Members of the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) are halfway through their recreation referendum open house campaign, having visited Roberts Creek, Halfmoon Bay and the Sechelt Indian Band this week.
"What we've heard largely so far is that people like it," said Paul Fenwick, general manager of community services for the SCRD. "They like the way we've presented the information and they can picture having these facilities here. Of course I can't say the open houses definitely reflect the desires of the larger community. We will have to see on June 25." Fenwick said the SCRD has decided to hold six open houses to explain what recreation facilities are being voted on June 25 and what the tax implications would be, to display architectural drawings of the facilities being offered and to answer questions raised by the public.
"Some have come to gain clarification on how the tax would work and we have someone on site at each of the open houses to help calculate that. Some want to see the technical details of the facilities, and some are asking when it's going to be ready to use," said Fenwick.
He admits there have been some not-so-pleasant comments on the proposal.
"One person in Roberts Creek said they were more in favour of outdoor recreation and they were opposed to the plan," said Fenwick.
Others are concerned with the placement of the two new facilities being proposed, and more are concerned about the increase to tax bills.
Next week the SCRD will continue with their open houses in Gibsons at the town hall on Monday, June 13, at 7 p.m., in West Howe Sound at Cardinall Hall on Tuesday, June 14, at 7 p.m. and in Sechelt on Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m. at the Seaside Centre.
Fenwick notes everyone is welcome at each open house, whether it is in their community or not.
"We just decided to have them in the individual areas to respect the individual proximity to the facilities, but anyone can come to any open house," said Fenwick.
Each open house provides an opportunity to have individual tax calculated if you bring in your assessment.
You can also find out your portion of the tax, should the referendum pass, online at June25.scrd.bc.ca.
That website also provides detailed plans for the facilities, times and places to vote on June 25 and who is eligible to vote.
For more information, you can also contact the Referendum Information Line at 604-885-6825 or email [email protected].
