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Kusiek, and a joint team of neighborhood community leagues, have argued that Scona Pool should remain open until a new facility can be built. The proposed $ 76 million Rollie Miles Rec Center would be a small building adjacent to Strathcona High School and offer an indoor pool, gym and outdoor skating rink. Residents are asking for $ 2.2 million in design funding for this budget so that the facility can be built in the 2023-26 cycle.
Scona Pool, the oldest in the city, has been on the budget block five times since 2009, and Kusiek said it’s time to find a long-term solution so that the cycle ends.
Mayor Don Iveson said he heard concerns about the possible closure of recreation centers and 94 other budget-cutting rumors on the table, but his goal is to achieve a zero percent tax increase. If the administration decides to save the facilities, the necessary savings should be recovered in another way.
“My challenge for the board members will be what is the compensation or what is the interim financing solution so that we can stay on zero because I believe it is an important goal for all taxpayers who are struggling this year,” he said. . “It is up to the city to make some tough decisions ourselves to at least try to get to zero, but by balancing that with not compromising key service levels and essential services and not making short-term decisions that have wider consequences for the community. “
During Thursday’s budget discussion, the city also released a report on plans to overcome an estimated $ 152 million deficit in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Expense management strategies, which result in savings of $ 50.3 million, consist of workforce reductions as a result of reduced service levels, as well as plans to reduce contractor and training spending.
Council will also have to consider reopening six swimming pools and three fitness facilities in 2021, which would result in a required budget of $ 7.5 million. These recommendations will be discussed by the Council on Monday.
After hearing some 80 speakers on Thursday, the council will deliberate and finalize its budgets next Wednesday and Friday.
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