Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) directors were given a report at their March 26 corporate and administrative services committee meeting outlining the need for about $600,000 worth of repairs at the Gibsons Public Library.
The library building is owned by the SCRD, which commissioned the report to look into structural deficiencies on site earlier this year.
The report showed the need to replace sections of the roof, remove climbing vegetation from the outside walls, install electric and sonic bird deterrent devices, replace all exterior sealants, replace air conditioning units and replace all thermostats and controls, among other things.
West Howe Sound director Ian Winn noted he was “alarmed” to see such a major asset in “such a failed mode,” and suggested the SCRD perhaps look at the cost of buying or building a new facility rather than fixing up the old one.
A special corporate and administrative services committee meeting will be scheduled in April to discuss the issue further and solidify next steps.
Tax exemption
Members of the Sunshine Coast Golf and Coun-try Club were at the March 26 corporate and administrative services meeting asking directors for a tax exemption this year.
Club members demonstrated how they felt they met the requirements for tax exemption; however, staff noted that if granted, the move could set a precedent for other similar not-for-profit organizations and necessitate an increase in taxes to cover the loss.
Following the discussion, Gibsons director Silas White asked staff to prepare a report on the issue, including potential implications. All were in favour of the motion.
Hospital name
At the March 26 regional district meeting, directors asked for a detailed report on the cost to change the name of St. Mary’s Hospital to Sechelt (shíshálh) Hospital.
Roberts Creek director Mark Lebbell said he wanted to ensure the cost would be borne by Vancouver Coastal Health and not drawn from local government or groups like the hospital auxiliary.
Budget bylaw
Directors passed their 2015 budget bylaw at the March 26 regular board meeting. The budget was set at $48.7 million and will require average tax increases from around five to 10.5 per cent throughout the regional district.
Woodfibre LNG
On March 26, directors forwarded a long list of concerns to the Environmental Assessment Office regarding the proposed Woodfibre LNG project. The concerns included how Woodfibre intends to cool its system with sea water, the potential impact on marine mammals, air quality concerns and tanker traffic concerns, among other things.
