Pool, fire hall funding referendums today
The main voting day for the city’s referendums on whether to borrow $35 million for a new pool and $15 million for a new fire hall is today.
Starting at 8 a.m. and continuing until 8 p.m., polls will be open at eight locations: John McInnis Centre, D.P. Todd secondary school, Kelly Road secondary school, Edgewood elementary school, Malaspina elementary school, Ron Brent elementary school, Vanway elementary school and Blackburn elementary school.
If the two are approved, the city plans to build a new Four Seasons Pool at 600 Quebec St. The site’s current occupant, the Days Inn motel, would be torn down.
Subject to voters giving assent to the borrowing, the city will purchase the building for $4.5 million. The cost of that purchase, as well as the estimated $2.5 million to tear down the old pool and the motel, are not included in the $35 million but will be covered by other sources within the city.
The city has said the existing Four Seasons pool no longer meets safety standards and would need $10.3 million worth of retrofits just to meet immediate needs. The new pool would include a therapy-toddler pool, a leisure pool with a wading zone, play features and a slide.
As for the fire hall, the plan is to replace the main hall downtown with a more centrally-located one at the south corner of Massey Drive and Carney Street. Doing so will increase the hall’s eight-minute response zone in the Bowl area by 50 per cent, according to Prince George Fire Rescue.
Voters must be at least 18 years old and have lived in Prince George for at least 30 days. They must also bring two pieces of identification, one of which includes a signature, showing proof of identity and residency. Picture identification is not necessary.
Voters will have the options of voting in favour of both, voting in favour of one and against the other or saying no to both.
More information can be found at the city’s website, www.princegeorge.ca.
Keep an eye on the Prince George Citizen website ( www.pgcitizen.ca) for results and comments after the polls close tonight.