The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen has begun the public approval stage of their plans to borrow up to $10 million to purchase a new corporate facility at 3547 Skaha Lake Rd., Penticton.
The regional district says the proposed facility would allow the regional district to consolidate three existing office locations into one centralized facility. The new building would also include a purpose-built emergency operations centre and a dedicated space for board and committee meetings.
However, before taking over the new building, the regional district needs public assent from its electorate to borrow the funds necessary for the purchase and renovations of the building.
At the April 17 meeting where the RDOS board gave their approval to move towards acquiring the new space, Director and Princeton Mayor pointed out that in addition to the RDOS' current offices on Martin Street, the organization is leasing out space in two other buildings it doesn't own to house its staff and services.
The $10 million is the maximum amount that could be borrowed, and would be repaid over the next 30 years. If approved it would add $6.16 to the annual property tax bill for a residential property assessed at $500,000.
The regional district is using the Alternative Approval Process, which means the borrowing would go forward unless enough eligible electors file official opposition by submitting an Electoral Response Form.
If at least 10 per cent of eligible electors — 7,528 individuals — submit completed forms to the regional district’s corporate officer, a referendum must be held.
The deadline for the Elector Response Forms is July 31 at 4:30 p.m. The forms are available at the regional district’s main office at 101 Martin St., Penticton or through the RDOS Regional Connections interactive website.
Those eligible to submit the forms include residents and non-resident property owners in Electoral Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I as well as residents and non-resident property owners in Penticton Summerland, Oliver, Osoyoos, Keremeos and Princeton.
The loan, if approved, would be through the Municipal Finance Authority of BC.
The RDOS had looked at locations outside Penticton for the new office, but that would require construction of a whole new building and be twice as expensive. The RDOS also said it is looking at potential sub-leasing for the remaining two-years on one of the additional properties it works out of.
