Summerland Recreation Centre Referendum

INTRODUCTION

On November 4, 2023, eligible voters in Summerland participated in a referendum for the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre – a new multi-purpose recreation facility which was intended to replace the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre.

A final determination of the results of the referendum was conducted by the Chief Election Officer on November 8, 2023, which confirmed that 4625 votes were cast, with 2682 votes (58%) against the referendum question, meaning the District will not proceed with borrowing up to $50 million to construct a new Summerland Recreation Centre.

In the coming months, Council will have discussions on next steps related to recreation services in Summerland. For more information and updates on those discussions, please visit the District of Summerland website at www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre.

INTRODUCTION

This section has been closed following General Voting Day for the Summerland Recreation Centre Referendum.

Accurate information is integral to making an informed decision. If you have a question about the referendum or the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre, please ask it here.

Please read through the other questions on this page and the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to see if your question has already been answered. If your question has already been asked, you will be responded to privately. Thank you.

Share How is it that the Mayor of Summerland should be campaigning for this referendum both in the media as well as at Angus Place senior’s facility? Should the Summerland council not remain impartial? How is it even morally acceptable to speak at a long term care facility the day before a vote? on Facebook Share How is it that the Mayor of Summerland should be campaigning for this referendum both in the media as well as at Angus Place senior’s facility? Should the Summerland council not remain impartial? How is it even morally acceptable to speak at a long term care facility the day before a vote? on Twitter Share How is it that the Mayor of Summerland should be campaigning for this referendum both in the media as well as at Angus Place senior’s facility? Should the Summerland council not remain impartial? How is it even morally acceptable to speak at a long term care facility the day before a vote? on Linkedin Email How is it that the Mayor of Summerland should be campaigning for this referendum both in the media as well as at Angus Place senior’s facility? Should the Summerland council not remain impartial? How is it even morally acceptable to speak at a long term care facility the day before a vote? link

How is it that the Mayor of Summerland should be campaigning for this referendum both in the media as well as at Angus Place senior’s facility? Should the Summerland council not remain impartial? How is it even morally acceptable to speak at a long term care facility the day before a vote?

Joni Pigot asked 6 months ago

Throughout the referendum information campaign, the District has publicized an offer several times to make individual presentations to community groups, clubs and organizations, and any groups of residents who want to learn more about the proposed project and details of the upcoming referendum. Several such presentations have been made throughout the community, some of which have included residents who otherwise have not been able to attend public information sessions such as the recent open house or drop-in information sessions at the Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
The Mayor has been identified by Council as the official spokesperson on behalf of Council, to discuss the proposed project in the media and to participate in presentations to community members and answer residents’ questions. It was a Council decision to take the recreation centre proposal to referendum and it is the Mayor’s role to explain the rationale for Council decisions to the community.
The Electoral Officer and their referendum staff are required to remain impartial but individual members of Council are entitled to express their views like any member of the public.
A special voting opportunity was provided at Angus Place, as it was for the general election, to provide an accessible and equitable opportunity for residents of the facility to participate in the referendum process. When the District inquired whether residents of the facility might want to hear a presentation to learn more about the proposed project and its details so they could be well-informed before voting, Angus Place requested the presentation date and time.
Share At the Open House, the representative from the Finance Dept indicated he would be meeting with IT the next morning (Oct 12th) to publish a spreadsheet which would have a much broader list of property values and associated tax costs so residents could have a much clearer understanding of their costs for this project. Where might I find this? on Facebook Share At the Open House, the representative from the Finance Dept indicated he would be meeting with IT the next morning (Oct 12th) to publish a spreadsheet which would have a much broader list of property values and associated tax costs so residents could have a much clearer understanding of their costs for this project. Where might I find this? on Twitter Share At the Open House, the representative from the Finance Dept indicated he would be meeting with IT the next morning (Oct 12th) to publish a spreadsheet which would have a much broader list of property values and associated tax costs so residents could have a much clearer understanding of their costs for this project. Where might I find this? on Linkedin Email At the Open House, the representative from the Finance Dept indicated he would be meeting with IT the next morning (Oct 12th) to publish a spreadsheet which would have a much broader list of property values and associated tax costs so residents could have a much clearer understanding of their costs for this project. Where might I find this? link

At the Open House, the representative from the Finance Dept indicated he would be meeting with IT the next morning (Oct 12th) to publish a spreadsheet which would have a much broader list of property values and associated tax costs so residents could have a much clearer understanding of their costs for this project. Where might I find this?

