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Council: tax increase for water and garbage pick-up

Updates from council meeting on Apr. 18: new soccer field, pool design updates, riverside park bank stabilization

The cost for water to continue running through Vanderhoof’s pipes is slated to more than double for taxpayers in the next 10 years.

To replace Vanderhoof’s aging water tank and garbage truck, the district council is considering to raise its water frontage tax by $1.68 for the next 10 years, and increase its price for garbage collecting by 38.2 per cent for five years.

For example, owners of a 66-foot lot would pay $209.88 each year instead of $99 for water, and garbage collection for a residence would increase from $87 to $120.25 per year.

During council meeting on Apr. 18, the rate increases are added to the 2016 Financial Plan, which would be finalized before May 15.

 

New soccer field

A proposed soccer field — to be located east of the baseball diamonds on Stewart Street by Recreation Avenue — has been added to the Vanderhoof’s 2016 Financial Plan for consideration.

The project, costing $126,800, includes irrigation, a clubhouse, and a covered shelter.

 

Pool design meeting highlights

Bruce Carscadden, principal architect of the project, stated that construction of the pool will take 10 to 14 months, with the highest risk predicted to be the incorporation of the arena into the project, as it’s an older building.

While combining the buildings will help to share maintenance costs, Carscadden will explore the option of separating the buildings, but maintaining a connection through walkways.

The architect will also verify whether the initial design supports future upgrades such as a second floor and a water slide, as well as identify cost savings if those options are removed.

 

Riverside Park bank stabilization update

This October or November is the target date for starting construction work to stabilize the south bank of the Nechako River at Riverside Park.

The project is in its design phase, which involves geotechnical surveys and application for environmental permits with the provincial government.

A collection of pre-1950 automobiles currently lines the targeted area; they were put in place to stop the river bank’s erosion sixty years ago.

 

- with files from the District of Vanderhoof