Taxpayer dollars wanted.
The part of the city’s budget process that involves requests from the community for tax dollars is underway.
One of nine requests on the city’s Sept. 14 council meeting was from the Salmon Arm Elks, who are looking for an extension of the city’s sewer line.
President Ron Reddecliff said it’s vital the sewage disposal is addressed as soon as possible, and noted the Elks Park facilities provide many benefits to the community. He said the society applied to other organizations such as the Shuswap Community Foundation and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District but has not received approval. Connecting the sewer line from 28th Avenue to the Elks Park at 3630 30th St. NE is estimated to cost $115,000.
“Perhaps our project is not considered sexy enough…,” he remarked.
He told council the septic system can get through the winter but will need to be upgraded in the spring. His other request was to allow in-kind grass mowing at Elk’s Park.
Council simply gathers requests but does not make decisions until its budget deliberations on Nov. 16 and 23.
Another request came from the Salmon Arm and Shuswap Lake Agricultural Association. Spokesperson Phil Wright asked for $15,000 to assist in renovating the concession in the SASCU Indoor Memorial Arena. He said contractors have estimated the cost would be $30,000 to satisfy the city’s building codes and Interior Health.
Doug Adams with R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum thanked council for declaring the Montebello Block Project as the city’s Cornerstone Canada 150 project. The Montebello Block will include the construction of a streetscape including a general store, bank, real estate-law office, newspaper office, post office and more. He said the project is nearing $700,000 in commitments toward its $1.4 million cost, without government support. He requested $100,000 over the next three years from the city in order to complete the project by 2017.
Shelly Hand of the BCSPCA’s Shuswap branch requested council’s continued support via grants, which have been much appreciated over the years.
Downtown Salmon Arm wrote to say it supports the installation and maintenance of municipally-owned recycling receptacles in the downtown core.
“Not only do we offer verbal support for the program,” the letter stated, “but can also assist city staff with choosing locations, bottles and cans recycling pick-up and any decorations or imaging that could enhance these receptacles.”
Heather Mattingsley added her voice to the request for recycling bins.
In a letter to council, she stated she would see a minimum of five bins be placed in the community – at Fletcher Park, Blackburn Park, Canoe Beach, Ross Street Plaza and Marine Peace Park.
Elvi Pukas told city staff of a request for a sidewalk along Lakeshore, one the city has heard from citizens several times before.
Wayne Masters suggested the city charges too much for property tax.
He also said money could be saved by helping develop a regional ‘micro’ transit system with fully electric cars, as well as using solar power and LED street lights.
Gail Gowriluk, Karla Ferster and Geoff Phillips came to council to request improvements for Canoe.
Their suggestions included a “Welcome to Canoe” sign at the entrance to the community by the school, beautification of 50th Street NE such as flowers and crosswalks, a level viewing platform at Lund Pond, a bike/walking lane from town to the beach, and turning the two-way stop at the end of 50th Street by the railway tracks into a three-way stop.
“No one understands it’s a two-way stop,” he said, noting that people will rush to get past the train.