File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo Inc. / goldenKB
File photo courtesy of © Can Stock Photo Inc. / goldenKB
Sarnia

Town of Petrolia to offer bulk swimming passes for YMCA pool

Petrolia council has approved a plan to offset swimming subsidies by getting more people in the town's YMCA pool.

Bulk swimming passes will be offered in the hard oil town starting in September.

The one year pilot project was approved during a recent special meeting.

Mayor Brad Loosley said he'd like to "keep the pool filled."

"We're paying to maintain that pool with [life]guards etcetera, whether there's 10 people or 25 people," Loosley said.

The passes will be available to Petrolia residents for the first three months, and could be expanded to those out of town afterwards.

"I think it should be open up to everyone, not just the Town of Petrolia," Loosley said. "We don't have an in and out-of-town rate now. I'd rather have it so we can have a rate to bring people into our community, as well as keep our people in town."

Each package will include 10 passes, offered at a reduced rate compared to what the YMCA charges.

A pass for children 12 years old and under will be $70, seniors will be charged $100, adults $110 and a household package will be $225.

Passes can be purchased online starting September 1, or in person at the Petrolia municipal office starting September 3.

A receipt will then have to be shown at the Petrolia YMCA to obtain a physical pass.

The passes are valid for open swims, aquatic classes and lane swimming.

While they can't be used for swimming lessons, the Petrolia YMCA will start offering swimming lessons to non-members this fall.

The pilot program will run from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025.

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