EDMONTON – Unions representing thousands of City of Edmonton workers are warning that any attempt to introduce profits or public-private partnerships into city recreational services will come out of the pockets of Edmontonians using these services.
Sterling Valentine, President of CUPE Local 30, and Bryce Jowett, President of Civic Service Union 52, said a recent discussion in council to consider changes to how the city provides rec centre service could easily lead to increased costs for Edmontonians.
“We’ve been through this over the years in Edmonton and other municipalities across the country,” said Valentine. “Recreation is a vital public service enjoyed by people of all ages and incomes. Introducing private partners puts that at risk by allowing companies to try to squeeze a profit for themselves by raising costs or cutting programs.
Once you factor in profit for private operators, where is the public good?”
“Public recreation facilities are affordable because we want to encourage fitness and health,” said Jowett. “If we were to charge the same rates as private gyms, many Edmontonians would not be able to access our services.”
Valentine said that under a profit-based system, Edmontonians would pay more for swimming lessons, ice skating, pickleball courts, personal trainers and daily access to all facilities.
“There are plenty of GoodLifes and other private gyms around. We need public facilities because there is a need for fitness programs that are accessible to all citizens,” said Jowett.