Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District: The Cariboo Regional District is seeking the approval of residents of the West Chilcotin to introduce a new financial assistance program for community halls in Electoral Area J. There are three community groups and halls to be included in the new service – Anahim Lake Community Hall, Nimpo Lake Community Hall, and the Tatla Lake Community Hall. The necessary service establishment bylaw has received three readings from the Board of Directors and now requires resident approval. “These halls have been kept going by volunteers in each community, dedicating countless hours to keep them open and running” said Tolin Pare, Director for Electoral Area J. “This new service will help alleviate the stress of securing enough funds to keep the lights on and the water running, allowing each non-profit to focus on recruiting more volunteers to help run much needed community programs.” The total amount collected will be $30,000 and split evenly between the three halls to help pay for utilities, insurance, and specified improvement projects. The full cost of providing this service would be covered through a parcel tax on properties in Electoral Area J of $30 per parcel levied on up to two properties per unique owner. This would be similar to services that have been established in other Electoral Areas of the Regional District, including Electoral Areas F, G, H, and L. Approval is being pursued through an Alternative Approval Process, which only requires residents and property owners who are opposed to the service to take action. Residents of Electoral Area J have until July 2, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. to submit an elector response form to the Regional District’s Manager of Corporate Administration. The form and elector eligibility requirements are available on the Cariboo Regional District’s website. Unless ten percent of eligible electors submit an elector response form, the Board will be able to proceed with adopting the proposed service establishment bylaw. In that case, the requisition for funding would begin in 2025 along with any necessary funding agreements to manage the contributions.

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