District Sets Firehall Referendum

By Corey Fischer

Aug 29, 2018 | 5:30 AM

You can add Lake Country to the list of local communities that will be holding a referendum on October 20th, as part of civic elections.

The District will be seeking voter approval to borrow up to 6.6 million dollars to fund the building a new firehall to replace Station 71 and Fire Administration in Winfield.

The preferred site for the building at Okanagan Centre Road East and Jardines Road was purchased in 2008.

Mayor James Baker says the new facility will support the safety of the whole community as it continues to grow.

“It is critical for all residents to come out to vote, to ensure they have their say in shaping our community’s future,” says Baker. “The Lake Country Fire Department protects the community by responding to fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, ice and marine rescues, in addition to fire safety public education in the schools and at events for the whole community.”

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The question approved by Council for the referendum is: Are you in favour of the District of Lake Country enacting Loan Authorization (Fire Hall) Bylaw 1062, 2018 to authorize the borrowing of up to $6,600,000 to fund the construction of a new Fire Hall?

The timing of this Loan Authorization Bylaw is such that elector assent by referendum can be combined with the October 20th General Election, allowing for greater voter participation at a minimal additional cost,” says Chief Election Officer Willene Perez. “The referendum process will be open to all qualified electors in the District of Lake Country. The referendum question will be on the ballot in addition to the elections for Mayor, Councillor at Large, Ward Councillor and School Trustee. So even if there are candidate acclamations in any of the Wards, it is still important for electors from all Wards to come out and have a say in the referendum by casting their vote.”

Referendum and General Election voting will be held the following dates and locations:

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 (8am to 8pm) at Municipal Hall – 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road

Monday, October 15, 2018 (8am to 8pm) at Municipal Hall – 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road

Saturday, October 20, 2018 (8am to 8pm) at GESS Community Gym – 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road

For more information about the Fire Hall project, visit www.lakecountry.bc.ca/firehallreferendum.

by Corey Fischer