The future of a community asset is in the hands of North Westside Road residents.
Regional District of Central Okanagan directors agreed Thursday to hold a Nov. 19 referendum on whether voters want to fund the operation and capital requirements of the Killiney Beach Community Hall through taxation.
“People can decide if they want to keep the community hall going,” said Jim Edgson, North Westside director.
“If they want to keep the community hall active and they want to pay for it, they should have a say on it.”
The North Westside Communities Association requested a referendum to ensure there are sufficient financial resources to maintain the Udell Road hall and prepare for any long-term capital needs.
Presently, operating funds come from association membership dues.
If the referendum is successful, RDCO’s service establishment bylaw will be set at an annual cost not to exceed $0.05 per $1,000 of assessed value of land and improvements on properties.
“That is the maximum it can be,” said Edgson.
“With this year’s budget, it would have been $15 for the average home.”
Edgson also wants to assure residents that there will be strict guidelines as to what the association can do with the money.
“It will be part of the regional district budget and they will have to be accountable to the regional district for spending,” he said.
“The regional district will have fiscal control over those guys. There’s definitely not a blank cheque.”
The referendum will be open to voters from Westshore Estates to LaCasa.