2SouthernQuail asked 6 months ago

The spreadsheet is not posted publicly but residents/property owners can phone the Director of Finance at 250-404-4045 with their property assessment values and property class and he can input the information and provide the requestor the estimated tax implications.
Share How many parking spots are currently available at the Ice Rink? How many parking spots will be available after the pool construction including new spots on District-owned lands currently leased to the Summerland Timber Mart as a storage yard and the District works yard/equipment storage, and the old skatepark? on Facebook Share How many parking spots are currently available at the Ice Rink? How many parking spots will be available after the pool construction including new spots on District-owned lands currently leased to the Summerland Timber Mart as a storage yard and the District works yard/equipment storage, and the old skatepark? on Twitter Share How many parking spots are currently available at the Ice Rink? How many parking spots will be available after the pool construction including new spots on District-owned lands currently leased to the Summerland Timber Mart as a storage yard and the District works yard/equipment storage, and the old skatepark? on Linkedin Email How many parking spots are currently available at the Ice Rink? How many parking spots will be available after the pool construction including new spots on District-owned lands currently leased to the Summerland Timber Mart as a storage yard and the District works yard/equipment storage, and the old skatepark? link

How many parking spots are currently available at the Ice Rink? How many parking spots will be available after the pool construction including new spots on District-owned lands currently leased to the Summerland Timber Mart as a storage yard and the District works yard/equipment storage, and the old skatepark?

Colin asked 6 months ago

The Feasibility & Site Fit study did an initial analysis of parking and ensured concepts achieved Summerland’s parking bylaw requirements (which resulted in approximately a net increase of an additional 62 spaces on the site). The consultants identified approximately 129 current spaces at the site.
If the community votes in favour of the referendum question and the project proceeds, part of the detailed design process will be to ensure there is adequate parking available. In the preliminary concept design work, it is proposed to create additional parking at the back of the arena. Other areas targeted for new parking are the District-owned lands currently leased to the Summerland Timber Mart as a storage yard, the District works yard/equipment storage, and the old skatepark.
Share What is the monthly/weekly/daily (not sure how often they are billed/pay) fees charged by the District to the Orca swim club for use of the current aquatic centre for their training? Are there District paid lifeguards on duty during the swim club training and, if so, do the fees paid by the club also cover the wages? on Facebook Share What is the monthly/weekly/daily (not sure how often they are billed/pay) fees charged by the District to the Orca swim club for use of the current aquatic centre for their training? Are there District paid lifeguards on duty during the swim club training and, if so, do the fees paid by the club also cover the wages? on Twitter Share What is the monthly/weekly/daily (not sure how often they are billed/pay) fees charged by the District to the Orca swim club for use of the current aquatic centre for their training? Are there District paid lifeguards on duty during the swim club training and, if so, do the fees paid by the club also cover the wages? on Linkedin Email What is the monthly/weekly/daily (not sure how often they are billed/pay) fees charged by the District to the Orca swim club for use of the current aquatic centre for their training? Are there District paid lifeguards on duty during the swim club training and, if so, do the fees paid by the club also cover the wages? link

What is the monthly/weekly/daily (not sure how often they are billed/pay) fees charged by the District to the Orca swim club for use of the current aquatic centre for their training? Are there District paid lifeguards on duty during the swim club training and, if so, do the fees paid by the club also cover the wages?

Joni Pigot asked 7 months ago

The 2023 pool rental fees are outlined in the Fees & Charges Bylaw available on the District of Summerland website. The rate for Orca Youth Swim Club is $7.80/lane in 2023 and $8.03/lane in 2024. For Masters Swim Club the rate is $8.90/lane in 2023 and $9.79/lane in 2024. There are no additional fees for lifeguards for bookings during regular operating hours. When there are occasional requests for after-hours bookings, the swim club is responsible for the additional cost of bringing in lifeguards.
Share Can you please tell me exactly how many names are on the wait lists for currently offered recreation programs? As well, please tell me how many of these programs with waitlists are held in the aquatic centre facility. on Facebook Share Can you please tell me exactly how many names are on the wait lists for currently offered recreation programs? As well, please tell me how many of these programs with waitlists are held in the aquatic centre facility. on Twitter Share Can you please tell me exactly how many names are on the wait lists for currently offered recreation programs? As well, please tell me how many of these programs with waitlists are held in the aquatic centre facility. on Linkedin Email Can you please tell me exactly how many names are on the wait lists for currently offered recreation programs? As well, please tell me how many of these programs with waitlists are held in the aquatic centre facility. link

Can you please tell me exactly how many names are on the wait lists for currently offered recreation programs? As well, please tell me how many of these programs with waitlists are held in the aquatic centre facility.

