PG to look at reducing senior eligibility age for recreation

PG Mayor Lyn Hall is looking to tackle senior’s rates in a new report prepared for City Hall.

The report will try to lower the age for seniors from 65 to 60 when it comes to recreation fees.

“In conversation with a couple of seniors in our community we were talking about just that. I took a look at communities of a similar size and it ranges from 65 to 50 to 55,” explains Hall, “I just thought there’s an opportunity for us to do something, and it may lessen a bit of a burden on seniors.”

Hall says 62 was the average starting age for senior eligibility when he was looking at other communities.

The change would be more closely aligned with the City-owned Pine Valley Golf Course, which establishes senior players at the age of 55.

Hall says if there is a reason someone doesn’t want to visit a rink or pool, he doesn’t want this to be because of age.

The report points out that the aquatic centre is one of the most popular facilities for seniors in PG, but a little more research from City administration is likely necessary.

“It would be interesting to see if from, say, and aquatic perspective, how many seniors we have that attend the aquatic facilities and if they are 65 or older, or 60 or older,” says Hall.

The report will be received at the Council Meeting on Monday evening.