West 麻豆精选 council has voted in favour of using the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek public support in borrowing up to $8 million to build a new Fire Hall 32.
Council鈥檚 other option was a referendum (assent).
鈥淭he assent process takes about two months longer to complete,鈥� said Trevor Seibel, Deputy CAO. 鈥淭he AAP is obviously much more expedient, it鈥檚 also more cost-effective in terms of time and resources that would be needed.鈥�
An AAP requires a minimum of 30 days and would pass if less than 10 per cent of eligible voters object.
The total cost of the new fire hall is estimated to be $14.3 million. The balance of the construction costs would come from reserves, developer contributions, development cost charges, and operating surpluses.
In 2016, West 麻豆精选 residents voted against borrowing $10.5 million to build the new city hall. Council eventually approved a borrowing authorization bylaw of up to $11 million dollars in 2020.
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In voting in favour of the AAP for the new fire hall, Coun. Rick de Young said he wants to see plenty of consultation.
鈥淭hat 30-day window is a very tight window and I think it鈥檚 important that our residents know what we鈥檙e asking them to support.鈥�
Mayor Gord Milsom agreed.
鈥淚 do believe the support will be there given the need for the level of fire protection that we expect and receive within our community.鈥�
Coun. Stephen Johnston asked staff how potential budget overruns would be handled.
鈥淲hen the design is done it will convert to a fixed-price contract,鈥� Seibel replied. 鈥淭he risk of changes is minimized.鈥�
Seibel noted that the city has contingencies for any unexpected costs.
The new fire hall at 860 Anders Road and the project includes:
- removing the existing Lakeview Heights Community Centre, sport court, playground, and pickleball facilities;
- construction of a new fire hall and community centre building;
- installation of new pickleball courts;
- installation of a new playground area;
- parking areas and public green space.
Council also gave three readings to the loan authorization bylaw so that it can be approved by the Inspector of Municipalities before final adoption.
A date for the AAP has not been set.
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