“The decision was made based on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacts to communications and community face-to-face engagement plans that have not allowed full discussion and input of this proposed new service. By postponing this until 2023 it will allow the community and any newly elected officials to participate in dialogue for future recreation considerations,” said CRD Chair Margo Wagner.
A new recreation service is being considered for the South Cariboo which would include all Electoral Areas: G, H and L and the District of 100 Mile House. The current boundaries are within the district of 100 Mile House, 108 Mile Ranch, Lone Butte, and parts of Forest Grove, but does not include places like Lac La Hache, Canim Lake or the lnterlakes area along Highway 24.
Based on feedback from the public during initial consultation, the South Cariboo Joint Committee felt the proposal needed to include the potential for a major new recreation facility, such as an aquatic centre. The proposed new service would pay for existing South Cariboo Recreation & Culture services such as the South Cariboo Recreation Centre, Martin Exeter Hall, and the soccer fields. It would also include a new taxation limit to accommodate construction and operation of a major new facility such as an aquatic centre. The taxation boundary would expand to encompass all the residents who typically access facilities centrally located in 100 Mile House.
The new service was proposed to more accurately reflect all the residents that benefit from the recreation facilities and activities that are important to the quality of life in the south Cariboo. Recreation and culture also play an increasingly important role in attracting and retaining people to the area, especially for locally underserved professions such as health care. Extending the timeframe into 2022 and 2023 will allow more opportunity for discussions with residents and for more informed decision making.
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