A former Victoria city council member questions the transparency and financial viability of the proposed Crystal Pool replacement project, urging for a broader public discussion on priorities and affordability.
A commentary by a former member of Victoria city council raises concerns about the transparency surrounding the proposed Crystal Pool replacement project. The author argues that the presented site options are misleading and the real debate should focus on the affordability of a $215 million facility. The commentary highlights significant financial implications, including projected tax and utility charge increases leading to an 8.3% annual rise in city operating costs.
It points out that reserves will be depleted by $47 million to mitigate borrowing, raising questions about the long-term impact on the city's capital reserve account. The author emphasizes the urgency of addressing aging infrastructure, citing a need for $700 million in upgrades over the next 20 years, and warns of potential risks exceeding $2.3 billion. The commentary stresses the lack of public discourse on prioritizing the Crystal Pool project against other essential public amenities, such as a new central library, a downtown art gallery, and maritime museum, as well as upgrades to the Bastion Square historic courthouse, social housing initiatives, and the completion of the harbour-front plan. It calls for a comprehensive review of capital expenditures, recommending scaling back vanity projects and rigorously reassessing the Crystal Pool's affordability. The author proposes exploring alternatives like seismic upgrades and community center additions and advocates for a 20-year capital works project budget that addresses the growing needs of the city's core-city population
Crystal Pool Victoria City Council Capital Expenditures Infrastructure Public Amenities
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