We’ve recommended the referendum question. The answer will depend on the voters in Golden and Electoral Area A.
At the June 16, 2022 Regular Meeting, the CSRD Board approved the question for the upcoming voter assent process as:
“Are you in favour of the Columbia Shuswap Regional District adopting Golden and Area Aquatic Centre Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 5849, 2022, which will permit the Regional District to borrow up to $18 million over a 30-year term to be utilized towards the capital cost to construct an indoor aquatic centre as an addition to the existing Golden and District Recreation Centre?”
The wording of the question and the associated loan authorization bylaw must be approved by the BC Inspector of Municipalities before it can be officially included on the ballot. The assent vote is planned in conjunction with the Local Government Elections on October 15, 2022.
The proposed Indoor Aquatic Centre facility would include a six-lane 25m lap pool, a separated leisure pool, lazy river, tots’ area, hot tub, sauna, steam room, multi-purpose room and a large lobby space intended as a community hub. The estimated cost of the facility is $35 million, with a $17 million fundraising campaign underway. The referendum will seek approval of the electors for the remaining $18 million.
The average annual costs to residential taxpayers in Electoral Area A and the Town of Golden are estimated at approximately $200 per year based on the $18 million loan. This would be a rate of approximately $0.50 to $0.60 per thousand of assessed land and improvements.
Once approval is received for the Province, the CSRD will move forward with additional communication about the financial implications to taxpayers in both Electoral Area A and the Town of Golden.
For more information about the project or to make a financial pledge to the fundraising campaign, please see the Golden On Deck website.
