Referendum on city hall?

By Wayne Moore - CASTANET Feb 6, 2016 / 5:30 am

West Kelowna council will decide Tuesday how to engage the public on construction of a new city hall. Council will determine whether to go with a full referendum or use the alternative approval process. Taxpayers will be asked whether the city can borrow up to $10.5 million for the project. A maximum of $14.8 million will also be set for capital expenditures and non-construction costs. According to West Kelowna CAO Jim Zaffino, the amount being recommended is within the current 2016-2025 financial plan, with no additional tax increase required. The 32,000-square-foot civic centre on Elliot Road would be constructed, if approved, by Strategic BC Investments. It would house city hall and an office building owned by the developer. Interior Health has committed to moving some of its services into the office building. Two residential buildings are also proposed to be built on the site. These will be contingent on the economy and pre-sales. Under the provisions of an alternative approval process, 10 per cent of eligible voters would have to vote no to defeat the request for borrowing. The AAP would cost the city about $10,000, while a full referendum would cost approximately $48,000.