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ShareField lighting request turned down, recreation fees going up
Published: November 19, 2008 3:00 PMUpdated: November 19, 2008 4:17 PM
Oak Bay's playing fields won't glow in the dark anytime soon. The municipality's parks and recreation commission turned down a request from a group of sports fans who wanted playing fields lit up at night.
Oak Bay resident Scott Piercy recently presented a petition to the commission noting that relying on natural light limits the playing time in winter months. He wants field lighting to be improved in Oak Bay.
But the the cost to improve the lights at Henderson Park is between $160,000 and $180,000, according to parks and rec documents. The field presently has limited lighting, only adequate for practice, which cost the municipality $70,000 when installed. Funding would be needed from the school district, a sports group or another level of government before extra lighting could be considered, Oak Bay council was told at its regular Monday night meeting.
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Recreation facility fees will increase in 2009. Because of wage increases, increased material and utility costs and a return to full staffing levels after a series of medical leaves, the parks and recreation net operating budget is expected to increase 3.6 per cent over 2008, from $3,190,682 to $3,305,469. To offset the budget shortfall, fees will increase across the board for such things as tennis court, room rentals and swimming.
vmoreau@saanichnews.com
