The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) board received strong public response during the second phase of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for its Rod Brind’Amour Arena redevelopment at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex, the board’s Oct. 22 meeting agenda shows.
The AAP sought elector approval for Bylaw No. 607, authorizing borrowing of up to $57.1 million to fund Phase 2 of the REC-REATE project. The borrowing will be repaid over a 25-year term.
Under the AAP rules, the borrowing is approved if fewer than 10 per cent of eligible electors submit opposition forms. There are 33,012 eligible electors in Campbell River and Area D.
The two-month process, running July 25 to Sept. 22, drew 1,813 electors (5.5 per cent) who opposed the bylaw.
“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to submit the response forms,” said SRD chair Mark Baker. “The feedback we received shows how deeply people care about Strathcona Gardens and its future. We’ve heard a mix of opinions, and we’ll be taking the time needed to carefully review our options before moving forward.”
The board noted that participation in this phase of the REC-REATE project was significantly higher than in Phase 1.
The directors have opted to take additional time to review the feedback to ensure the project provides long-term value for the community.
