Complex funding talks start
Elected officials from Powell River region’s three local governments met earlier this month as a regional recreation working group began talks on a future cost-sharing agreement for operation of Powell River Recreation Complex.
During City of Powell River’s finance committee meeting on November 23, mayor Dave Formosa said he was not ready to celebrate yet, but the first meeting was a positive first step in finding an equitable funding arrangement for the complex’s operations.
Approximately two-thirds of its more than $4-million operating budget is paid for by city taxpayers, although residents of Powell River Regional District electoral areas A, B and C and Tla’amin Nation citizens use the facility.
Regional district chair Patrick Brabazon reported at the November 23 regional board meeting that the working group is “a work in progress.”
Electoral Area C director Colin Palmer, one of the three mainland directors participating in the working group, said reviewing the complex’s financial statements will help develop a possible cost-sharing arrangement.
A second meeting for the working group has yet to be scheduled.
Storm brings high temperatures
Powell River region saw unseasonable warm temperatures and heavy rain on November 22 as a subtropical air mass, dubbed a “pineapple express,” veered north to the BC coast.
Powell River Airport weather station reported a high of 13.9 degrees Celsius, which broke a historical record for the day, according to Environment Canada data.
