The Columbia Shuswap Regional District is proposing the purchase of 9.5 acres of park land known as Centennial Field in Blind Bay for development of a community park.
The two parcels of land are located at 2690 Centennial Dr. and 2546 Blind Bay Rd. and are currently owned by Shuswap Lake Estates Ltd. and Shuswap West Developments Ltd.
The $2.75 million total purchase would be conditional on the successful approval of voters in Electoral Area C to allow for the borrowing of money to make the purchase, said the CSRD in a news release.
At the June 20 board meeting, after press deadline, directors were to consider three readings of bylaws to establish a service area in Electoral Area C to develop Centennial Field Community Park and give the CSRD authority to borrow money for the purchase. Staff are recommending borrowing up to $2,025,000.
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The Alternative Approval Process was to be recommended as the method to obtain voters’ consent for the loan. The process requires at least 10 per cent of the electorate in Electoral Area C sign a petition against the proposed borrowing in order to have the proposal reconsidered and a referendum held. If less than 10 per cent oppose the borrowing, voter consent is assumed.
The purchase agreement would also be subject to the subdivision of a portion of the property on the south side of Centennial Drive, which would remove the Shuswap Lake Waterworks building from the proposed park site.
The development of a community park in Blind Bay was a key recommendation of the Electoral Area C Parks Master Plan, produced in 2017. The site already has a history of recreational uses, being the location of events such as the annual Blind Bay Canada Day Celebration. It also is close to Shuswap Lake. The area has a growing population and residents have expressed a desire for recreational amenities.
The proposed agreement would ensure the land remains for recreational purposes in perpetuity.
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