Fee hike seems excessive

To the Editor:

Wow! That was the first word that came to mind upon reading the listed fees for a child to attend swimming lessons at the new Hants Aquatic Centre this summer. A few others followed, but they need not be listed here.

Last summer a child could take part in an eight-week swim program for about $80 at the Windsor pool. According to the Windsor Recreation Department's Summer 2007 Guide, these fees have nearly tripled.

For the same eight weeks of swimming lessons this year they’re asking that you pay $220 per child. Doesn't this hike in fees seem a little bit much over the span of one year?

Were the taxpayers, who have also made donations of money and services to this new aquatic facility, consulted before these new rates were implemented?

Learning to swim could be a lifesaving experience for a child. How is this change going to negatively impact the number of children attending swimming lessons this summer?

These are all questions that needed to be asked and answered by a responsible municipal or town council before these fees were changed.



R. Barker

Falmouth