2021 AAP for Sechelt’s ops centre loan

Details on an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for Sechelt to borrow up to $3 million to construct a Parks and Public Works Operations Centre are slated for consideration at this week’s council meeting. Staff estimate that if undertaken, repayment of the borrowing would mean a property tax increase of $31.29 per year for a “typical” residential property. The loan term is proposed to be 25 years.
Should council approve the loan authorization bylaw on Dec. 16, District electors would have their opportunity to file response forms if opposed to the borrowing starting in mid-January. Under the timing recommended by staff, those voters would have until Feb. 26 to respond. Eligible electors may file only one objection, even if they own multiple properties. Non-resident owners of properties where the title is registered to more than one name need to prove they have the consent of the majority of the owners to file an objection.
If 10 percent or 860 electors file opposition papers, this AAP will fail. The District would then need to look for other options to fund construction of the new 860 square metre building. That project is proposed to be constructed on the existing site of the temporary Parks and Public Works facilities on Allen Road in the East Porpoise Bay neighbourhood.
The initial three readings to the bylaw were provided by council on Sept. 2. The provincial Inspector of Municipalities gave its approval to the bylaw on Nov. 13.
On Oct. 21, council announced its intention to award Gibsons-based Caerus Construction a contract for $2,365,750 plus GST to build the centre, pending the AAP’s approval. Council also awarded the contract for the design and engineering of the centre to Caerus. That contract was valued at $132,743 plus GST.
Connie Jordison