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We need public meetings and full transparency
Letter to the Editor
I have serious concerns regarding the building of the proposed sportsplex.
First is the way both “grant” applications read. The CCR grant “cost sharing” states the city “must be able to cost-share the project and cover any cost over-runs. Applicants will need to be able to incur and pay costs prior to submitting claims for reimbursements.”
What this means is that the city must both incur and pay the cost of the construction before asking for grant money! Funding “is available up to 90% of eligible project costs” – the CCR will deem if the receipts meet the burden of reimbursement to the city: not the city!
It also states” ownership of the infrastructure and associated assets must be transferred to the sponsor if approved for funding.” This means that if the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) becomes involved as a sponsor, then the infrastructure and assets must be transferred to it.
Why would the city want the assets that just cost the taxpayers of Fernie millions of dollars to be transferred to the RDEK? The ‘for-profit project grant’ follows the same parameters as the CCR. This grant “is available up to”40% of the eligible project costs.”
Is the city prepared to borrow the estimated $80 million dollars upfront?
Second is the Alternative Approval Process versus the Referendum. For the huge amount of money that this Sportsplex is approximated to cost there must be a referendum prior to this venture going ahead. In the city’s paperwork their “Next Step: Item #5: Electoral Alternate Approval Process Requirements” tells me that the city has zero intention of having a referendum on this construction!
The city is also taking on two other major construction projects: Public Works Yards and Fire Department building. There are zero grants to cover these costs! More borrowing?
What happens to the arena (whose life span has now been upped to 20 years with the new renovations), curling club, community centre, senior centre and pool for the next two to three years of demolition, renovation and rebuilding? Is life for everyone supposed to stop for that length of time?
This has to STOP. We need public meetings and full transparency to believe that this is a needed project for Fernie!
Valerie Desserre,
Fernie