Joni Pigot asked 7 months ago

The total number of participants officially signed up on waitlists for 2023 recreation programs is 251. There are 199 participants on waitlists for 2023 swim lessons and 23 participants on waitlists for 2023 aquatic centre programs (aquatic courses and aquafit). There are also 11 children on a waitlist for private swim lessons, most of whom have special needs. Please note that some participants don’t sign up on waitlists and just wait for the next season’s registration to open up or go to Penticton or West Kelowna when programs are full.
Share The question on the ballot indicates voters will be asked a yes or no vote for the District to borrow up to $50,000,000 with interest over a period not exceeding 30 years. Can you please clarify whether the interest is included in the maximum amount of $50 million or will be in addition to the $50 million? on Facebook Share The question on the ballot indicates voters will be asked a yes or no vote for the District to borrow up to $50,000,000 with interest over a period not exceeding 30 years. Can you please clarify whether the interest is included in the maximum amount of $50 million or will be in addition to the $50 million? on Twitter Share The question on the ballot indicates voters will be asked a yes or no vote for the District to borrow up to $50,000,000 with interest over a period not exceeding 30 years. Can you please clarify whether the interest is included in the maximum amount of $50 million or will be in addition to the $50 million? on Linkedin Email The question on the ballot indicates voters will be asked a yes or no vote for the District to borrow up to $50,000,000 with interest over a period not exceeding 30 years. Can you please clarify whether the interest is included in the maximum amount of $50 million or will be in addition to the $50 million? link

The question on the ballot indicates voters will be asked a yes or no vote for the District to borrow up to $50,000,000 with interest over a period not exceeding 30 years. Can you please clarify whether the interest is included in the maximum amount of $50 million or will be in addition to the $50 million?

Joni Pigot asked 7 months ago

The interest paid over the 30 year term is in addition to the $50 million which is the cost for the detailed design and construction of the proposed new facility. Similar to obtaining a home mortgage, the interest is on top of the cost of the home.
Share Do District staff get a free membership to the new facility? I believe in their current Health and Wellness Plan they do get a free membership at existing. Distrist Staff should not be allowed to vote in referendum as there are probably over 80 staff that will vote yes and be in conflict of interest. Just saying for a community this size that number could make the difference on Facebook Share Do District staff get a free membership to the new facility? I believe in their current Health and Wellness Plan they do get a free membership at existing. Distrist Staff should not be allowed to vote in referendum as there are probably over 80 staff that will vote yes and be in conflict of interest. Just saying for a community this size that number could make the difference on Twitter Share Do District staff get a free membership to the new facility? I believe in their current Health and Wellness Plan they do get a free membership at existing. Distrist Staff should not be allowed to vote in referendum as there are probably over 80 staff that will vote yes and be in conflict of interest. Just saying for a community this size that number could make the difference on Linkedin Email Do District staff get a free membership to the new facility? I believe in their current Health and Wellness Plan they do get a free membership at existing. Distrist Staff should not be allowed to vote in referendum as there are probably over 80 staff that will vote yes and be in conflict of interest. Just saying for a community this size that number could make the difference link

Do District staff get a free membership to the new facility? I believe in their current Health and Wellness Plan they do get a free membership at existing. Distrist Staff should not be allowed to vote in referendum as there are probably over 80 staff that will vote yes and be in conflict of interest. Just saying for a community this size that number could make the difference

Graham Birds asked 7 months ago

Fees & Charges for the proposed new facility is not confirmed yet and would be subject to Council approval.
Share What additional grant requests (beyond the GiCB and UBCM) will be considered should the referendum return a “Yes” majority of votes and, what are their anticipated maximum funding? on Facebook Share What additional grant requests (beyond the GiCB and UBCM) will be considered should the referendum return a “Yes” majority of votes and, what are their anticipated maximum funding? on Twitter Share What additional grant requests (beyond the GiCB and UBCM) will be considered should the referendum return a “Yes” majority of votes and, what are their anticipated maximum funding? on Linkedin Email What additional grant requests (beyond the GiCB and UBCM) will be considered should the referendum return a “Yes” majority of votes and, what are their anticipated maximum funding? link

What additional grant requests (beyond the GiCB and UBCM) will be considered should the referendum return a “Yes” majority of votes and, what are their anticipated maximum funding?

