A bid to give the public an extra month to consider borrowing $241 million to improve recreational facilities, fell flat at council’s regular Monday (July 24) meeting.
However, council did approve an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) that is two weeks longer than required by the province.
Coun. Gord Lovegrove said he heard plenty of public concern that public input was taking place over the summer when many residents might be on holiday. Mayor Tom Dyas said council did account for holidays in approving a deadline of Sept. 15.
“There was concern that originally it was going to end at the end of August,” said Dyas. “So, when that came up we said no that’s not right we need to extend it.”
Most of the $241 million will be spent on redeveloping Parkinson Recreation Centre (PRC).
READ MORE: Replacement for Kelowna’s Parkinson Rec Centre to cost $180M
Lovegrove voted in favour of Coun. Ron Cannan’s motion to move the deadline to Oct. 15. That motion was defeated.
Cannan wanted the city to host a referendum on borrowing the money, however, that comes with a hefty price tag of $150,000 to $250,000. An AAP will cost approximately $2,500.
READ MORE: Kelowna councillor wants referendum to borrow $241M for recreation
It would require 10 per cent (12,160) of Kelowna residents to say no for it to fail. If that were to happen, Dyas said council would need to look at alternatives.
“There is the option of then going to a referendum. What we’re trying to do here is gauge the temperature.”
The AAP will start being advertised through local media next week and the public will have until Sept. 15 at 4 p.m. to provide responses. Those against the borrowing bylaw must fill out a form which will be available at city hall, on the city’s website, or at PRC starting Aug. 3.
In the past, the city has used AAPs for South Perimeter Way, the RCMP Services Building, and H2O.
If approved the $241 million would be the largest amount the city has ever borrowed to fund a project.
The PRC redevelopment is expected to cost at least $180 million, with an additional $62 million for site and offsite works.
As well, $36 million has been set aside for the Glenmore and Mission activity centres, $4.5 million for Rutland Recreation Park and $5 million for partnerships with UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College.
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@GaryBarnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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