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Letter: If the SCRD can't afford it, cancel the service

'Fiscal prudence dictates that if you don't have the money, cancel the service. The SCRD, and our elected officials must understand that this cavalier practice of increasing tax revenues as the only solution, is no longer acceptable.'
Sechelt Aquatic Centre 2 resized
The Sechelt Aquatic Centre

Editor: 

Since 2007, the Sechelt Aquatic Centre has had expensive maintenance issues: the ventilation system; the AC and boiler repairs/ replacement costing $800,000; in 2020, the fire sprinkler corrosion was discovered, and a new “nitrogen-based technology” costing an additional $800,000, plus an interim repair of $150,000 was recommended by SCRD staff.  Presently, roof replacement of both the Gibsons Community Centre and Sechelt Aquatic Centre is being discussed at a cost of $3.5 million! Additionally, the repair to the hot water showers at SAC has tripled in cost, due in part, to using an engineering consultant, rather than a good, local plumber. 

Was a task force ever selected to determine the best equipment, design and builders? 

Were other aquatic centres in the province used as models? Did the legal department draft a builder’s contract with enforceable warranties? Why was the water-based sprinkler system originally selected? Was a robust maintenance schedule in place? Was the SCRD maintenance personnel sufficiently knowledgeable? 

The 2022 Annual Report clarified “the Sechelt landfill is expected to reach its capacity in mid-2025.” Nonetheless, the SCRD lists, as an achievement, a $1.4 million new users’ entrance. 

A one-year contract with a private enterprise was recommended to operate the “active area” costing $784,000. 

This represents a 100 per cent increase over last year’s contract, and creates a $400,000 deficit. Staff recommended, and the board approved covering this deficit with increased taxation. 

“Inflation,” explained the infrastructure manager, “is the culprit.” 

2023 inflation is forecast at 7 per, dropping below 5 per cent in 2024.  Since 2012, the Vancouver C.P.I. has been 2.7 per cent or lower.  No index reading justifies this 100 per cent increase. Fiscal prudence dictates that if you don't have the money, cancel the service. The SCRD, and our elected officials must understand that this cavalier practice of increasing tax revenues as the only solution, is no longer acceptable. 

Jaime Gonzalez, Gibsons