The City of Cranbrook will be asking taxpayers for an answer regarding possible borrowing of $10 million to go toward the 2017 Capital Roads program.

City council Jan. 30 voted to direct staff to begin the borrowing process, which includes conducting an Alternative Approval Process (AAP).

“Local governments can use the Alternative Approval Process under Part 4, Division 2 of the Community Charter as a method to gauge public opinion in regard to certain types of proposed bylaws, agreements, or other matters. It is most commonly used in relation to long-term borrowing bylaws. It is a less expensive option than using a referendum to gauge public opinion,” explained city Corporate Communications Officer Chris Zettel.

Section 179 and 180 of the Community Charter outline the process required for the city to enter into a long-term borrowing agreement. Council must adopt a Loan Authorization Bylaw, obtain approval of the Inspector of Municipalities and obtain elector approval.

“The method by which the electors express their opinion is by signing the Elector Response Form and submitting it to the Corporate Officer before the set deadline. In order for council to proceed with a certain proposal the city must receive less than 10% of the Elector Responds, which are opposed to council proceeding with the proposal,” Zettel said, noting that if more than 10% of the electors sign the Elector Response Forms opposing the action then council may not proceed with action unless they conduct a referendum and the referendum gives approval with a majority vote.

“It is expected that the AAP information package will be available for the public in late spring 2016,” Zettel said.

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