The increase in fees at Pine Valley Golf Course this year is smaller than originally reported in the Citizen.
For an adult to play 18 holes, the increase will be $4 - rising from $29 to $33 - not $6 as reported on Monday. On Monday, city council approved a bylaw which includes an inaccurate schedule of fees for the course.
"(At) this point what I can say is that due to an administrative error, the historical rates for the 2020 and 2021 years were not accurately presented on the Council agenda," a spokesperson for the City of Prince George said in an email.
Seniors will pay $27 for 18 holes, and juniors - which now includes all players 18 and younger - will pay $23 for 18 holes.
The current rates were already posted on the course’s website.
Andy Beesley, city director of recreation and events, apologized to council on Monday for being so late to bring the rate increases before them for approval. Beesley said the course is owned by the city, so the green fees have to approved by city bylaw.
However, the course is operated by a contractor and the course generates a small surplus for the city, he said.
Coun. Terri McConnachie said the increases are small and in-line with fees at other comparable courses.
“This course is a community gem,” Coun. Brian Skakun said. “The course is easily walkable, it’s easier for school children… and people with mobility challenges. It’s a small, small increase, so I totally support this.”
Fees at similar B.C. courses with pars between 54 and 59 (Pine Valley is par 54) ranged from $33.50 to $40 for 18 holes, according to a report presented to city council on Monday. The average of comparable courses was $37.36 for 18 holes.
“We’re below the B.C. average,” Coun. Garth Frizzell said. “I don’t think anyone is going to be teed off about it.”
The schedule of fees approved by city council on Monday will see fees rise further in 2023 - $35 for 18 holes for adults, $29 for seniors and $21 for juniors.
