Creston’s Regional District of Central Kootenay directors have backed off from last week’s announced intent to reduce the operating hours of the health and wellness area of Creston and District Community Complex (CDCC).
“We spent more time talking with staff and we’ve had a lot of input from residents,” said Area B director John Kettle, who also serves as RDCK board chair. “We will be getting reports about the usage of the fitness equipment usage as we go along. …
“The fitness area is open the same hours as the aquatic centre and that makes sense to us.”
Last week the four local RDCK directors (Kettle, Mayor Ron Toyota and directors Larry Binks and Garry Jackman) invited the owners of two Creston gyms to explain how their businesses have been affected by the addition of fitness equipment to CDCC. The owners cited their main concerns as early opening hours and the inclusion of heavy weightlifting equipment.
“We’ll be monitoring the use of the free weights and how our opening hours are working for members,” Kettle said. “But we acknowledge that it would be unfair to reduce the hours of operation or the selection of equipment after people have bought memberships for our public facility.”
Kettle said he visited the local gyms on Monday to inform the owners of the directors’ decision.