Switch to Online Registration Boosts Swimming Numbers, Revenues in Carbonear

By Mark Squibb\April 6, 2023

Carbonear staff and council seem well pleased with how the first round of online registration for swimming lessons has gone.

“From all accounts from patrons, it was a blessing,” said Director of Recreation Rob Button with a chuckle. “There’s lots of positive feedback. The biggest complaint was that some people didn’t get it, but we’ve had 344 people register for this set, and it’s normally only around 270, so we did get extra registrations. Two hundred and seventy-three of those registrations were online. And that gap will definitely close over time. Most registrations done ‘in-house’ were because people had problems trying to set up their accounts and things.”

Button provided the assessment at last week’s public council meeting. He said online registration meant people didn’t have to come and stand in line at the swimming pool all day.

Button allowed there were still some things staff had to sort out on the back end to make the process even smoother.

“But I think overall, once we get all the bugs ironed out, it’s going to be very good for us,” said Button.

Councillor Danielle Doyle added she too has heard good things about the online registration process.

“I’ve heard lots and lots and lots of positive feedback about the online registration system,” said Doyle, adding that online registration means events throughout Carbonear, from swim meets to music concerts, will likely be better attended as the Town takes more and more advantage of online registration systems.

Button said pool revenue was higher this year than at the same time last year and was currently sitting at just over $35,900. He expected that number to increase throughout the week as folks continued to register for swim lessons. Pool visitations are also up.

“So, we’re doing a lot better than we have the last few years,” said Button. “And I did compare our lesson registration for this time of year, and we’re actually higher than what we were pre-COVID.”

Button also noted work on the exterior siding for the pool building had recently been completed, and recreation staff are busy getting ready for summer.

“I know it’s only March and there’s snow on the ground but before we know it, summer will be here, and so our season staff are due to begin the first week of May,” said Button, adding that there is one vacant recreation position the Town has to fill in the coming weeks.

The Town inked a three-year deal with Universe Software Incorporated to provide the online registration system at the pool back in December.

The Town paid a one-time installation fee of $1,150 followed by an annual fee of $7,250, plus HST for the service.