If the City of Nanaimo wants to build a new public works yard, then they’ll have to find another way to fund it starting today.
The third alternative approval process (AAP) failed after more than 8,600 people voted in opposition to the city borrowing $90 million to help build the new facility.
Council will meet tonight (Dec. 2) to determine how they plan on funding the facility because as Mayor Leonard Krog says it’s a need, not a want.
“Clearly, it’s going to be challenge,” he says. “Council believes it’s a necessity, and I doubt very much that view has changed.
“The project is important, necessary it’s in the public’s interest.”
Krog says options will be presented by city staff during the Dec. 2 council meeting.
Although he did not say what route is favored, Krog did say they’re looking at multiple avenues but funding it through taxation would be a heavy burden to bear.
“It (taxation) would be very challenging for the taxpayers,” he says. “It would mean a significant amount of money, and increase very quickly.
“The alternative is to go to a full-blown referendum, which is going to be expensive, in the range of $300,000. Given the importance, we now have to make some decisions.”
Council is expected to deliberate and discuss the public works yard tonight (Dec. 2) at the Vancouver Island Convention Centre.
