The North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee (NCJAC) approved the North Cariboo Recreation and Parks (NCRP) five-year financial plan at its regular meeting on November 10, 2020. The proposed plan, which still requires approval and adoption by the Cariboo Regional District Board, will see recreation capital reserves increase by approximately $1.55 million dollars over five years.
The Committee opted for a four percent tax increase in each year of the five-year plan to minimize the financial impact on residents in the first two years of the plan. The original proposal, presented at the October 10, 2020 regular meeting, would have seen taxes increase by 7.5% in 2021, 5% in 2022, and 2.5% for the balance of the five-year plan. The current rate, based upon 2020 property assessments, is $138.00 per $100,000.00 of assessed value
The NCJAC capital reserves are available to help fund major North Cariboo Recreation and Parks (NCRP) capital projects, including unanticipated emergency repairs, replacement and renovation of existing facilities and amenities, and new infrastructure investment. The business plan for the NCRP Service includes a number of potential significant capital projects over the next five years including a proposed renovation of the swimming pool at the Arts and Recreation Centre. Capital reserves for the Service are expected to be just under $700k at the end of 2020. Increasing capital reserves was considered a priority for the Committee in light of aging recreation infrastructure and the anticipated recreational needs of the community.
The NCRP function supports key assets in our community, including:
- The West Fraser Centre and Arena 2;
- The Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre;
- Community art, sport and general recreation programming;
- The Quesnel Soccer Complex;
- The Alex Fraser Park;
- Pioneer Park on Dragon Lake;
- Bouchie Lake Recreation Commission programs and facilities;
- Parkland Community Association programs and facilities;
- Barlow Creek Recreation Commission programs and facilities;
- Lebourdais Park;
- West Fraser Timber Park;
- Riverfront Trail;
- Trail and other outdoor recreation initiatives.
“Balancing taxation rates against funding requirements requires careful analysis. The Joint Committee’s work in this regard has resulted in a financial plan giving us a solid footing to consider new projects and maintain existing services,” notes CRD Area I (West Fraser – Nazko) Director Jim Glassford. “It also takes into account the financial realities and constraints many residents are currently experiencing.”
“Although raising taxes is something nobody enjoys, it is essential to reestablish our capital reserves,” stated Councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg, Co-Chair North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee. “We need to plan for the future to ensure we can continue to meet our long-term goals and have funds held in reserve for any unexpected expenses.”
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