The City/Cariboo Regional District joint committee has unequivocally come out in favour of providing a range of “affordable and accessible” fitness programs at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
In making the declaration the committee, responsible for overseeing the recreation complex, was responding to questions raised in September about the facility’s future direction.
At that time, the owner of Concrete Fitness, supported by several other local fitness facilities in the community and the Williams Lake Business Improvement Area, requested a “formal review” on the services provided at CMRC.
Stefan Hoelzler of Concrete Fitness wrote to the City saying his business was “opposed to the expansion of CMRC’s gym, any personal fitness training and all adult fitness classes.”
Hoelzler suggested competition in those areas “impairs our ability to provide the services our business depends on to earn a living and pay our taxes.”
On Tuesday evening, council proceeded to approve the joint committee’s recommendation outlining the CMRC’s direction.
“It is important that we state we are in the business of providing recreation programs to the community,” said Mayor Kerry Cook, adding there are plans for the development of a comprehensive business plan for the facility that sets targets, fees and charges.
According to a city report, fitness classes and services are the most in demand of those services that the CMRC offers and requests for expansion of the fitness centre and the provision of more fitness programs are the most frequent requests received.
The report goes on to state a recreation survey completed this summer indicated “a strong desire for increased fitness services” and a “strong desire for an expanded fitness centre and an increase to fitness programs offered.”
The direction of CMRC has also been approved by the CRD board.
When contacted Hoelzler said he preferred not to comment on the matter at this time.