Prince George residents will have their say as to whether the city should approve a $13 million loan to replace the current, worn-out RCMP detachment.
The city has already approved a $24 million loan, bringing the total cost of the project to about $37 million. The $13 million loan will be reviewed by the public through an alternative approval process (AAP).
Under an AAP, if 10 per cent or more of Prince George residents - about 5,200 - protest the detachment project in writing, the issue will go to a full referendum.
The deadline to submit a response form is Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.
Millions of dollars have already been spent on the new building project, some of which will be taken away from the overall cost. At this point, it has already cost more than $6 million, according to municipal officials.
Though the decision was carried unanimously, Councillor Dave Wilbur voiced his concern regarding the alternate approval process.
"I'm worried council will acquire an appetite to use this process as a go-to," said Wilbur. "You must consider voter turnout at the last municipal election was about 40 per cent. It could be a lot more difficult to achieve that 10 per cent."
The downside of the full referendum route would be the time and money involved in the process.
With building costs relatively low in comparison to what they may be in a year's time, postponing approval of the new building could be expensive.
For the average homeowner, the new building will cost about $66 a year. If a homeowner is also a business owner, they can expect to pay considerably more in taxes.
