South Cariboo Voters Set To Vote On Rec Centre Expansion

Jun 5, 2018 | 5:37 PM

100 MILE HOUSE — It’s a vote that will impact long-term recreational opportunities in the South Cariboo and it’s happening this weekend.

A referendum will be held this Saturday on the proposed $14.6 million expansion for the South Cariboo Recreation Centre in 100 Mile House.

The decision to go to a referendum follows a public consultation process that began in January.

The design includes a turf field, elevated walking track and a hard-court gymnasium. The expansion would integrate with the current recreation facility and curling club.

Of the estimated $14.6 million cost, Cariboo Regional District Chair Margo Wagner says the district’s plan is to borrow a maximum of $10 million, while the remaining $4.6 million would have to be raised through grants and corporate sponsorships.

Should the majority of residents vote “yes,” then the CRD has five years from that date to raise the remaining $4.6 million.

Based on the plan, residents would see a residential tax rate increase of about $65 per $100,000 on the assessed value of land and improvements.

Two advance polls have already been held and from what Wagner has heard turnout was “quite good.”

She senses the vote will be “very, very close.”

“It really depends who you talk to. There’s certainly some people that are vehemently opposed to it. There are certainly some people that are strongly supportive of it and there’s some people that just don’t want their taxes to go up for anything.”

The four general voting locations will be at 108 Mile Elementary School, Forest Grove Community Hall, Lone Butte Community Hall and District of 100 Mile House Council Chambers.

The polls will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Click here to report an error or typo in this article