Source: Calgary Sun (Alberta)
Grey-haired golfers gathered at city hall yesterday to vent their anger over playing restrictions and a price increase, but they failed to change the city's course of action.
About two dozen seniors, including Steve Bakay, attended the morning meeting, where aldermen approved changes that will see senior passes increase in price by $56, and playing time limited to Monday to Thursday.
"Don't you think it's ludicrous in a way -- they want seniors to be involved in sports, to stay healthy," said Bakay.
"They're pushing that on the one hand, and on the other, they're saying 'To heck with you.' "
The price increase and restrictions, which also apply to adult passes, come as city golf courses report they are barely making a profit, and are more than $700,000 behind on capital improvements to courses.
By hiking senior rates to $712 a pass and keeping them off courses at prime time, city golf officials hope to cash in on golfers who play without a discount.
Other seniors argued that city courses are in shoddy shape, compared to cheaper courses outside of Calgary, while some complained about a one-game a day limit that will also be imposed on pass holders.
Ald. Helene Larocque voted in favour of the price hike and restrictions, after passing a motion to study the issue again before the 2006 budget.
City golf course manager Terry Boldt explained that the price hikes will only bring course profits up to $260,000 a year, and less if the weather doesn't co-operate.
"We try to be fair to all of our customers," said Boldt.
"We bent over backwards to find ways to optimize and impact as few people as possible."
The issue now goes before city council for final ruling.