To the editor:
Front page news of the July 16 Free Press is that the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) could become the major co-owner of the proposed spray park (not a water park) in Centennial Park.
This would be done by seeking an amendment to the legislation to allow the CRD to invest $111,000 to provide lift station/facilities.
On Feb. 13, 2013, the Free Press reported the District of 100 Mile House council would not approve the spray park unless the money – all the money – was “in the bank.” The cost is now approaching $200,000 (including access driveway and car park paving) for this high-risk project.
At an altitude of 3,018 feet, and at a latitude of 51 degrees north, and with weather records for June, July, and August of 2012 detailing that only 23 days reached the desirable temperature of 27 C, there would be few days when children would run through cold water.
A lift station would only operate 23 days a year.
A web search of spray parks in British Columbia shows only Vancouver, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam have such parks.
The results of a referendum, voted on by all eligible voters in the South Cariboo, was that the burden of operating facilities, such as the soccer fields and Martin Exeter Hall in 100 Mile, would no longer be solely carried by the taxpayers of 100 Mile House, but shared by all taxpayers in the South Cariboo.
Surveys had showed that residents outside 100 Mile House using these facilities outnumbered those residing in 100 Mile.
The resulting legislation did not include funding to assist private developments in 100 Mile House or any other part of the South Cariboo. Hence, the Free Press article reports that the CRD is proposing an amendment.
The Free Press article reports a statement that passing an amendment will be a “shoo-in.”
Surely, taxpayers in the South Cariboo should be allowed input before an amendment is drafted – it could be the “thin edge of the wedge!”
Neil Duncan, P. Eng. (ret’d)
108 Mile Ranch
