New fees for Vernon Recreation Services aren鈥檛 sitting well with area families and individuals.

The new Vernon Resident Program is now in place for use of the pool, gym and other services.

Those who live in the City of Vernon, District of Coldstream, Okanagan Indian Band and Regional District of North Okanagan Electoral Areas B and C get a 50 per cent discount on memberships and admission rates.

But if you live in a municipality that does not have a fee for services agreement with the city, like Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Enderby, or Lumby, you鈥檒l pay at least double what you did last year.

Under the program, Vernon residents, and residents whose local government participate in a 鈥榝ee for service鈥� agreement with the City of Vernon, will receive reduced-cost services and early registration privileges with Vernon Recreation Services.

Eligible residents will benefit from the 50 per cent discount and a 25 per cent discount on certain registered programs.

Eligible residents will have priority registration, allowing them to sign up for programs two weeks before non-residents.

鈥淚t is important to note, it may take a few minutes to register or validate an individual鈥檚 account for the first time,鈥� said the city in a release. 鈥淭he City of Vernon is encouraging Vernon Recreation Services users who are eligible for the Vernon Resident Program to pre-register (one-time) before they wish to use recreation facilities, in order to avoid any potential delays.鈥�

The move has not gone over well with non-residents.

A Facebook group titled Vernon Rant and Rave Uncensored had a post about the new fees for non-residents. The drop-in cost at the rec centre pool and gym for an adult is now $16, up from just over $6 last year.

One person said they will taking their son to the Salmon Arm pool from now on 鈥渁s it will be $10.25 for them both opposed to Vernon鈥檚 $21 drop-in charge.鈥�

Others plan to drive to 琉璃神社鈥檚 H2O centre, described by one as as 鈥渁 fantastic facility instead of paying an exorbitant rate for an outdated facility. I鈥檓 not going to play a local government鈥檚 game of using people as political pawns.鈥�

One individual, who uses only the weight room at the rec centre, plans to join a local gym where the fees are cheaper.

Some are saying they 鈥渏ust won鈥檛 be able to afford to go to the Vernon pool anymore.鈥�

The city has said it will provide information over the coming weeks, including what options are available to non-Vernon residents.

The process for eligible residents to sign up is quick and easy, said the city.

To validate your current account, or to get a new account created, fill out a .

Bring the completed form to either the Vernon Recreation Centre or Kal Tire Place.

Applicants must present valid government issued photo ID with current residential address at the time of registration.

For more information on the Vernon Resident Program, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit .

The city said it is committed to a workplace where everyone is safe and treated with dignity and respect.

鈥淲hile staff are available to assist and answer questions, disrespectful behaviour including swearing and shouting will not be tolerated,鈥� said the city.