The North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee (the four CRD northern directors and seven city council members) has approved in principle to commit funding from Multi-Centre pre-taxation towards the project.
This funding is designed to be “the last piece of the puzzle” and would be used if the funding secured from all other sources, such as the federal government or corporate fundraising initiative, is not enough to complete the project. Only then would the pre-taxation amount be formally committed.
“The North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee made this decision collectively,” CRD Vice-Chair Ted Armstrong said.
“We will continue working together to source any alternative funding options to help move this project forward.”
“As elected officials, we are committed to this project and are leaving no stone unturned in our fundraising efforts,” Mayor Mary Sjostrom added.
“I have always maintained that I would like to see as little taxation used for this project as possible. But we also want to fulfill the mandate of creating first-class recreational and arts facilities for our residents.”
The resolution also states that the facility would need to be built “in a manner generally in accordance with the concepts presented to the public during the referendum process,” and adds that the funding would be in addition to the $15 million North Cariboo residents approved borrowing in 2008.
The NCJPC established the Multi-Centre pre-taxation in October 2006, two years prior to the referendum. This resulted in an initial $500,000 in funding in 2007. In the years following, that amount was reduced to $300,000 per year.
By mid-2013, approximately $2.3 million will have been collected, with $600,000 of that used for Multi-Centre work, including the development of necessary pre-construction studies, technical documents and the fundraising campaign. This leaves $1.7 million in the reserve. The pre-taxation and any Multi-Centre expenses are reviewed each year during the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks budget process.
The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace the 62-year-old arena and aging theatre infrastructure.
It will feature a 1,600 seat NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly area.
For more information about the North Cariboo Multi-Centre project or how you can participate in the fundraising efforts, visit www.ourmulticentre.com.