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Why was public not informed of district’s intentions?
Letter to the Editor
On November 2, 2013,Ā when the residents of Invermere went to the polls to vote on a referendum to give the district the authority to borrow $5.6 million for a new multi purpose community centre, they were unaware of the partnership being arranged between the District of Invermere Mayor and Council and the Valley Fitness Centre.
The Community Centre Referendum FAQ sheet said – “What does the proposed community centre include? The proposed new community centre will be divided into two phases. As part of a two (2) phase approach, the $5.6 million loan would cover the cost of constructing only phase one, which includes the main community hall to accommodate 500 persons with multi-purpose rooms, kitchen facilities, stage area and ancillary services.”
At the two open house information sessions held in October and at the Library Director’s retirement celebration held on theĀ 26th of SeptemberĀ the Mayor told the voters – if the monies can be found the library would be in phase one, otherwise it will be in phase two. The written and visual placards at the public information sessions and the civic centre facility design final report on the districts web site showed: 1. Entrance; 2. Community Hall; 3. Library; 4. Municipal/Civic offices.
Library is mentioned 16 times while fitness is mentioned three times and the Valley Fitness Centre is not mentioned at all.
InĀ July of 2013Ā the District of Invermere invited the Valley Fitness Centre to become an integral part of the new facility.Ā On October 17, 2013, the President of the Valley Fitness Centre wrote the following to Mayor Taft and Members of Council: “Following our meeting with Council onĀ September 25, 2013Ā the board of directors of the Valley Fitness Society would like to confirm our interest in joining the District of Invermere in the proposed new community centre.Ā At our board meeting on October 16, 2013 the board unanimously voted to approve moving forward with this partnership. The Valley Fitness Centre is able to offer in exchange our building at 722 – 14th Street. In addition we will be able to assist in the management of the multi use space at the new centre.”
OnĀ September 25, 2013, the Mayor wrote to the Columbia ValleyĀ Services Committee of the Regional District of East Kootenay “to plan for a future phase to accommodate municipal offices, a library, and even potential for a small swimming pool (althoughĀ the current council is not supportive of a second phase as they do not consider it to be feasible); when the building is paid off in 30 years there is potential for future phasing.”
The Valley Fitness Centre wants between 5,000 and 6,500 square feet of dedicated space, which will cost the Invermere taxpayers $1.5 to $2 million to build.
The Invermere Public Library is the responsibility of the municipality, has 1,900 members, and their current public space is 1,600 square feet.
Let your Councillors and Mayor know how you feel – attend the advisory group and regular council meetings – it’s our town and they are elected to represent the taxpayers.
Bob Walker,
Invermere
