A proliferation of recreational boot camps in city spaces has prompted The Vancouver Park Board to require businesses that run exercise classes in parks to register and pay a fee.
As a result, so-called boot camps that run outdoor activities such as kickboxing, Tai Chi, and yoga, will have to apply to the Park Board for a permit and pay a fee of $12.70 per hour.
To obtain the permit, boot camp operators will have to show that they have a business license and appropriate insurance.
Park Board Commissioner Aaron Jasper said the permit requirement, which took effect on June 1, is a response to the growing number of boot camp operators which are using city parks as well as the resulting complaints about noise.
The Park Board is also reacting to growing competition for space in parks around Vancouver.
"We are not trying to gouge people,'' Jasper said."We want to make sure that these businesses are legitimate and that we are managing the parks properly.
He said the board has already been in touch with about 50 boot camp operators to advise them of the permit requirement.
Park rangers, who patrol the parks, will be on hand to ensure that the new rules are enforced.
Boot camp operators contacted by CTVbc.ca said they are less than enthusiastic to learn that they will have to obtain a permit to use local parks.
"Our participants our wondering why when they already pay for parks through their tax dollars,'' said Robert Hepper, owner of Ultra Fit Bootcamp, which is based in Kitsilano.
As a result, some operators will likely pass on the permit costs to the participants, he said.
Hepper said the permitting fees will be another source of income for the Park Board at a time when the City is launching its own exercise programs in local parks.
See related links: Vancouver Park Board information
