The failure
to preserve the Ormsby property on Kalamalka Lake for public use is regrettable
and a disappointment to many. It seems the
pressure on the public purse in Greater Vernon is indeed on the rise.
In the fall
elections we will face two referendum questions totaling over $80,000,000. Both
questions are asking public permission to borrow the funds. Greater Vernon
Water’s request for $70,000,000 is by far the larger of the two but the $13 or
so million to replace the Vernon Civic arena ice capacity with a new rink
attached to the Kal Tire Place is not chump change.
In addition
to these formal referendum questions there are efforts to negotiate a deal
purchase the rail right of way to facilitate a world class lakeside trail
between Coldstream and Kelowna; certainly a worthy project. The long standing
efforts to build a new Art Gallery in Vernon continue as the Vernon museum
bursts at the seams. Both of these facilities can and do make good arguments
for the investment of public money. Finally pressure for a new regional RCMP
detachment facility may also be on the horizon which would be constructed at
over $650 per square foot. It seems that pent up demand for public
infrastructure has created a perfect storm for potential public spending.
With interest rates for long term borrowing at historic lows
it would seem to be good time to borrow but with so much potentially on the
table the voting public could be overwhelmed at the thought the magnitude of the
twenty five commitments. I believe that
such projects are most fairly funded by long term borrowing thus spreading the
burden over the taxpaying public who will benefit from such projects over time.
At least we will know in the fall which way we are going for the ice and water
questions; as for the others only time will tell.
Cheers,
Shawn Lee a Vernon
Taxpayer
