The public will have a chance to weigh in on whether they want the city to offer a contract for up 25 years to run Skaha Marina.
Ahead of the June by-election, the public will have multiple opportunities to learn more about the details around the question that will be appearing on the ballot.
The public will be able to vote to either support the city in entering into a long-term agreement, which would be up to 25 years following a competitive bidding process, or to stay with shorter term agreements.
Information on the question and the details of the Skaha Lake Park East plan are available online from shapeyourcitypenticton.ca and physically from the engagement kiosks at City Hall, the Skaha Marina and other City facilities.
“We’re hoping that citizens will take some time to learn more about the Community Question during these early days and obtain accurate information,” said general manager of community services Anthony Haddad.
Staff will be along Skaha Lake on May 1 and Okanagan Lake on May 8 between 10 am and 1pm to speak with citizens and answer questions.
A Facebook Live presentation is planned for May 6 beginning at 6 p.m. on the City’s account and staff will be on hand to answer questions in the chat while there is interest.
Citizens can also register for a Zoom presentation on May 12 between 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. through shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.
With the longer-term agreement, the city would be able to require the operator to put the work and funding towards improvements to the marina instead of the city and taxpayers funding them.
The fate of the Nautical Dog Cafe, that currently runs out of the marina, would also be up to the next operator of the marina, according to Haddad.
Council approved the inclusion of the question on the ballot at their meeting on March 31, and has committed to abide by the results.
“Council feels strongly that the community needs to be on board with entering into a long-term agreement with a private operator before we move forward,” said Mayor John Vassilaki. “I encourage everyone to carefully consider the information available on this topic as you also consider the candidates.”
The current license to use for the marina expires at the end of 2021.
Regardless of the public’s decision, the process to select the next operator will be made open to more bids, according to Haddad.
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