In what might be a thaw in relations between Metchosin and West Shore Parks and Recreation, council voted to endorse the weight room expansion more than a year after the project was completed.
Metchosin council didnB次元官网网址檛 back the $2.1 million gym expansion at the West Shore rec centre, but it didnB次元官网网址檛 block it either after gaining an exemption from being fiscally responsible for the project.
The recreation centre netted a $724,900 grant from the federal government and borrowed $1 million to fund the expansion.
When this yearB次元官网网址檚 recreation centre budget first crossed MetchosinB次元官网网址檚 council table, council did not approve it and asked for clarity as to how MetchosinB次元官网网址檚 financial contributions are spent.
After being sent more information from West Shore recreation, Metchosin Mayor John Ranns said he was still not satisfied with the numbers, but explained, B次元官网网址淲e are going to end up paying out for this whether we like it or not.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淎ll I can think of is to throw our hands up and say weB次元官网网址檒l be participants,B次元官网网址� Ranns said. B次元官网网址淚 am going to vote for this because they have beaten me down. The figures donB次元官网网址檛 add up, they donB次元官网网址檛 jive, but I am used to it, itB次元官网网址檚 business as usual.B次元官网网址�
Coun. Moralea Milne, who sits on the West Shore recreation board, explained when the revamped weight room and new fitness studio start to generate revenue, Metchosin would not be eligible to a share of that income and may have to contribute more tax dollars to the rec centre.
B次元官网网址淎s long as the debt services are being paid I doubt they will ever make money on that fitness centre,B次元官网网址� Ranns said.
B次元官网网址淚 am tired of hearing this fight, year after year,B次元官网网址� noted Coun. Larry Tremblay.
During public participation at the council meeting last week, a Metchosin resident told council he works out in the weightroom weekly and appreciates his tax dollars being used for the project.
Council passed the West Shore Parks and Recreation budget.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com
