Enderby Clarifies Cliff Avenue Approval Process

The City of Enderby is clarifying the Alternate Approval Process being used for reconstructing Cliff Avenue. The Alternate Approval Process is an opportunity for electors to disagree with whether the City should borrow to fund a portion of the project. It is not a vote on the project itself. Should the Alternate Approval Process fail, the revitalization of Cliff Avenue will be funded through other means which may have a larger impact upon the taxpayer.

“Every time that we plan the financial component of a major project, the City weighs a lot of different factors in determining its approach. This involves things like current and future reserve levels, cash flows, borrowing costs, and other commitments such as the contributions needed to leverage future grant opportunities offered by the Provincial and Federal Governments” said the City’s Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer Bellamy. “We always look towards finding a reasonable approach that will protect the City’s financial health while moderating tax increases.”

The vision for the Cliff Avenue renewal is one of creating a sustainable, well-lit, walkable, and beautiful main street. Uneven sidewalks, dysfunctional road gutters, and unhealthy trees will be replaced. A new plaza, backlit pier gateway structures, and new seating opportunities will go in. The result will be a bright, attractive street that creates new opportunities for business and for the community.

“We want to create a space where businesses thrive and the public is welcomed. All of those things that make Enderby such a great place to live and work are represented in the street design,” said Enderby’s Mayor, Greg McCune.

It is also a necessary project, as much of the infrastructure on Cliff Avenue is at the end of its lifecycle. Less than 10% of the project cost is dedicated towards beautification. The remainder goes toward replacing necessary infrastructure. This includes replacing two of the most critical water mains in the City, which transport water from the treatment plant to the reservoirs and provide critical fire storage capacity.

“As a Council, we went through unprecedented scrutiny of this project in terms of funding and design. We were voted in to create positive change in Enderby while being good stewards of the City’s assets and finances,” noted McCune.

“As we are renewing Cliff Avenue, my Council has been working with staff to find savings and efficiencies in the budget. Our 2016 budget, which is being prepared for adoption, will increase by less than the rate of inflation. That increase includes the Cliff Avenue borrowing costs. We are doing more with less this year – much more. At the same time, we have found ways to reduce water rates for smaller water consumers by up to $19.50 and for larger water consumers by up to $40. For the vast majority of our water customers, they are paying the same or less under the metered rates than they did under the previous flat rate structure.”

“Enderby City Council’s goal,” states McCune, “is to ensure that Enderby is building towards a bright future. Financially, we have structured our budget and the Cliff Avenue project carefully so that Enderby moves forward while respecting taxpayers. The success of the Alternate Approval Process is crucial to keeping taxpayer costs low and keeping the City in a sustainable position.”