Yellowknife city council considers waiving fees at fieldhouse track, playground

The City of Yellowknife is considering waiving 2025 user fees at the fieldhouse for the track and playground. 

Mayor Rebecca Alty brought forward the motion at a city council committee meeting on Tuesday to discuss how to trim down the city's 2025 budget. 

She said the move is two-fold, as it would provide accessible services to residents, but it would also free up a cashier and avoid the city needing to pay the salary of a new employee for the upcoming aquatic centre.  

"Our recreation fees are getting pretty expensive," she said, adding they've surpassed $9 per use. 

"This is the opportunity for us to provide free recreation opportunities for residents when it's –40 out."

Coun. Steve Payne suggested they try it for six months instead. Alty said she's open to that but added summers have been smoky and this could provide a reprieve. 

She said the playground and track don't need staff to monitor them, meaning that there isn't need for a booking clerk or cashier to be present. 

Alty said it wouldn't extend to the rock climbing wall at the fieldhouse, because there still needs to be a city employee present while people are using it.

Meanwhile, city administration staff said there are health and safety considerations and logistical challenges to waiving the fees. 

Stephen Van Dine, Yellowknife city manager, said they need a certain number of staff on site to monitor the activities.

There were also concerns raised around the facility being overwhelmed by residents taking advantage of the free service.  

Coun. Ryan Fequet said he doesn't think that's necessarily a bad thing. 

"I totally understand the city manager's point of view that it might not work or it might damage our facility with packs of people, but is that the worst thing ever if people are healthy and having fun?" he said.  

Administration will bring forward the health and safety concerns for council to consider before they vote on the motion on Wednesday.