Representatives from the Vancouver Island Mountain Sport Society provided Cumberland council with an overview of the new training/meeting facility that officially opens Wednesday, Feb. 22 at Mount Washington.
The mountain sports centre cost $3.2 million to construct. Along with a million-dollar federal contribution, the society received funds from provincial and private partners. There is an outstanding mortgage due to cost overruns. Directors and community members have guaranteed their own money to ensure the centre starts operating.
The society has requested $50,000 from the regional district to assist with operating the centre, which has opened a fitness facility available to the public. It is asking Cumberland and other municipalities to consider any sort of support.
Coun. Roger Kishi asked if the society will approach Tourism Comox Valley and the Comox Valley Economic Development Society (CVEDS).
"That's an excellent idea," society chair Rick Morsen said.
The centre includes dorm-style accommodation for 40 people, a kitchen, office space, a massage/physiotherapy room and a meeting/dining room. The estimated annual operating budget is $254,600.
鈥he Village received $36,566 from the regional district, representing one dollar per tonne of refuse scaled at the Comox Valley Waste Management Centre for the second half of last year, bringing the 2011 road maintenance grant to $76,540. Council supported a Conner Copeman motion to include data to support a request for an arbitrary amount of two dollars per tonne.
鈥ouncil received a letter from Michael Jestico of the Gatehouse Bistro who is perplexed as to why CVEDS feels the new visitor centre is worthy of a tax break. CVEDS has requested a tax exemption for the centre at the highway interchange, which is within Cumberland's boundaries.
"This is not as much a community service but a business 鈥� as we are!" states Jestico, noting businesses are not freely displayed at the centre. "The idea that a business should get a tax break or deferment should then be offered to all businesses."
鈥ouncil directed staff to include commercial development cost charge fees and to include a public engagement process as an amendment to the DCC bylaw, which reflects a desire of the previous council to exempt commercial developments from DCC fees.
鈥ay Iwaasa and Grace Doherty of the Coal Creek Historic Park Advisory Committee appeared before council to recommend proceeding with a bridge project that will incorporate a distinct design to honour former Japanese residents. The committee has secured nearly $17,000 to construct the bridge, which will enhance the Colliery Trail. Council will make a decision at its next meeting.
鈥ouncil received a letter from Ulverston Avenue resident Dave Baker, who along with several neighbours oppose transit changes to Route 2 Cumberland. They do want the bus to travel from Fourth Street onto Ulverston to Seventh, which is scheduled to begin Monday. They feel the route change will create safety issues, air and noise pollution, increase litter in front of houses, decrease privacy on the streets, create wear and tear on side roads and possibly decrease property values.
"Ultimately, the route should be kept to the main roads as is the current practise," Baker states.
鈥ouncil will permit a Comox Valley Cycle Club race May 26, pending the receipt of insurance documentation and other requirements. No racing will occur on Dunsmuir Street.
鈥he province is accepting nominations for Child Care Awards of Excellence until March 5. Check www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/childcare/awards/index.htm.
鈥ommittee of the Whole meets Monday at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers. A budget workshop will be held at 8:30 a.m. March 19.
reporter@comoxvalleyrecord.com
