The City of Nanaimo is hoping third time's a charm as it prepares to launch another alternative approval process related to borrowing to rebuild the public works yard.
An AAP begins Wednesday, Sept. 18, and will continue until Oct. 31. The city is seeking the approval of the electorate to borrow up to $90 million to build a fleet maintenance shop and administration building at the works yard on Labieux Road.
The fleet maintenance building is used to maintain city vehicles as large as garbage trucks and fire trucks, while the new crew and administration building will serve as work space for both public works staff and parks operations staff.
"These buildings will be simple, functional and seismically safe. That means they will be there and ready to keep servicing our community when it is most needed," noted the city's project website.
For citizens in favour of the expenditure, no action is required, but citizens who are against the borrowing can fill out an elector response form to register their opposition. The city's AAP policy has recently changed, and forms may now be submitted in person at city hall, by mail, or via an online submission form. If 10 per cent or more of the electorate expresses opposition, the city will not be able to proceed with the long-term borrowing and will need to explore other funding options.
Citizens can register for guided tours of the public works yard the mornings of Oct. 2, Oct. 5, and Oct. 23 by visiting http://recreation.nanaimo.ca or calling 250-756-5200. For more information on the project, visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/pwy-updates, and for more information on the alternative approval process, visit www.nanaimo.ca/goto/AAP.
