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Capital Budget approved: City to talk pool design, twin Dawe arena

Nov 20, 2018 | 9:53 PM

The City of Red Deer will be dipping its toe in on a new aquatic centre sooner than was feared.

Red Deer city council approved a $121 million capital budget Tuesday evening after two days of deliberation. It includes projects that will take place in 2019, or which require additional funding from previous years.

Debate on a future aquatics centre ended with council resolving to further consider scope and location and with a commitment to move detailed design costs forward from 2023 to 2019. The placeholder for construction remains as recommended in the plan, the City says.

Mayor Tara Veer feels the decision made by council is the next logical step for the future of the aquatic centre.

“It allows us flexibility but holds true to the fiscal reality of this budget,” said Veer. “We need to balance competing community expectations while navigating significant reductions in provincial government infrastructure funding. This City is genuine in wanting to move the community forward, but need to manage expectations about the timeline for major projects given financial realities.”

City Council approved a $2.6 million expansion and enhancement plan for the G.H. Dawe Community Centre, including a twinned and expanded arena and new spray park which would cost $32 million in construction costs. Preliminary dates are scheduled for 2021 and 2022 and a $15 million federal grant has already been applied for to help support these costs.

Some of the other items approved for the 2019 Capital Budget include crown paving, infrastructure upgrades in Riverside Meadows and water and wastewater infrastructure – including a phosphorus recovery facility.

Some components of the Northland Drive project, connecting along Highway 11A were approved as a part of a long-term plan to connect along the river to 30 Avenue. The improvements along Highway 11A will also provide access to development in the north, City officials say.

Veer says they are working to find the right balance between spending now and planning for sustainable future growth.

“We recognize the importance of keeping tax rates as low as possible for our citizens while the economy continues to move through a state of recovery,” Veer expressed, “and also ensuring we have the infrastructure in place to meet growth and support economic development that positions us for our community’s future.”

The City’s estimated debt limit for 2019 sits at 56 per cent following capital budget approval, which is below the 75 per cent debt limit set by Council.

“The reality is the economy continues to recover more slowly than anticipated, and recognizing this, we recommended a capital budget that respects Council’s direction, vision for community amenities and budget guidelines surrounding debt limit and minimal tax increases,” said City Manager Craig Curtis.

Council has also approved in principle the 2020-2028 capital plan which includes $1.5 billion in projects. Officials say the plan allows flexibility for administration to adjust priorities based on community need and project funding.

More to come Wednesday.

 

(With file form City of Red Deer media release)