Attempts to borrow funds for major infrastructure upgrades are proceeding in Enderby.
As soon as provincial assent is granted, the city will initiate an alternate approval process to borrow up to $1.2 million for improvements to Regent Avenue, Knight Street and storm drainage along Highway 97A. There will also be a similar process to borrow up to $233,000 for upgrades to Sicamous Street.
“It’s expensive but it’s something we need to do,” said Mayor Howie Cyr.
Current storm sewers have been unable to keep up with significant rain storms and there was extensive flooding last year.
While the roads are ripped up for storm sewer upgrades, it has also been decided to do other work on the roads, specifically with water lines.
“It hasn’t been touched for 40 years so we don’t know what’s under there,” said Coun. Tundra Baird.
Under the alternate approval process, if 10 per cent of Enderby’s voters sign a petition in opposition, the long-term borrowing of funds cannot proceed.
It has been determined that 10 per cent amounts to 248 voters.
Cyr doesn’t expect a lot of opposition, saying most residents are aware of flooding problems.
“We have no choice. We have to deal with it,” he said.
The total project cost for upgrades to Regent Avenue, Knight Street and storm drainage on Highway 97A is $1.3 million. Besides the possible borrowing of $1.2 million, there is $141,768 from M.V. Beattie Elementary and general taxes.
For Sicamous Street, the total project cost is $275,000. If the $233,000 in borrowing is approved, the remainder will come from taxes and reserves.
Once this work is completed, Baird expects other projects will surface in Enderby.
“Every community in the province is facing aging infrastructure and we’re trying to be proactive,” she said.
