The City of Nanaimo has cancelled the alternate-approval process related to public works yard improvements, and will instead look at all its options for funding the $48.5-million project.
At a special council meeting Monday, Feb. 12, council members voted unanimously to cancel the current AAP, abandon a borrowing bylaw related to public works yard improvements, and direct staff to come back to council with options to pay for the first phase of the project.
Staff made a mistake with managing the AAP last month, failing to provide elector response forms in accordance with legislated timelines. Staff also made a mistake with a public works yard AAP last fall, falling short on notice requirements at that time.
This week’s staff report, authored by chief administrative officer Dale Lindsay, indicated that another alternative-approval process isn’t envisioned.
“Community fatigue having to go through another process to obtain electoral approval at this time is not desirable,” the report noted. “Council has been able to gauge public perception and views around long-term borrowing and the AAP process.”
The staff report also noted that pursuing options to fund the first phase of the Nanaimo Operations Centre means that although it will be delayed, “the project will be able to move forward.”
Lindsay told council that staff believes the operations centre is a priority for the community and is something staff views as a requirement in the city.
Council also heard two community delegations on the matter, but debate around the table was minimal.
“I’m committed to fair and transparent open democratic process,” said Coun. Ben Geselbracht. “We’ve had some issues with the AAP and I think we need to get together and sort out options going forward.”
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