If a referendum this fall successfully expands the South Cariboo recreation base, property owners in 100 Mile House may avoid certain taxes increases, but their tax bills likely won't drop.
However, land owners outside of the district, but within the recreation area, can expect to see a moderate tax increase.
That was the gist of a brief presentation Cariboo Regional District (CRD) Area L Director Bruce Rattray made for South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce members at their recent annual general meeting.
The CRD polled public opinion in a series of community meetings in April in preparation for the referendum to expand its South Cariboo Recreation function, Rattray explained.
The purpose of doing this is to bring more sports and arts and culture facilities under the current funding umbrella.
He added Martin Exeter Hall and the 100 Mile House soccer fields are targeted for inclusion, as there are approximately 11,000 area residents using those facilities, but they are currently funded by a much smaller tax base of 1,600 property owners in 100 Mile House.
As the local performing arts theatre ages and the soccer field maintenance costs rise, Rattray said the burden shouldered by land owners in the municipality may otherwise build to unmanageable levels, leaving future operations of these facilities at risk.
Some upgrades are already needed at the hall, and Rattray noted those repairs, as well as the operating costs of both venues will be covered by the increased tax base.
“We are looking at an approximately $275,000 a year budget for it.”
Public input gathered at the community meetings generally supports the proposed increase of $20 per $100,000 of assessed property value for areas within the CRD's currently defined South Cariboo Recreation boundaries.
“Folks who actually live in 100 Mile House ... if they didn't see a reduction in their tax ... it would certainly not go up as fast as it would otherwise, were only 100 Mile to maintain these facilities in the future.”
The planned changes moving toward referendum are all about protecting the existing resources and facilities used by these communities now, which Rattray added “seems to make sense” before adding on any new ones.
“This is not about a pool. Although, a question on the pool is going to be coming; probably not until next year.”
To provide your input prior to the formation of the referendum question, or to see the boundary map, visit www.cariboord.bc.ca/Services/Recreation/SouthCariboo.aspx.