Princeton pool proposal pricey

by Grant Scott - Castanet Sep 3, 2011 / 5:00 am

Photo: Contributed - Town of Princeton

The town of Princeton is facing a choice.  On September 24, the town will be asked to vote in a referendum to determine whether or not to support a new $9 million Indoor Aquatic Centre.  The community is being asked to cover $6 million of the building cost and future operating costs. As is often the case for this type of infrastructure, there are those who see only the benefits and those who see only the increase in taxes.  Princeton Mayor Randy McLean says council sees both sides of the story and wants to present the referendum as neutrally as possible. "It's a decision that's going to made by the people. All we tried to do was put a good process in place with reliable people working on it and let them do two things. One is tell them all the benefits of a pool, but on the other side tell them exactly what that is going to cost them." McLean admits that a referendum like this will never be decided by a wide margin, and understands some will be very vocal in opposition and support."People have to remember a landslide referendum can be 54 percent in favour, so you can have 46 percent of the people that are opposed to it, and that's what happening here."

The proposal calls for a four lane, 25 meter lap pool,  a warm water leisure pool including a ramp and stair entrance, water sprays, a tot slide, and a lazy river. There will also be a 20 person whirlpool, along with a tiled pool deck.  If passed, a parcel tax, whereby every property pays the same amount, would be assessed. The cost to property owners to manage the $6 million debt is pegged at $136.50 per year. An additional levy of $164.50 would be assessed to cover operating costs, an amount that could change if revenues or expenses change.  The Provincial government required that planners show the expenses without any pool revenue, meaning the cost per parcel could rise to $361. The cost study states it is very unlikely the facility would fail to generate any yearly revenue.  As a result, planners estimate a annual tax of $301. Mayor McLean feels that costs aside, it's hard to argue against the benefits of the aquatic centre.  "Granted, the money is an argument being used, but really, can kids have too many things to do? Can people get in to good a physical condition? It's a tough one to argue against." The referendum procedure will be a split vote where the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Area H will vote separately from the Town of Princeton. The referendum must pass with a 50% plus one in both the Town and Area H for the project to proceed. Advance voting will be held September 14, with general voting on September 24.