Time to Vote for your Heritage: Okanagan Rail Corridor goes to borrowing referendum

Lake Country, BC – Mayor and Council initiated a referendum on Tuesday, March 3^rd 2015 for approval to borrow up to $2,615,000 to fund the purchase of a 50 per cent share of the 16 kilometres of the Okanagan Rail Corridor within the District boundaries.

“It is critical for all residents to come out to vote, to ensure they have their say in shaping our community’s future and to be informed in making that decision,” said Mayor James Baker.

Referendum voting will be held the following dates and at locations in all four wards of Lake Country (note: individuals do not have to live in a ward to vote at the advance voting opportunity – all electors are welcome):

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 (8am to 8pm) at Municipal Hall – 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road

Thursday, April 16 (10am to 7pm) at Oyama Community Hall – 15710 Oyama Road

Friday, April 17 (10am to 7pm) at Carr’s Landing Fire Hall – 16625 Commonage Road

Monday, April 20, 2015 (10am to 7pm ) at Okanagan Centre Hall – 11099 Maddock Avenue

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 (8am to 8pm) at Municipal Hall – 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road

Saturday, April 25, 2015 (8am to 8pm) at GESS Community Gym – 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road

“The end of the due diligence period on the negotiated sales and purchase agreement with CN is March 31, but the closing date is June 1, 2015,” said Michael Mercer, Director of Engineering and Environmental Services. “We will be working with CN in the coming days on any agreement amendments that may be necessary to accommodate the referendum. To date CN has been very understanding of our challenge and is willing to work with us.”

The unique opportunity to purchase and protect the rail corridor along the shores of Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake through Lake Country has been the subject of much controversy since the purchase and sale agreement was signed in December 2014.

As with other municipalities, Lake Country faces infrastructure maintenance and renewal challenges, but the District has master plans and funding parameters in place to ensure that infrastructure needs are addressed over time, yet still allow the District to take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities such as the rail corridor acquisition.”¹

This is your heritage and your future. Please take the time to vote.