The doors to Chinook’s Edge School Division gyms, gathering areas and fine arts rooms in town are now open for public bookings.
Last Monday, council approved the joint use fee agreement, the final step needed for the agreement that allows the public to make use of school facilities.
“The town will take bookings,” explained Shelley Gagnon, director of community services to council last Monday night. “We can begin taking bookings now for the new year,” she said, adding that the facilities will be available starting Jan. 9.
Fees for the gym at École Innisfail Middle School will cost $45 an hour for adults, $41 for seniors and $27 for youth.
“The middle school is a two-station gym,” explained Gagnon. “But until the time comes it’s fully booked and we have the ability to drop a curtain (down the centre), we felt for now we would charge for the whole gym $45,” she said. She added that there is a caveat in the agreement to change the fees once there’s enough people using the gym to divide it into the two stations and rent out each side.
“Initially the fees will be as you see it … with the idea as there is more usage, different rates will come into effect,” explained Coun. Derek Baird.
“These rates look reasonable,” said Coun. Jason Heistad who moved for first reading. The rates for the fine arts room at the junior/senior high school will remain the same as the previous rates offered to arts groups at the craft cabin, explained Gagnon.
Fees for adult hourly rate are $26.25, $15.75 for youth usage, $23.75 for seniors and $33 for non-resident.
The student gathering area in the middle school is available for $50 an hour for adults, $30 for youth, $45 for seniors and $63 for non-residents.
County residents are included as resident fees.
Facilities are available to the public between August and June, (closing in July), available 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. on school days and as early as 8 a.m. on non-school days.
Rates will be determined annually in the spring and effective August 1 to July 31 of the following year.
