Pool Finance Cmte Established

Joint Release -- City of WL/Cariboo Regional District:

The Central Cariboo Joint Committee, comprised of the City of Williams Lake Council and the Cariboo Regional District Directors from Electoral Areas D, E and F, have agreed to establish a finance committee for the major renovations and expansion of the Sam Ketcham Pool. The purpose of the committee will be to determine funding sources and strategies; and provide recommendations to the Joint Committee as the project moves forward.

Establishment of a finance committee, which includes members of both Williams Lake City Council and CRD Directors, was a key recommendation from the Williams Lake and District Pool Feasibility study.

“Establishment of this committee will allow elected officials and staff to source appropriate opportunities and funding channels for this project,” stated Central Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair, (Williams Lake) Mayor Kerry Cook. “We will partner with senior levels of government to ensure this project moves forward, and in a cost-efficient manner for our taxpayers.
The results of the finance committee's work will provide the Joint Committee and the Regional District Board with specific information and options to proceed to additional detailed public consultation and the eventual referendum process to borrow funds for the renovations and reconstruction."

“The pool feasibility study was conducted as a thorough and inclusive community engagement process, which will be carried forward in the next phases of this project,” stated Central Cariboo Joint Committee Co-Chair, Director Joan Sorley. “The committee members are dedicated to this project, and will keep residents apprised of its progress through a comprehensive communications process from start to finish.”

The committee will review options for a preferred date of the referendum. They will also consider the feasibility of various funding sources available prior to the referendum, and others that may become available afterwards, but prior to construction.

Regular status updates as a standing item on the Joint Committee agenda will provide a consistent communications process and a report from the Finance Committee will be due in four months.