The Powell River City Council is considering the resource reclamation project

“I just wanted people to know that a report had been published and that it was instructive. It’s really good material for people to read.” ~ Councilwoman Cindy Elliott

The Qathet District Resource Reclamation Center project was recently presented to Powell River City Council members.

At the February 2nd City Council meeting, Councilwoman Cindy Elliott, who serves on the regional board as City Manager, summarized a story presented at the January 25th regional board meeting covering the history of the site.

“I found it very educational to review all of that,” said Elliott.

She said the regional district is waiting for news of a grant application to fund the resource reclamation center and waste transfer station being built at the site of the city’s old incinerator above Willingdon Beach.

“I just wanted people to know that a report was published and it was educational,” Elliott said. “It’s really good material for people to read.”

Councilor George Doubt, also a town manager on the regional council, said the report is available on the regional unit’s website, complete with color images that include everything people need to know about the facility.

Councilor Jim Palm said he attended the Jan. 25 meeting primarily to get more information about the resource reclamation center. He said he knew the grant request was for $6 million to allow the regional district to continue developing this site. Palm wondered if there was a timeline for awarding the grant.

Elliott said the question was put to regional district financial services director Linda Greenan, and she said she didn’t know the timeline and had no idea when the province might get around to announcing it.

Palm said it was his understanding that there had been previously unsuccessful grant applications for the center.

“If we’re not successful this time, has there been any mention of a contingency plan that the regional council may consider implementing?” asked Palme.

Elliott said the costs incurred for construction had been part of the capital plan for some time and were submitted as part of the budget process.

“Should we receive the $6 million in grants, it would reduce the amount required from the budget,” Elliott added.

Palm said if the county isn’t successful and taxpayers have to pay for that facility, the city’s taxpayers would see a significant increase in demands from the county.

Elliott said funding to cover the debt has been incorporated into normal budget planning.

“It was an integral part of the plan all along,” Elliott said. “The grant application would reduce the amount taxpayers have to pay, but it was never considered part of the plan. It would be a blessing to have it, but it’s not necessary.”

Doubts said the current financial plan includes full costs without grants.

“This taxation is already in the plan,” said Zweifel. “It’s not approved yet. It will be within a month or two. If the grant is approved, less money needs to be borrowed. If the subsidy does not come, nothing changes in the financial plan, because the borrowing is already on the bill.”

Palm said he understands the number for the project is somewhere around the $15 million mark.

“As we all know from the liquid waste process, the estimated cost is always going to be much higher these days,” Palm said. “Our citizens could face a much higher tax situation later on.”

Source