At the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre, the city has signs remindingus of the HST effective July 1, and encouraging purchases of swimlessons (these signs have now been taken down) and swim passesbefore the deadline.
Currently swim lessons and swim passes are not subject to PSTtherefore this represents a significant increase.
I had enrolled my son in swimming lessons in May for June.Today, June 15, I thought I would ensure a space for my son in Julylesson and 'yes' beat the HST.
Imagine my surprise when the lessons without HST had risenin price 12% from $37.60 for 9 lessons to $47.00 for 10 lessons.
Anyone enrolling their child after July 1 will face the city'sincrease as well as the HST, which their signs tell us will be subjectto the HST. That will be effectively a 24% increase. Am I ever gladI have only one child in swimming lessons! I wonder how manyother businesses are going to do the same thing - blame highercosts on the HST while increasing prices 10%. As usual it is thetaxpayer who loses.
Valerie Coe
