Earlier this year, Prince George city council approved a motion to seek voter assent to borrow the funding necessary to replace the aging Four Seasons Leisure Pool and Fire Hall No. 1.
As General Voting Day approaches on Oct. 28, there are several important dates and information sessions available for community members in Prince George.
A new pool is estimated to cost $15 million while a new fire hall will total about $35 million.
The current pool, according to the city, has reached its age limit as the building's structural and operating systems require significant investment beyond routine maintenance with retrofits totaling
$10.3 million.
The new pool would be located north of the current pool at the Days Inn Motel building downtown and would include a therapy-toddler pool, a leisure pool with a wading zone, play features and a slide.
The city also says that Fire Hall No. 1 is aging and nearing it's time.
City council reacted after receiving a Fire Underwriters survey report which indicated that Fire Hall No. 1 is no longer able to meet current standards as a fire and rescue facility, emergency operations centre and fire operations communications centre.
Fire Hall No. 1, the city's main fire hall would be relocated to a more central location at the south corner of Massey Drive and Carney Street.
Public information opportunities:
Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the College of New Caledonia atrium.
Oct. 17, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., in the Canfor Winter Garden at UNBC. The mayor and city manager will give a short presentation starting at 12:30 p.m.
Oct. 18, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Four Seasons Leisure Pool (775 Dominion St.)
Oct. 21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the centre court at Pine Centre Mall (3055 Massey Dr.)
Advance voting opportunities:
Oct. 18, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at UNBC in Room 7-170 of the Bentley Centre and at Prince George city hall (1100 Patricia Blvd.)
Oct. 19, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the College of New Caledonia in Room 1-723.
Oct. 24, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Prince George city hall (1100 Patricia Blvd.)
A ballot marking machine for electors with hearing, visual, or other physical impairments will be available at the two advance voting opportunities at city hall (Oct. 18 and 24).
General Voting Day is Oct. 28, from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For voting-related details including identification requirements and where to vote, visit the city's website.
Results will be published on the city's referendum webpage (www.princegeorge.ca/referendum) once polls have closed and the results have been verified.
For anyone requesting a presentation, city officials continue to meet with community groups, service clubs and organizations to present information about the referendum.
Interested group organizers are asked to fill out an online form to request a presentation.
Residents can visit www.princegeorge.ca/referendum to get the latest information and voting details, and review answers to commonly asked questions.
The city's Facebook page and Twitter account are also regularly updated with referendum information.
Many civic facilities including the public library, Conference and Civic Centre and city hall also have brochures available for residents.
