| | About the Alternative Approval ProcessUnder the Community Charter, local governments such as the City of Prince George may use an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to directly engage citizens about a proposed bylaw or other matter requiring elector approval. An AAP can be used for various initiatives to undertake long-term borrowing, a boundary extension, to establish a new regional district service, or other matter requiring approval of the electorate.
How an AAP Works- A staff report is provided to City Council that describes the plan for conducting the AAP. It includes key information about the proposed elector approval process to ensure elected officials fully understand the implications of using an AAP to obtain approval. The report also provides staff with an opportunity to plan the process to conduct the potential AAP.
- At a City Council meeting, Council will direct staff to proceed with obtaining the approval of a bylaw(s) through an Alternate Approval Process, subject to receiving approval from the BC Inspector of Municipalities.
- After receiving approval from the BC Inspector of Municipalities, a notice of an AAP will be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper distributed in the area defined for the process. Eligible electors who are opposed to the bylaw(s) have at least 30 days from the publication of the second notice to submit elector response forms to the local government corporate officer before the AAP deadline.
- Elector response forms are made available at City Hall and on the City's website. Signed forms received after the deadline has passed cannot be counted. If 10 per cent or more of the total number of eligible electors sign and submit response forms, local governments cannot proceed with the proposed matter without first holding an assent vote (i.e. referendum).
| 1 | 1 | Alternative Approval Process | | | The Loan Authorization Bylaws
These bylaws are enabling numerous critical capital projects. The projects associated with each bylaw are indicated below.
Equipment Financing Equipment Financing Bylaw No.9007, 2019
Loan: $2,919,583
The annual replacement and addition of vehicles and capital equipment are financed through the Municipal Finance Authority Equipment Financing Program. Through these loan agreements, the City retains ownership of the asset and is charged a low variable interest rate based on the Canadian Dealer Offered Rate with fixed payment schedules.
The MFA Equipment Financing Program has no fees to set up or discharge leases, no taxes on payments, and no penalties or fees for paying out early or making extra principal payments. The interest rate on the Equipment Financing Program as of the February 14, 2019 is 2.6 per cent. These Equipment Financing Bylaws agreements will be for a term no longer than 10 years to match the expected service life of the new mobile equipment.
Mausoleum Expansion Phase 2 Mausoleum Expansion Phase 2 Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9008, 2019
Loan: $1,400,000
This project is to add an additional 1,030 glass front niches to the mausoleum at Memorial Park Cemetery. The mausoleum is over 93 per cent full and nearing capacity. As of September 15, 2018, 100 per cent of glass front niches have been sold, 94 per cent of marble front niches have been sold, and 40 families have signed a waitlist for new niches. The original design allowed for future expansion and this project would be phase 2 of the overall plan. A feasibility study was completed in 2017 to provide revenue schedules, preliminary architectural drawings, and a construction budget. Civic Facility Roofs Replacements 2019-2022 Civic Facility Roof Replacements 2019-2022 Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9009, 2019
Loan: $4,670,450
This project is to replace roofs on various civic facilities including: SPCA, Search & Rescue, Sports Centre lower roof, 1310 3rd Avenue, City Yard mechanical bay, Kin 2, Kin 3, Two Rivers Gallery, Agriplex, Civic Centre, Senior’s Activity Centre, and CN Centre. Aquatic Centre Renewal and Upgrade Aquatic Centre Renewal and Upgrade Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9010, 2019
Loan: $10,205,500
This project is a rolled up total of four different capital projects in the 2019–2023 Financial Plan meant to update and renew the Aquatic Centre prior to the 2022 Summer Games.
