Cold Lake City Council has voted against a proposal that would have provided discounted golf memberships for students participating in school golf programs.

The issue came before council June 9 following a request from Cold Lake High School that was first discussed during a Corporate Priorities Committee meeting in May.

The proposed amendment would have created a new membership category at the Cold Lake Golf and Winter Club, allowing eligible student athletes on recognized school golf teams to purchase junior memberships at a 50 per cent discount.

Under the proposal, the annual junior membership fee would have been reduced from $408 to $204 for participating students.

Administration estimated the change would reduce annual revenue by approximately $2,400.

Council divided on proposal

While administration recommended approval, council members were split on whether the discount was appropriate.

Coun. Ryan Bailey said he was not convinced a further reduction was necessary, noting Cold Lake’s junior membership rates are already significantly lower than those charged at other regional golf courses.

“At our Winter Club, $408 for a junior membership. At Grand Centre Golf, it’s $525 for a junior membership,” Bailey said.

Bailey also questioned whether providing a discount for one sport would create expectations for similar treatment in other youth activities.

“If you’re a high school golfer, in my mind it’d be like being a high school baseball player, football player, dancer, cheerleader, soccer player or lacrosse player,” he said. “I’m not too sure I’m in favour of giving a 50 per cent discount on an already fairly low junior membership price.”

Other councillors sought clarification on whether the discount would apply only to school golf teams or to junior golfers more broadly.

Administration confirmed the proposal would have been limited to students participating in recognized school golf programs.

Motion defeated

After discussion, council voted on the proposed policy amendment.

The motion failed by a 4-3 margin.

With the motion defeated, membership fees at the Cold Lake Golf and Winter Club will remain unchanged.

The annual junior membership rate will continue at its current price of $408.