A proposed spray park project became a focal point during budget deliberations at this week’s Kitimat council meeting, raising questions about spending priorities.
Discussion centred on whether the District of Kitimat should reconsider funding for the proposed spray park, estimated to cost $2.25 million, including construction.
Some council members said the district should consider the proposed spray park project, while others believe that the district should focus on infrastructure repairs.
Some members of the council believe that if infrastructure repairs are delayed only increases the eventual cost to taxpayers.
“The longer we wait to fix our infrastructure, the more it costs,” Gerry Leibel said during the meeting.
“We’ve already seen the effects of years of underinvestment in our roads and streets, and that’s something we’re now trying to catch up on. If we keep pushing those projects further down the road, the price tag only increases and the work becomes more difficult to manage down the line.”
The debate also touched on the district’s overall financial position and the importance of rebuilding municipal reserves.
“I’ve definitely been a big proponent over the last few years of trying to rebuild some of our reserves,” said Councillor Terry Marleau.
“Five years ago we were probably at 25 million and we’ve probably half of that now, or maybe even more than that.”
However, despite these concerns related to infrastructure and finance, Kitimat Mayor Phil Germuth said that it could still be a valuable addition to families within the community and should be part of the budget discussions.
“I’m hoping that we can find a way to make this work out. I think it is a great benefit to the community,” Phil Germuth said.
Council members made it clear that bringing this project forward again for consideration does not mean it will be supported, but it allows council to look at it again as part of other capital costs as they continue to work on their budget.
Staff also made it clear that as part of the district’s five-year financial plan, there is a $1.9 million shortfall over the first two years of that plan, so it’s possible some of these projects could still be removed from the plan as council works on its budget.
Council will continue working on spending priorities in the coming weeks. Under provincial legislation, municipalities must adopt their financial plans by mid-May.
