City of Powell River council has approved a $540,000 grant application to the provincial government for the area around Powell River Recreation Complex. The application, for 80 per cent funding, is for the construction of an outdoor fitness circuit and a basketball court in the cleared area and a skills bike park, to be located west of the skateboard park.
Bill Reid, director of parks, recreation and culture, explained to council during the December 15 committee-of-the-whole meeting that the deadline for applying for the funds was December 28. Reid presented another option, applying for $315,000 for bleachers and sports field and track lighting for the new Timberlane athletic track. But he recommended applying for the complex development, as that is the more costly project. He also reported that the city had approached Powell River Community Forest Ltd. to contribute the city’s share of the project, $108,000.
Reid’s report was added to the committee agenda and councillors referred it to that evening’s council meeting because of the grant deadline.
Reid had initially recommended the entire project for the cleared area at the complex, but some councillors expressed concern about herons nesting there. In June 2010, the area was logged in preparation for constructing the athletic track. After Great Blue Heron nests were discovered, logging stopped and the track was relocated to Timberlane Park. Since then, the city has been discussing what to do with the cleared area. Heron nests are protected by the provincial Wildlife Act.
After the committee meeting, Reid sent an email to council noting that the bike park could be built to the area west of the skateboard park, across from the pool and adjacent to Millennium Park. “This area would not pose any concerns with the herons,” he wrote. “The basketball court and fitness equipment would not pose any concerns with the herons being constructed in the cleared area.”
Councillor Debbie Dee pointed out that herons had been nesting in the area in 2011 and they would probably return in 2012. She agreed with putting the bike park next to the skateboard park. “This bike park is going to be dirt and it’s going to be awfully dusty,” she said.
Councillor Chris McNaughton, who attended via telephone, said it was important to find other contributors for the project, “so we’re not going back again to the taxpayers saying we need to increase taxation to do this through borrowing.”
Mayor Dave Formosa agreed with McNaughton’s point. During the committee meeting earlier in the day, Formosa said he was in favour of the project, but only if the city receives a contribution from other sources. “We can’t borrow any more dough,” he said.
Councillor Maggie Hathaway voted in opposition to the motion. She pointed out council had just received the report that morning and there were still questions that needed answers. “I think three years ago, we did this quite a few times and we ran into some stumbling blocks for that very reason,” she said.
Hathaway added that there weren’t any issues with the other option. “I think we’d have more luck getting funding partners with the track option,” she said. “It seems a sure thing and there are no unanswered questions.”
Councillor Russell Brewer said he supported the complex option, with the change in location for the bike park. “I’ve spoken to a lot of kids using the existing skate park and the consistent message I’ve heard from them is it sucks; they’d like more,” he said. He also said the complex project meets the grant guidelines better and partners would be just as willing to support it.
Councillors Jim Palm and Myrna Leishman also supported that option. “I too think that we need to remember that we are here to promote a healthy community,” Leishman said. “We talk a lot about that and this is an opportunity now for not just children, but for youth and families.”
