Is the Vanderhoof pool a field of dreams?
So you want a pool! That don't impress me much!
Have we all missed the lectures from Mark Carney, head of the Bank of Canada?
He's preaching fiscal responsibility and an end to 30 year mortgages and here we are
proposing to do exactly that to build a pool.
Prince George has a tax base of approximately 80,000 people trying to support two pools.
And they're having financial difficulties. Vanderhoof is proposing building and operating a pool with a tax base of 8,000 people.
The original 2010 proposal called for a $6 million pool. The new, improved 2012 proposal calls for a $12 million pool with every bell and whistle thrown in.
After all, it's just taxpayer money!
The 2010 proposal called for tax collection from Vanderhoof and municipal Area C, D and F. The 2012 proposal - where the cost will be doubled - calls for tax collection from Vanderhoof and Area F only. Double the cost and reduce the tax base? To add insult to injury, many Area F residents live in Cluculz Lake. Many are summer residents with principal residents in Prince George or other cities where they already pay taxes to support pools. Many people in Area F - Cluculz Lake - feel they have been singled out for this project. Could it be because our assessments are some of the highest in the area, thereby providing more dollars?
No one doubts the benefits of a pool. Aquatic exercise is excellent for people of all ages.
All areas surrounding Vanderhoof will have access to this facility. Why is only one area being asked to pay for it? Will it be the magic bullet the pool committee assures us will draw people and industry to Vanderhoof?
Think this through and make your voice count regarding this issue. On February 16, vote.
Marlene Bernier
Vanderhoof
