Enderby officials are defending revitalization of main street.
Currently, the city is using the alternate approval process to borrow $467,000 over 20 years for the Cliff Avenue project.
“It is not a vote on the project itself. Should the alternate approval process fail, the revitalization of Cliff Avenue will be funded through other means which may have a larger impact upon the taxpayer,” states a release.
If 10 per cent of voters, or 238 people, sign the alternate approval process petition by April 25, the borrowing can’t proceed.
The total project cost is $1.8 million.
“Every time that we plan the financial component of a major project, the city weighs a lot of different factors in determining its approach,” said Jennifer Bellamy, chief financial officer.
“This involves things like current and future reserve levels, cash flows, borrowing costs, and other commitments such as the contributions needed to leverage future grant opportunities offered by the provincial and federal governments. We always look towards finding a reasonable approach that will protect the City’s financial health while moderating tax increases.”
As part of the project, uneven sidewalks, dysfunctional road gutters and unhealthy trees will be replaced. A new plaza, backlit pier gateway structures and new seating will go in.
“We want to create a space where businesses thrive and the public is welcomed. All of those things that make Enderby such a great place to live and work are represented in the street design,” said Mayor Greg McCune.
Less than 10% of the project cost is dedicated towards beautification. The remainder goes toward replacing infrastructure, including two water mains.
This includes replacing two of the most critical water mains in the City, which transport water from the treatment plant to the reservoirs and provide critical fire storage capacity.
“As a council, we went through unprecedented scrutiny of this project in terms of funding and design. We were voted in to create positive change in Enderby while being good stewards of the city’s assets and finances,” said McCune.
“Financially, we have structured our budget and the Cliff Avenue project carefully so that Enderby moves forward while respecting taxpayers. The success of the alternate approval process is crucial to keeping taxpayer costs low and keeping the city in a sustainable position.”
