North Huron council is moving ahead with sizable rate hikes for users of the Wescast Community Centre, despite loud opposition at Monday's meeting.
Before council voted on its controversial charges and fees by-law for 2024, which includes huge increases in recreation fees, there were amendments put forward by two members of council.
Councillor Mitch Wright proposed staff research a basic package to replace the complete pass which allowed access to the pool, courts, fitness centre and more all for one fee. Wright then asked for only a 25% increase in the package fees compared to the complete pass.
Reeve Paul Heffer also proposed an amendment to increase fees by 70% of what staff had proposed in 2024, and implement the final 30% the next year. But as Heffer explained his position, his remark that this "doesn't put it up high," drew laughter from those that had gathered.
Heffer and council only drew more scorn as the amended by-law was read and passed, with the crowd calling them "crooks," and saying they'd be voted out.
During the previous meeting where the changes were discussed, Coun. Chris Palmer lamented that staff's report didn't include the previous year's fees, or explanations and justifications on why increases weren't consistent.
Chris Townes, Director of Finance, was given an opportunity to address some of council's concerns in the open forum, but opted not too.
"All questions and concerns have been identified," he said. "They have been addressed through several emails and conversations with council... so at this time, I don't have anything further to add."
This also drew a chorus of boos from those in attendance.