Powell River Regional District’s move to new office space on Marine Avenue in Westview brings many benefits for the public, elected officials and especially the hard-working staff. While a beautiful structure, the Townsite heritage home, which has housed the regional district for the past 33 years, creates a number of challenges and no longer serves the needs of a local government operating in an era of high-speed communications and complicated electronics. As well, the new office space will be accessible to people with mobility challenges, including those who must use a wheelchair.
The move will cost an estimated $676,107. The sale of the Townsite building, which generated $303,000, brings the cost to taxpayers down to $373,107. The regional district is using $285,107 from reserve funds and $88,000 in short-term borrowing to pay the balance. If the vacant lot next to the Townsite building, which the regional district also owns, sells, the proceeds are expected to go toward the cost of the move.
It has to be remembered that the City of Powell River is part of the regional district, so property owners within the city are footing just over 50 per cent of the bill. Everyone who owns property in the entire area has a stake in the move.
The new location, just minutes away from city hall, raises the speculation that perhaps someday both local governments could be much closer, maybe even amalgamated into one, as suggested in a service review of city operations by the Helios Group.
The report listed numerous recommendations, including exploring joint savings for both the city and regional district that could be realized through either amalgamation or sharing of services. It used the example of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, which amalgamated the Northern Rockies Regional District and the town of Fort Nelson.
While this idea needs further exploration and discussion, there are some steps being made toward at least studying sharing services. The regional district’s strategic plan includes proposals to study strategies for regional transportation and regional recreation. Exploring regional initiatives is also part of the city’s draft strategic plan.
In a time of economic restraint, it’s incumbent on Powell River’s local governments to reduce costs and avoid increasing residential and business taxes to maintain existing expenditure levels. Moving toward sharing services between the city and regional district, strengthening cooperation and recognizing a common goal appear to be excellent ways to achieve fiscal balance.
