Multi-million dollar South Cariboo rec centre concept plan clears another hurdle

Nov 22, 2017 | 8:57 AM

KAMLOOPS — It won’t be long before residents in the 100 Mile House area have their say on a proposed concept design for the South Cariboo Recreation Centre expansion.

Cariboo Regional District Chair Margo Wagner says the next step is to endorse the financing plan, followed by a consultation process set to begin in January.

The design includes a turf field, elevated walking track and a hard-court gymnasium. She says it won’t include a swimming pool due to high estimated maintenance costs. The estimated total cost for the project is $14.6 million.

“There hasn’t been any rec centre expansion done since this building (located in 100 Mile House) was completed 13 years ago,” she says. “And we’ve had a lot of interest from the general public in the possibility of an indoor turf facility, an indoor walking track and a hard court.”

Wagner cautions however that just because the finance plan has been endorsed, it doesn’t mean the project will get the green light.

“It is a long way from a green light. We have to go out and do an extensive public consultation which we will be starting in January. And following that public consutlation, if we feel we have the support needed to get it through a referendum then a referendum will follow at whatever time we feel is appropriate depending on the support we have.”

Of the estimated $14.6 million cost, she says their plan is to go to referendum to borrow a maximum of $10 million. The remaining $4.6 million would have to be generated through grants and corporate sponsorships.

Based on this plan, residents would see a residential tax rate increase of about $65 per $100,000 on the assessed value of land and improvements. Based on those estimates, the CRD says if a resident’s home was valued at $200,000, they would see a tax increase of $130.

The proposed concept design was given approval by the District of 100 Mile House and the three southern CRD directors (Areas G,H and L).