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Nanoose Bay residents to get a chance to speak, vote on taxes for Ravensong pool

Committee makes decision on apportionment method
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(PQB News file photo)

Electoral Area E (Nanoose Bay) will get a chance to chime in on the proposal they be included in taxes paid on the Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

The District 69 Swimming Pool Service Select Committee, after another lengthy debate and discussion during their meeting on June 7, finally reached a consensus on a fair apportionment taxation method that will also include Area E, which since 1995 has been excluded from paying taxes for the Qualicum Beach pool.

Area E director Bob Rogers strongly objected to the Regional District of Nanaimo board making an arbitrary decision without providing residents the opportunity to give their input and also to vote.

READ MORE: Nanoose Bay residents against bylaw amendment to require them pay taxes for Ravensong pool

Staff presented a number of taxation apportionment options at the meeting and in the end, the committee chose the taxation formula of 33 per cent assessment, 33 per cent population and 34 per cent usage.

Chair Tyler Brown came up with a motion that a referendum with public engagement at the involve level be held to amend the aquatic service area which includes Areas E, F, G and H, Town of Qualicum Beach and City of Parksville, based on the apportionment model of one-third assessment, one-third population and one-third usage.

A second motion was also presented directing staff to prepare a report on the possibility of holding the referendum on the upcoming municipal elections and other options.

Both motions passed unanimously and will be presented to the RDN for approval.



Michael Briones

About the Author: Michael Briones

I rejoined the PQB News team in April 2017 from the Comox Valley Echo, having previously covered sports for The NEWS in 1997.
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