A good walk — and perk — curtailed: Burnaby scales back unlimited golf for local politicians

Councillors in Burnaby have voted to cut back on a controversial benefit for the city's politicians. 

The Complimentary Pass Program once allowed all local Burnaby politicians — past and present — to use the city's recreation centres for free. It had been under scrutiny for some time. 

On Monday night, council approved a motion to eliminate the program for past office holders and reduce the annual amount current politicians could use it to $1,500. 

Burnaby Coun. Joe Keithley called the old program "an unnecessary perk."

"You know, people want to see the politicians be responsible. If we're asking the taxpayers to be responsible, then politicians have to lead by example," Keithley said ahead of the meeting.

Not only was the old version of the program a permanent benefit for all officials — including members of council, public commissions, the library board and board of education — but those currently in office could have had it applied to unlimited guests, whether for a $6.38 drop-in fee at a community pool, or a $30 to $50 green fee at Burnaby Mountain or Riverway Golf Course, the two public golf facilities owned by the municipality. 

"We're paid by the taxpayers to do a good job, and the taxpayers are not getting free golf and taking all their buddies golfing," said Keithley. 

According to the city, the program was originally created "so that city leaders could gain access to facilities to periodically assess and experience the operation of the facilities, and so that they could bring guests for the purpose of promoting our facilities, or to explore potential business opportunities."

No other Metro Van government has it

Council initially voted to defer the decision after it was brought forward last month, asking staff to first investigate whether any other municipalities in the region had an equivalent benefit for golf courses.

Staff reported back last week and found that none did.