Two questions have been approved to appear on the ballot at the election in Sparwood this October.
Voters will be asked whether they approve the district borrowing millions of dollars to support construction of two major projects: The re-construction of Fire Hall #2, and a new multi-purpose facility.
The first question, on the fire hall, asks whether voters are okay with the district borrowing “up to $3 million, with interest, over a period not exceeding 30 years in order to finance the renovation and expansion of Fire Hall #2 located at 1391 Ponderosa Drive?”
The district has proposed to spend millions re-doing Fire Hall #2, which was built in the 80s.
Plans were drawn up and approved in 2021, but the matter heads to voters after enough people in the community signed a petition forcing it to a referendum.
The other question, on the multi-purpose facility, asks for permission to borrow a significantly larger sum of money, asking:
“Are you in favour of Multi-Purpose Facility Loan Authorization Borrowing Bylaw 1300, 2022 to authorize the District of Sparwood to borrow up to $15 million, with interest, over a period not exceeding 30 years in order to finance the construction of a new Multi-purpose Facility?”
A multi-purpose facility for Sparwood has been in the works for years, but the high cost requires the district to borrow much of the money required to complete any proposed projects.
Only by acquiring the approval of voters can either project proceed with funding provided by loans.
Both questions will appear on the ballot at the October 15 election in Sparwood after being approved by councillors at the September 6 meeting. The questions came back to the district with the approval of the province.
READ MORE: Letters to the Editor: Sparwood Fire Hall expansion
READ MORE: Sparwood moves along with indoor multi-use facility proposal
scott.tibballs@thefreepress.ca
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