Kelowna Councillor Ron Cannan’s push to take the borrowing of $241 million for future recreation to public referendum fell flat at Monday regular meeting.
The loan will help pay for redevelopment of the Parkinson Recreation Centre as well as the Glenmore and Mission activity centres and Rutland Recreation Park.
“This is the largest capital project the city has ever undertaken for borrowing, why would you recommend not going to a public referendum rather than the alternative approval method (AAP),” he asked staff.
The cost to conduct an AAP is approximately $2,500 compared to $150,000-$250,000 for a referendum, according to staff.
“Council advanced the direction to staff in our previous meeting to proceed with an AAP, a little surprised we’re having debate at this stage,” said Doug Gilchrist, city manager.
Cannan voted against an AAP at that meeting which took place last month.
READ MORE: Kelowna council eager to move forward with Parkinson Recreation Centre replacement
“I’m not against redeveloping Parkinson,” added Cannan. “We need to live within our means. That’s what I’m hearing from the public.”
Cannan also said he felt there was a lack of information from staff.
“I don’t like how it’s being proposed. If you want to railroad it through go ahead.”
Councillors Gord Lovegrove and Charlie Hodge also voiced concerns about an AAP versus a referendum, however, they did vote in favour with most of council in giving consideration to a loan authorization bylaw to borrow the $241 million.
Cannan was the only one opposed.
Staff told council that the AAP would require 12,160 signatures from Kelowna residents opposed to borrowing the money.
If that happened council would have a decision to make, explained Stephen Flemming, city clerk.
“You could not adopt the bylaw. Your options would be to send it to referendum or to come up with a different funding strategy.”
The AAP is expected to be conducted in late August to early September.
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@GaryBarnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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