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By CKPG Today Staff

Referendum

Quesnel – CRD voters turn down pool referendum by large margin

Jun 11, 2023 | 6:34 AM

QUESNEL — Voters in Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) have voted down a referendum that would have led to upgrades at the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre. The CRD had proposed to borrow $35 million to upgrade the 40-year-old pool within the facility.

60 per cent of residents who voted in Saturday’s (Jun. 10) referendum cast their ballots against the proposal, which would have seen tax rates for some increase $75 per $100,000 of their property value, beginning in the 2024 tax year.

Director Barb Bachmeier, the CRD spokesperson for the referendum thanked residents who took the time to vote on the matter. She added, “the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee will review this decision and find ways to do any required infrastructure upgrades that are necessary to keep our pool working properly.”

2,749 people cast ballots in Quesnel and the surrounding area. 1,664 voted no while the remaining 1,085 voted in favour of the plan. A similar plan was also voted down in 2021 by voters.

“It is crucial to consider the diverse perspectives and needs of our community,” said Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, the City of Quesnel spokesperson for the referendum. “Through thoughtful discussion and collaboration, we can work towards finding a solution that benefits everyone and strengthens our community for years to come.”

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A similar plan was also voted down in 2021 by residents.