Question of the week - updated weekly

The District has been collecting frequently asked questions regarding the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre and the referendum process. Answers to these questions are available in the Frequently Asked Questions section of this webpage, but we are also providing the information on the District's Facebook page each week with a "Question of the week." As the social media posts are shared, they will also be added to the News Feed section of this webpage.

Want to find us on social media? You can follow the District of Summerland on Facebook using the handle @SummerlandBC.

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Question of the week - October 30

Q: How do I know if I am eligible to vote in the referendum?

A: You can vote in a referendum in Summerland if you meet all the following criteria.

A RESIDENT elector must:

be 18 years of age or older on general voting day (November 4, 2023);
be a Canadian citizen;
have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration (at the time of voting);
be a resident of the District of Summerland (at the time of voting); and
not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in a local election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law.

NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY OWNERS:

You must provide proof of ownership of the property* for which you are voting and you meet all of the following requirements. A non-resident property elector must:

be 18 years of age or older on general voting day (November 4, 2023);
be a Canadian citizen;
have been a resident of British Columbia for at least six (6) months immediately before the day of registration (at the time of voting);
be a registered owner of real property in the District of Summerland for at least 30 days immediately before the day of registration (at the time of voting);
not be entitled to register as a resident elector; and not be disqualified under the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in a local election or assent voting and not otherwise disqualified by law.

*Note: If more than one person is registered own of the property, only one of those individuals may, with written consent of the majority of owners, register as a non-resident property elector.

The only persons who are registered owners of the property, either as joint tenants or tenants in common, are individuals who are not holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust.

Question of the week - October 23

Q: What is the question that will be asked on the referendum ballot?

A: Voters will be asked: “Do you support the Corporation of the District of Summerland borrowing up to $50 million with interest, over a period not exceeding 30 years in order to finance the construction of a new recreation centre to be located at 8820 Jubilee Road E., by way of Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2023-016?”

Question of the week - October 16

Q: What types of aquatic facilities do other BC communities of similar size to Summerland have?

A: In response to community questions about aquatic facilities in other BC communities that are of similar size to Summerland’s population, the District has pulled together a comparison chart. A link to this chart can be found here.

Question of the week - October 9

Q: What happens if electors vote in favour of the referendum question? What happens if electors vote against the referendum question?

A: If electors vote in favour of the question, a detailed design is expected to begin immediately for the new Recreation Centre; construction would begin in 2025 and the facility would have an anticipated opening in 2026.

If electors vote against the question, issues from aging infrastructure will be addressed as best as reasonably possible when they arise; however, it is fully expected the cost to maintain the current facility will continue to rise, components of the facility will eventually fail beyond repair and the facility will have to close permanently.

The Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre will remain in its current size and configuration and there will be no ability to expand aquatic programming capacity.

Council would need to consider its options but without a replacement facility, Summerland could eventually be left without an aquatic and recreation facility, ending school programs, swim lessons, competitive teams, rehabilitation, and aquatic fitness programs for residents of all ages.

Question of the week - October 2

Q: If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, what is the financial impact for taxpayers?

A: If electors vote 'yes', Council has directed the District to pay debt servicing costs through a leveled 50% parcel tax and 50% property taxation increase.

In order to achieve the appropriate level of new taxation, four consecutive years of property tax increases will be required, for the purpose of financing the detailed design and construction of the Recreation Centre project.

Based on the District’s borrowing rate (as of June 19, 2023), the following taxation increases would be required to cover 50% of the estimated debt:

2024: 3.76% property tax increase
2025: 3.77% property tax increase
2026: 3.77% property tax increase
2027: 3.76% property tax increase

NOTE: Should interest rates change during any of the four estimated debt draws during construction, the projected property tax rate increases would need to be adjusted to ensure the appropriate amount is collected through taxation to cover the actual debt payments. After 2027, no additional parcel or property tax increases for this capital project are anticipated.

The other half of the debt would be covered through a leveled parcel tax.

Question of the week - September 25

Q: Can the current Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre be renovated and expanded to include the proposed new amenities?

A: All major building mechanical, electrical and pool systems of the current facility have exceeded their expected usable life. Most of the building envelope is in poor condition with significant air and water leakage and potential for mold.

The facility is consuming 86% more energy per unit of floor area than the average swimming pool, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to source facility replacement parts due to antiquated electrical, plumbing and pool systems.

The current facility sits on land owned by School District 67 and expansion to the site would be extremely challenging and very limited.

Question of the week - September 18

Q: What environmental standard would be used to construct the proposed Recreation Centre?

A: The proposed Recreation Centre would be built to modern and efficient construction standards (LEED Silver). However, the District has applied for a $25M grant for this project. If successful, the Recreation Centre could be built as a net-zero carbon facility.

Question of the week - September 11

Q: What’s included in the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre?

A: The proposed Recreation Centre includes:

a 6-lane, 25m lap pool; leisure pool; hot tub; steam or sauna room
modern universal access change rooms
a fitness centre
two multi-purpose rooms (fitness and youth/family)
lobby; pool viewing; reception; and admin offices
energy efficient to LEED Silver standard

Question of the week - September 4

Q: Why is the District of Summerland holding a referendum?

A: The Province of B.C. requires public approval of long-term borrowing. The District is asking the public to approve borrowing up to $50M for detailed design and construction of a new multi-purpose recreation centre, to include a new aquatic centre, fitness centre, universal change rooms, and two multi-purpose rooms.