Bay Roberts offers free skating, swimming

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Bay Roberts council has approved funds to make skating and swimming free for families who have trouble covering the fees.
The approval came after Suzanne Drover, Bay Roberts’ Community Services and Recreation Coordinator, submitted two applications for funding, one for the Bay Arena and the other for the Bay Roberts Swimming Pool.
“What these grants do, they’re very close to $10,000 each, they provide access and financial opportunities for our residents to attend family skates, aquatic fitness, different types of programs,” said Chief Administrative Officer Dave Tibbo.
Soon, the Bay Arena’s daily skates and Sunday family skates, which typically see a large number of participants, Tibbo added, will be free of charge.
“For people that maybe can’t afford to go every Sunday, that will give them an opportunity now to go,” Tibbo said.
“And I think we’re going to take a similar approach with the pool money in the summer,” said Councillor Dean Franey, the council representative for recreation. “So basically, this money is going to be put back into the hands of taxpayers by allowing them to access the facilities without charge.”
A motion to approve the expenditures was made by Franey and seconded by Councillor Ross Petten. All hands voted in favour.