The Capital Regional District has released the wording for the SEAPARC land acquisition referendum, which takes place April 30.
Voters in Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area will be asked:
“Are you in favour of the proposal by SEAPARC (Sooke Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission) that the Capital Regional District board adopt Bylaw No. 4052, Sooke and Electoral Area Recreation and Facilities Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1, 2016 authorizing the Capital Regional District to borrow an amount up to $750,000 for the purpose of purchasing the 23-acre 6518 Throup Rd. property for the future development and enhancement of recreation services for the residents of Sooke and Juan de Fuca Electoral Area. Yes or No?”
The commission is seeking to buy the old DeMamiel Creek Executive Golf Course for $1 million. It will spend $250,000 from its capital reserve fund to help buy the property and ask voters to finance the remaining $750,000 over 15 years at a fixed rate of approximately three per cent.
“People appear to be taking a calm, collective approach to the referendum,” said Sooke acting mayor Rick Kasper.
“I think they’re asking themselves: ‘What’s the bottom line and are my taxes going to go up as a result of the purchase?’”
If the referendum is approved, Sooke taxpayers would see an extra $8.41 on their annual property tax for a home valued at $400,000 and $4.80 for homes in Juan de Fuca.
The current tax rate is projected to fund the payment of the land and continue to build the reserves towards the expansion of the SEAPARC Leisure Complex, which will include a fitness and weight room area, in 2018.
The land purchase is necessary to secure land for future recreation, said Mike Hicks, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area director and SEAPARC chair, adding soccer and ball fields are at capacity.
“A lot of people think this is a great idea,” Hicks said.
Want more info? Go online to crd.bc.ca/seaparc-land-vote.
Referendum Timelines:
Public Information Sessions
Monday, April 4 – Juan de Fuca Planning Services Office, 7450 Butler Rd., 6 to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, April 6 – Shirley Community Hall, 2795 Sheringham Point Rd., 6 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, April 7 – Port Renfrew Recreation Centre, 6638 Deering Rd., 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Monday, April 11 – East Sooke Community Hall, 1397 Coppermine Rd.
Monday, April 18 – SEAPARC Leisure Complex, 6 to 8 p.m.
Advance Voting
April 20 and 27 – East Sooke Community Hall and Sooke Community Hall, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Voting Day – Saturday, April 30
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Port Renfrew Recreation Centre, 6638 Deering Rd.; Shirley Community Hall, 2795 Sheringham Point Rd.; Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Planning Services Office, 7450 Butler Rd.; East Sooke Community Hall, 1397 Coppermine Rd.; SEAPARC Leisure Complex, 2168 Phillips Rd.