Sparwood council has given three readings to a bylaw so they can borrow $20 million for the wastewater treatment plant.
The district has completed the design for the project and will be moving forward with contractor procurement.
The cost estimate for the project is just over $19 million including contingency.
Mayor David Wilks says the project has been a long time coming and it’s one the most costly in the district’s history.
“This is the first time the district of Sparwood has had to borrow any substantial amount of money,” he said.
“We’re getting to a point now where our infrastructure needs to be replaced or upgraded for sure.”
The project will certainly have an impact on the district’s budget over the coming years.
Wilks expressed some frustration during Tuesday’s council meeting over residents not taking part in the council process while complaining about rising taxes.
Zero people were in attendance in person and only 11 were watching online.
“We’re about to borrow 20 million dollars and there is no one in council chambers. The number one thing I hear in town is they b*tch about how much their taxes are going to go up, but no one is here,” Wilks said.
“We are about to raise your taxes over the next three years, not including operational and capital, by $558.62 and there is no one here. I guess you must be okay with it because we are really struggling.”
While the project is needed in the community, Wilks says residents need to be aware that other projects will have to be put on the back burner due to the cost.
“This puts a damper on moving forward with anything else, whether it be the Fire Hall 2 or rec facilities,” he said.
“This is going to be a challenge. Having said that, most people enjoy flushing their toilet, so this is a good thing.”
The borrowing bylaw will be up for approval at a future council meeting.
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