SMN asked 7 months ago

District staff review all grant opportunities as they get circulated to the municipality and will consider any opportunities for grant funding that fit within the Recreation Centre parameters. If the majority vote is “yes” and the project is proceeding, the District will also look in to sponsorship and fundraising opportunities to contribute to the overall project costs.
Share A previous question asked who is responsible for demolition costs in the event that the old facility on Kelly street is demolished. The response did not directly answer the question. When the facility was built in the 70's on SD67 land, I can't imagine that the original partnership agreement contained no language for determining responsibility for demolition costs at the end of its life. So the question remains. who is ultimately, legally, contractually responsible for that? Thank you in advance for your answer. on Facebook Share A previous question asked who is responsible for demolition costs in the event that the old facility on Kelly street is demolished. The response did not directly answer the question. When the facility was built in the 70's on SD67 land, I can't imagine that the original partnership agreement contained no language for determining responsibility for demolition costs at the end of its life. So the question remains. who is ultimately, legally, contractually responsible for that? Thank you in advance for your answer. on Twitter Share A previous question asked who is responsible for demolition costs in the event that the old facility on Kelly street is demolished. The response did not directly answer the question. When the facility was built in the 70's on SD67 land, I can't imagine that the original partnership agreement contained no language for determining responsibility for demolition costs at the end of its life. So the question remains. who is ultimately, legally, contractually responsible for that? Thank you in advance for your answer. on Linkedin Email A previous question asked who is responsible for demolition costs in the event that the old facility on Kelly street is demolished. The response did not directly answer the question. When the facility was built in the 70's on SD67 land, I can't imagine that the original partnership agreement contained no language for determining responsibility for demolition costs at the end of its life. So the question remains. who is ultimately, legally, contractually responsible for that? Thank you in advance for your answer. link

A previous question asked who is responsible for demolition costs in the event that the old facility on Kelly street is demolished. The response did not directly answer the question. When the facility was built in the 70's on SD67 land, I can't imagine that the original partnership agreement contained no language for determining responsibility for demolition costs at the end of its life. So the question remains. who is ultimately, legally, contractually responsible for that? Thank you in advance for your answer.

Christine asked 7 months ago

We do not have documentation indicating responsibility for demolition costs at the end of the existing Summerland & Aquatic Centre’s life.
Share Good morning, I am not sure this has been asked before. With new developments in place; Hunters Hill, 40 townhouses opposite the arena, 12 townhouse on Elliot Street, the Eco Village, the Luxury and afforable condos on the waterfront... in addition to any commercial/industrial properties to be built... This this many new developments in the works, once these are constructed wouldn't this spread out the cost of the pool. While the current taxable properties will see a property tax increase for the span of 30 years... once all the new builds are completed and are on the tax roll, wouldn't this then spread out the cost and lower our taxes? Does it work that way? I see there is growth potential in Summerland. I grew up in Maple Ridge. And back this is what Summerland is today. on Facebook Share Good morning, I am not sure this has been asked before. With new developments in place; Hunters Hill, 40 townhouses opposite the arena, 12 townhouse on Elliot Street, the Eco Village, the Luxury and afforable condos on the waterfront... in addition to any commercial/industrial properties to be built... This this many new developments in the works, once these are constructed wouldn't this spread out the cost of the pool. While the current taxable properties will see a property tax increase for the span of 30 years... once all the new builds are completed and are on the tax roll, wouldn't this then spread out the cost and lower our taxes? Does it work that way? I see there is growth potential in Summerland. I grew up in Maple Ridge. And back this is what Summerland is today. on Twitter Share Good morning, I am not sure this has been asked before. With new developments in place; Hunters Hill, 40 townhouses opposite the arena, 12 townhouse on Elliot Street, the Eco Village, the Luxury and afforable condos on the waterfront... in addition to any commercial/industrial properties to be built... This this many new developments in the works, once these are constructed wouldn't this spread out the cost of the pool. While the current taxable properties will see a property tax increase for the span of 30 years... once all the new builds are completed and are on the tax roll, wouldn't this then spread out the cost and lower our taxes? Does it work that way? I see there is growth potential in Summerland. I grew up in Maple Ridge. And back this is what Summerland is today. on Linkedin Email Good morning, I am not sure this has been asked before. With new developments in place; Hunters Hill, 40 townhouses opposite the arena, 12 townhouse on Elliot Street, the Eco Village, the Luxury and afforable condos on the waterfront... in addition to any commercial/industrial properties to be built... This this many new developments in the works, once these are constructed wouldn't this spread out the cost of the pool. While the current taxable properties will see a property tax increase for the span of 30 years... once all the new builds are completed and are on the tax roll, wouldn't this then spread out the cost and lower our taxes? Does it work that way? I see there is growth potential in Summerland. I grew up in Maple Ridge. And back this is what Summerland is today. link

Good morning, I am not sure this has been asked before. With new developments in place; Hunters Hill, 40 townhouses opposite the arena, 12 townhouse on Elliot Street, the Eco Village, the Luxury and afforable condos on the waterfront... in addition to any commercial/industrial properties to be built... This this many new developments in the works, once these are constructed wouldn't this spread out the cost of the pool. While the current taxable properties will see a property tax increase for the span of 30 years... once all the new builds are completed and are on the tax roll, wouldn't this then spread out the cost and lower our taxes? Does it work that way? I see there is growth potential in Summerland. I grew up in Maple Ridge. And back this is what Summerland is today.

Shelley Thomas asked 7 months ago

You are correct that as new construction projects are added to the tax roll the annual debt payments required will be spread out amongst these new properties, which all things being equal, will lower the tax burden on existing properties.