More Port Moody residents are getting access to the city’s recreation programs since they were given advanced registration.
A report to be presented to council today, Nov. 12, says overall registrations by Port Moody residents for summer programs went up by 10 per cent in 2024 over the year prior, before the city implemented its priority pilot program.
A similar boost is expected for registrations in the city’s fall recreation programs, which ares still ongoing.
The report, authored by the city’s manager of recreation, Nathan Taylor, said the boost in registrations for Port Moody residents was particularly pronounced for adult and senior summer programs, which went up 16 per cent over 2023.
Registrations for local children went up 14 per cent and 12 per cent more Port Moody youth were able to enrol in the city’s recreation programs than in the summer of 2023.
Taylor said the increases were complemented by a decrease in non-resident registrations and there was no impact on overall registration numbers.
But, he cautioned, “it is recognized that as a small city, non-resident registrations are needed to ensure sustainability of the recreation service area.”
Taylor said, to date, feedback from Port Moody residents about the priority registration program has been "overwhelmingly positive," noting most appreciate the increased likelihood of securing a spot in summer camps and swimming lessons.
However, there was some frustration from non-residents of Port Moody about the new procedure, Taylor explained, and their reduced chances of getting into the programs they wanted.
Last summer was the first time Port Moody residents had a 48-hour head start to register for recreation programs after city council approved the year-long pilot project in January.
The advance doesn’t apply to drop-in programs.
Similar priority registration procedures are also in place in nearby communities like Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby and New Westminster.
Coun. Callan Morrison said because Port Moody residents are effectively locked out of recreation programs elsewhere, they need a better chance to get into the programs in their hometown.
“It is important we do what we can to ensure our residents can access our own pools,” he said.
Mayor Meghan Lahti said giving Port Moody residents more opportunity to stay active is good for the whole community.
“Recreational activities help our residents stay active, learn new things and make social connections.”
Taylor said staff will continue to monitor registration data going forward, with adjustments to be made if concerns arise.
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in the Tri-Cities? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 Want to stay updated on Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore and Belcarra news? Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
💬 Words missing in an article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
