Camera courtesy of Voth's Countrywide Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1

 

It may be the most controversial issue in Swift Current this year.

 

City Council's introduction of separate, and often higher, non-resident rates for most city recreation facilities has angered many residents, both in and outside of the city.

 

Mayor Jerrod Schafer says they are now negotiating with neighbouring Rural Municipalities to see if they can pitch in to fund city recreational facilities:

 

 

Schafer adds if agreements with the RMs can be made within this season, not only could the non-resident rates be cancelled, those that have already been paid may be refunded.

 

He says the criticism surrounding the fees was not unexpected, and they were just looking for some help with costs that city residents already pay through taxes.