The District of Kitimat may face a major funding challenge in its long-term infrastructure plans.
During recent budget deliberations, council learned the proposed five-year capital plan currently has a projected $1.9 million funding shortfall in the first two years of the plan.
Staff said the gap will require some projects to be cut unless new funding sources are identified for the district.
This funding shortfall came up during council deliberations on a list of proposed capital projects and funding allocations as part of the overall financial planning process for the District of Kitimat.
Director of Finance Sue-Lin Tarnowski told council that the funding shortfall includes both previously approved projects as well as new ones that have been added to the plan.
“As I mentioned earlier, everything on that list is the different projects plus the projects that were originally on the list,” Tarnowski said during the meeting.
Council heard the shortfall means members will have to decide which projects move forward and which are delayed or removed from the plan.
“That means that we’re all going to have to sacrifice some of the bigger projects,” said Councillor Gerry Leibel during the discussion.
Staff said changes to the plan will be necessary unless the district finds the additional $1.9 million required.
The discussion comes as council continues its annual budget process and reviews priorities for infrastructure and community projects in the coming years.
Under provincial legislation, the district must adopt its financial plan by May 15.
Staff said they hope to bring the full budget before council in time for first reading in April.
