The Town of Ladysmith can now proceed with borrowing up to $6 million to finance the construction of a new water filtration plant after the results of the Alternative Approval Process indicated only 21 ratepayers opposed the move.
A total of 699 elector response forms, or 10 per cent of the 6,988 eligible electors, were required to prevent the town from approving the borrowing bylaw going to a referendum.
The AAP was held from Mar. 9 to April 12.
Mayor Aaron Stone said the low number of responses was evident of a strong communications plan presented to the community by town staff.
An open house was held at Frank Jameson Community Centre on Mar. 15 and material and infographics published online explained how the new filtration plant will eliminate concerns with turbidity.
“The entire communication plan was well done and it speaks to the fact that only 21 submission were put in against the loan authorization…,” Stone said.
Island Health is requiring the town build a new treatment facility in order to meet amendments in recent years to the BC Surface Water Treatment Objectives.
The total estimated cost of the new plant is $13.3 million and will be offset by $8.8 million in federal and provincial grants received last year.
“This is a historic thing that we’re going to do and it’s going to be felt in generations to come,” said Coun. Steve Arnett. “It’s the right thing and a good thing to do.”
Ladysmith residents’ Water Parcel Tax is also on the rise over the coming years to cover the cost of the borrowing.
In 2017, the parcel tax increased $99 to $309 and estimates are it could hit $525 by 2020.
