Lake Country residents will have their say on the future of a rail corridor.
Voters will be asked April 25 if they support borrowing up to $2,615,000 to fund the purchase of a 50 per cent share of the 16 kilometres of the Canadian National rail line in the district.
“It is critical for all residents to come out to vote, to ensure they have their say in shaping our community’s future and to be informed in making that decision,” said Mayor James Baker.
Referendum voting will be held the following dates and at locations in all four wards:
– April 15 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the municipal office
– April 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Oyama Community Hall
– April 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Carr’s Landing fire hall
– April 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Okanagan Centre Hall
– April 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the municipal office
– April 25, 20 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at George Elliot Secondary School
“The end of the due diligence period on the negotiated sales and purchase agreement with CN is March 31, but the closing date is June 1,” said Michael Mercer, director of engineering and environmental services.
“We will be working with CN in the coming days on any agreement amendments that may be necessary to accommodate the referendum. To date, CN has been very understanding of our challenge and is willing to work with us.”
The need for a referendum arose after 960 residents signed an alternate approval process petition blocking the District of Lake Country from borrowing $2.6 million.
The total asking price for the rail line from Kelowna to Coldstream is $22 million and the other funding partners are the City of Kelowna and the Regional District of North Okanagan.
