A Victoria city council member criticizes the city's pro-referendum campaign for a new Crystal Pool, questioning the neutrality of the advertisements and urging residents to gather all information before voting.
When last June, Victoria city council voted to send the new Crystal Pool proposal to a public referendum, I assumed city staff would ensure the city took a neutral stand, allowing the public to decide.
After I voiced my concern, I was even more surprised to see a half-page ad in the Times Colonist, with the same statement touting the wonders of this project. A new facility will certainly be “more accessible, sustainable, modern and more inclusive,” however, the referendum on Saturday, Feb. 8, is not asking Victoria voters if that statement is true or false.In my opinion, as a sole councillor, not speaking for the City of Victoria, if I just focus on the binding part of the referendum — to borrow $168.9 million — here’s what I think are some of the key arguments on the Yes and No sides:No, this particular plan is a regional facility.
No, this is too extravagant. While we are “just” borrowing $168.9 million, the taxpayers, through our long paid-for reserves will be drained by an additional $47 million for a total cost of either $209.2 million or $215.9 million depending on location. We’ll have to pay the reserves back, too.Yes, as the existing Crystal Pool is the city’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
Victoria Crystal Pool Referendum City Council Public Debate
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