Coast Mountain News Thursday, May 9, 2013
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Vol. 29 | No. 10 Thursday, May 9, 2012
Serving the Bella Coola Valley and the Chilcotin
U-Fire Raku popular with all ages
Serving the Bella Coola Valley and the Chilcotin Page
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Michael Wigle photo
Theresa Marie creates a piece of Raku during the enormously popular 'U-Fire Raku' hosted at the Art House on Sunday, April 28.
Community asks hard questions at airport dike referendum meeting CAITLIN THOMPSON The community turned out last week for the CCRD’s information session on the proposed airport dike upgrade project. A referendum is planned for May 25, and the meeting was intended to be an information session as well as an opportunity for questions from the community. The evening began with a presentation by the CCRD, Stephen Waugh of Spiritscape Ventures, and David Matsubara of Kerr Wood Liedal Consulting Engineers on the history, current state, and proposed work on the dike. Built in the late 1970s, the airport dike was chosen as the first project as it represents a sig-
nificant transportation link to the Valley and services all residents. However, Waugh has characterized the dike as ‘failing’ and in need of expansion and repair. The total cost of the project is just under $3,000,000 and would be partially funded by the federal and provincial governments. The CCRD is required to fund one third of the project and would have to borrow $1,150,000, which would result in a debt to taxpayers that would take 30 years to repay. Naturally, there were multiple questions on exactly how all this money would be handled. As the airport services the entire community, every property owner and resident, (excluding the
Nuxalk Nation on IR#1 as they do not pay property taxes) would be eligible to vote on whether or not the CCRD should proceed with the project, and all residents would share the financial burden. However, if there were more projects in the future, such as the Hagensborg gap, the cost would only apply to those living in that area. “The province likes to see a map drawn up around the specific properties a proposed dike would protect,” said Acting CAO Donna Mikkelson. “Unless a strong case could be presented otherwise, it’s likely the province would determine only those in the specified area would have to pay for it.” The airport project would
result in a tax increase of approximately 32 percent, and varies according to the area you reside in. For example, those living in Area E (Townsite) will pay an extra $67 per year, but if you live in Area C (Augsburg Church east to the Hill) or Area D (Augsburg Church west to Tatsquan Creek), your costs will be $153 and $129 respectively. The costs are calculated based upon the average value of your home and how much industry and business are located in your area. This new tax would only be applied to the airport dike project, and does not include the additional 30 percent tax increase the CCRD already passed in their 2013 budget. However, the total
portion of taxes you pay to the regional district is also determined by your electoral area. “I think it is important to note that it is the regional district’s portion of taxes that will increase by 31 percent. That does not mean that everyone’s property tax bill will increase by 31 percent,” said Mikkelson. “For example, I live in Area C, and my assessment value from BCAA stayed the same from last year. If all other taxing authorities on my bill don’t increase their levy, my total tax bill will increase by 14 percent from 2012. This does not including the dike taxes if the referendum passes.” SEE DIKE ON PAGE 3