Prince Rupert Residents Opposed to City’s $45 Million Borrowing Plans Have Until August 14th to Let Them Know

Residents of Prince Rupert have just over a month to have their say on a pair of proposed loan authorization bylaws.

With the cost to repair the City’s aging water and sewer infrastructure pegged at over $300 million, Council needed to get creative with borrowing.

In May they gave three readings to a pair of loan authorization bylaws utilizing an alternative approval process.

In order to pass, the bylaws must receive opposition from no more than 10 percent of eligible electors, or be sent to referendum.

If passed, they would authorize the City to borrow up to a combined $45 million to be re-paid over a 30 year period.

Combined, the loans would see an estimated $184 increase in sewer fees, and a $35 jump in water fees in 2024.

Residents who oppose the bylaws have until August 14th to send a response form to the City, with information available at this link for the $40 million plan, and this one for the $5 million proposal.

If more than 10 percent of eligible submit a form, the bylaws will go to referendum.