiders.

Training and certification programs for things like lifeguards and swim instructors will be exempt, as will day camps for children.

For things like hockey teams, players who don’t live in Vernon will have to pay an extra fee over and above what they pay to their sports organizations. Those groups will have to provide membership lists to the city.

How much the recreation rates will be still has to be determined as will some of the finer points of the program.

For example, councillor Brain Quiring argued the system was too complex and could eat up any added revenue. He suggested people just be required to show ID, like a driver’s licence, showing their address when they sign up or pay at the door.

Although it was not discussed during the council meeting, the written report to council said that, when other cities adopted tiered systems, revenues declined because participation dropped off.

Residents who live outside the city will have an option to buy a pass, either for individuals or families, to give them the same rights as Vernon residents. No costs for those were specified.

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