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City outlines MPCC process
The City of Fernie reports it is exploring federal and provincial funding programs to construct a Multi-Purpose Community Centre.
The proposed facility would be incorporated into the existing Fernie Aquatic Centre (pictured) and would include: arena; curling rink; gymnasium; and multi-purpose space.
A report on the city’s website notes: “since 2014, the City of Fernie has been integrating asset management practices into the city’s budget process. The basic premise of asset management is that the city builds and maintains assets that provide sustainable services the community identify as being valuable and worthy of financial support. The initial phase of the asset management program identified a significant portion of city-owned facilities are approaching or at the end of their life expectancy and therefore, a strategic investment/replacement program is required.”
The current Asset Management Program has estimated that 58% of city facilities are in a deficit condition and require replacement.
“By replacing the proposed facilities with a new Multi-Purpose Community Centre (MPCC), we see our facility deficit reduced to an estimated 15%,” the city explained.
“Combining the stand-alone facilities into one MPCC will create a centralized hub that serves the communities social, cultural, recreational, health and wellness needs.
The new facility will have more flexibility to accommodate increased use, reduce accessibility barriers and be managed in a more cost-effective manner.”
New provincial and federal funding was announced last autumn specific to community, recreation and culture infrastructure which could pay for approximately 75% to 90% of all design and construction costs of a new MPCC.
The city applied for grants through two available funding streams to reduce the financial burdens of infrastructure replacement on the taxpayer.
“The cost to replace city infrastructure rises every year, and this project is estimated to cost $72,524.200. Based on the funding model of the current grants submission, the highest contribution for the City of Fernie towards the proposed project is $19,324,204. If the grant submission is approved, the city will look for partnerships, sponsorships and donations to assist with the cost of the MPCC.”
Provincial legislation requires elector approval to borrow funds for this type of capital project. If successful in the grant application process, council must obtain approval from the community prior to borrowing funds.
There are three steps Fernie council must take:
- Inform residents about the proposed project, funding opportunity and our investment plan for city assets.
- Receive community feedback on proposed plans.
- If grant approved, begin formal process for voters to respond on borrowing funds.
With an Alternative Approval Process (AAP), eligible voters submit a formal Elector Response Form over a minimum 30 day period indicating they are against the proposed Loan Authorization Bylaw without holding a vote.
If more than 10% of eligible voters submit a response, the city is required to undertake an Assent Vote (Referendum) within 80 days to continue considering this investment.
Assent Voting (Referendum) is a voting process similar to a municipal election where eligible voters fill out a ballot indicating YES they approve the Loan Authorization Bylaw or NO they do not approve the Loan Authorization Bylaw. The outcome is decided by majority vote.
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