For more information: Masich Place Stadium Amenities Refurbishment Masich Place Stadium Amenities Refurbish Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9011, 2019
Loan: $2,701,000
This project is to replace and add outdoor site amenities and services at Masich Place Stadium to accommodate the 2022 BC Summer Games and ongoing use. This multi-year improvement program includes upgraded field lighting, a replacement of the score clock and PA system, and new pathway lighting, electrical kiosks, fibre optic connection, irrigation, bleachers, and site furnishings to support visitor services at the stadium. In 2017/2018, Masich Place Stadium received a reinvestment of over $4.5 million with a new synthetic turf infield, resurfaced track, and new track and field infrastructure, as well as upgrades to the grandstand with exterior painting, lighting, and accessible infrastructure. The stadium was originally developed in 1990 to host the BC Summer Games and has been redeveloped as a multi-sport venue capable of hosting regional, provincial, and national championships with a CFL and FIFA regulation size infield, as well as IAAF track and field facilities. The addition of a synthetic turf infield will significantly increase annual field bookings 2.5x with ongoing use by UNBC soccer, high school football, and other community user groups. This project's improvements to existing site infrastructure and addition of new amenities and site services are required to support Masich Place Stadium's use as a premier venue for regional training and competitions, in addition to providing ongoing public use through the popular daily walking/exercise program. Ron Brent Park Redevelopment Phase 2 and 3 Ron Brent Park Redevelopment Phase 2 & 3 Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9012, 2019
Loan: $1,675,000
This project is to continue the multi-phased redevelopment of Ron Brent Park including four pickleball courts, seniors fitness equipment, ten horseshoe pits, community garden plots, lighting, a toboggan hill launch, irrigated lawns, paved trails, trees, and a washroom/storage building. Phase 1 of the park redevelopment occurred in 2017 and included the development of a playground and sport field at the adjacent Ron Brent Elementary School. Phase 2 of the redevelopment plan includes all below ground and at grade works in the park in 2019, while Phase 3 sees the completion of the park with the development of structures in 2020. 14th Avenue Upgrades (Irwin Street to Freeman Street)
14th Avenue Upgrades (Irwin Street to Freeman Street) Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9013, 2019
Loan: $1,200,000
This project is to rebuild approximately 280m of 14th Avenue, between Irwin Street and Freeman Street to facilitate development along this corridor. The upgrades are to improve the existing sub-City-standard roadway to a 20m urban, local roadway. Upgrades include: replacement and extension of the existing water main on 14th Ave with size to accommodate future multifamily residential development, extension of existing sanitary sewer main on 14th Avenue, extension of the existing storm sewer and catch basins, curb and gutter on both sides of 14th Avenue, sidewalk on one side of 14th Avenue, and street lights along 14th Avenue. Domano and St. Lawrence Signalization Domano and St. Lawrence Signalization Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9014, 2019
Loan: $500,000
This project is to signalize and reconfigure the Domano Boulevard - St. Lawrence Avenue/Gladstone Drive intersection. This is an arterial-collector intersection and is one of two intersections which allow traffic to travel between upper and lower College Heights. These improvements will facilitate development at the extents of St. Lawrence Avenue and Southridge Avenue, improve network access for the surrounding residential and recreational areas, and improve intersection road safety. This project may be eligible for ICBC funding. Highway 16 West Frontage - Heyer Road to Henry Road Highway 16 West Frontage - Heyer Road to Henry Road Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9015, 2019
Loan: $800,000
This project is to upgrade the pedestrian safety along Henry Road by installing a sidewalk, storm drainage, and street lighting along Henry Road. The sidewalk will connect to the pedestrian passage under Highway 16 to Vanway Elementary School and is a continuation of the work completed by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in 2018. Goose Country Road Culvert Replacement Goose Country Road Culvert Replacement Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9016, 2019
Loan: $1,100,000
This project is to replace the two 700mm culverts at Goose Country Road. They have experienced multiple failures and corrosion extends throughout the 700mm pipes. The culverts provide a road crossing for McMillan Creek which is a fish-bearing watercourse. Critical Street Light and Traffic Signal Replacement
Critical Street Light and Traffic Signal Replacement Loan Authorization Bylaw No.9017, 2019
Loan: $5,000,000
This project is to Rehabilitate and replace aging street light and traffic signal infrastructure. Many City street lights and traffic signals were installed in the 1970’s and are past the end of their service life. The original installation of these lights is no longer compliant with City standards or electrical code practices. According to current estimates, approximately 2,500 lights are currently past their expected life. This program will target the most critical street lights and traffic signals, which represents approximately 600 items. | 2 | 1 | Alternative Approval Process |
|
