AAP deadline passes; City given elector approval on four major projects

It looks like the city will be moving forward with four major projects to the tune of $7,772,330.

Council approved using an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for the city pay for mobile equipment replacements, Public Works Yard Development, a new Nechako Riverside Park, and Hart Industrial storm drainage treatment at a meeting back in March.  This method assumes the city residents support, and, therefore, is quicker and more cost-effective than a referendum. However, if at least 10% of the city’s registered voters (5,418 residents) voiced disapproval by July 12th, the projects would have been halted.

Each project was met with minimal displeasure. The proposed Nechako Riverside Park had eight objections, the other three projects received five apiece.

Mobile and Dispatch Radio Equipment Systems
Vehicles and communication equipment used by city crews need replacing
$4,222,330 paid back over 10 years

Public Works Yard Development
City plans to integrate Parks Division into the main Engineering and Public Works building (4050 18th Avenue) and expand the washroom.
$1,450,000 over 20 years

Develop Nechako Riverside Park
$630,000 over 20 years

Hart Industrial Storm Drainage Treatment
Storm detention and treatment facility near Blueberry Road and Highway 97. Stormwater is of poor quality and flows into McMillan Creek Watershed, negatively affecting aquatic life.
$1,470,000 over 20 years

There was initially a fifth project being considered – a new snow disposal facility in the West Bowl –  which would’ve cost another $2,930,000, paid back over 20 years. At a May meeting, Council agreed to update the city’s Snow Control Reserve Fund bylaw so that both capital and operating expenses could be funded through the same reserve. This self-sustaining method meant the city could move forward on this fifth project and remove it from the list.

These results will be presented to Council during its meeting Monday night, where each project is expected to be given final reading and adoption.

Project start dates have not yet been released.