How will the city pay for priority projects to be implemented in the next five years?
That’s a question that’s being addressed through the city’s strategic plan process.
Thérèse Zulinick with Urban Systems consultants came to the city’s planning and development meeting on Sept. 15 to update council on the plan that was adopted in November last year following consultation with council, staff and the community.
She pointed out the strategic plan enables financing strategies for each project, “figuring out a way to pay for projects and implement over time.”
The project that’s generated the most controversy over the years is the Ross Street Underpass. Several politicians have stated they would hold a referendum before it goes ahead.
Without grants, the strategic plan states, the project is estimated at $9 million, which includes a 30 per cent contingency. Funds would come from general revenue borrowing and anticipated cost-sharing with CP Rail.
Zulinick said construction of the underpass is expected to begin in 2019 or sooner, the city has acquired the land necessary to make it happen, the design report is in its final draft stage, and negotiations with CP are underway to approve design and funding.
The first project Zulinick referred to was the Blackburn Park upgrade.
Estimated at $500,000, it includes a championship soccer field and ‘Life Trails’ with exercise equipment. She said an alternate approval process is scheduled for later this year, so funding would come from general revenue borrowing, if the borrowing is not opposed by a minimum of 10 per cent of the electorate. Construction is expected to start in 2015.
Other projects planned for the next five years include: a communications strategy; foreshore sanitary sewer main replacement; storm water management plan update and funding strategy; transit improvements; long-term financial plan update; fire underwriters survey update; and a servicing philosophy that would include a subdivision and development servicing bylaw as well as a development cost charges bylaw update.
The communications strategy generated discussion.
Zulinick said an overall communications strategy hasn’t been undertaken yet. However, current statistics show the website has had more than 186,000 visits, the Facebook page more than 2,100, the city’s Twitter account has 369 followers and has posted 517 tweets. She said a communications staff position might be a future consideration.
Coun. Ken Jamieson asked who takes care of communications now and was told it’s handled by existing staff.
“We have no plans to hire a communications person at this time,” said Carl Bannister, chief administrative officer. “It came out in the strategic plan and that’s why it’s mentioned. We have far more pressing needs…”
Councillors offered ideas on how to keep the public informed about the short, medium and long-term project priorities.
Zulinick said the city has already done well engaging citizens in the strategic plan process.
“It’s one of the most collaborative plans I’ve ever seen…,” she said. “You’ve already opened the door from the very comprehensive survey process…”
She also said some communities leave their strategic plans to gather dust.
“You haven’t forgotten about them,” she said of the projects, “and you know how you’re going to pay for them as well.”
Zulinick said the good news with the long-term financial plan is that there will be enough funds so none of the capital costs will require a tax increase. Operating costs are separate, however, and to be determined.
The plan can be viewed on the city’s website under ‘city services’ and then under ‘corporate services’ at: http://www.salmonarm.ca/index.aspx?nid=292.
Other projects prioritized as significant were three termed ‘key core services.’
They were the cemetery development project, now underway, as well as the Hudson Avenue NE revitalization (2016) and the 10th Avenue SW Frontage Road (2020.)
The two community-based projects listed are the downtown community campus of Okanagan College on 20 acres of donated land as well as a potential indoor recreation facility and performing arts centre on the former JL Jackson school property.