Our infrastructure challenge Funding for the future Engagement

Our infrastructure challenge: Funding for the future Engagement Report December 20, 2016

Agenda • • Background Summary of activities Feedback on the options More ideas More questions Engagement lessons Next steps 2

Background • • • Engagement began in October Results from first phase report shared November 1 Second phase explored nine of the options in more detail (many more to be explored) Combination of awareness, education and input Results from second phase shared today 3

Summary of Activities Date Nov. 21 Activity Details Workshop – Chamber of Commerce Boston Pizza Attendees 44 Nov. 24 Community Open House #1 PTCC 16 Nov. 26 Community Open House #2 PTCC 18 Dec. 4 Community Drop–in Session Library 26 Dec. 6 Workshop – Family Friendly Community Centre 19 Nov. 24 – Dec. 9 Dec. 13 Online Content and Survey Drop-in Session - Okanagan College 16 online 12 paper 19 Jan. 16 Presentation – Newcomers Seniors’ Centre 4

Feedback Option 1: Increase taxes • Recognition of low taxes in recent years • Accept that taxes need to increase with caveats: – Increases should be gradual – Not residents only (business too) – Must be evidence of efforts other than tax – Tax increases should not deter business growth • Concerned about “death by a 1000 cuts” • Low trust, want involvement in governance • No strong desire to increase user fees (two-tier system) 5

Feedback Option 2: Refine deficit estimate • Pleased to learn of the City’s plans to use technology to help refine the estimated deficit 6

Feedback Option 3: Take on debt • Pleased debt can be serviced with Casino monies • Split on taking on more over and above Casino monies (more education) • One citizen acknowledged that earlier generations had a “free ride” , advocated a balanced approach that distributes the burden between current and future generations 7

Feedback Option 4: Seek grants • Pleased City is seeking grants • Perceive other communities are successful 8

Feedback Option 5. Consolidate facilities • Support investigating consolidation and relocation where it makes sense • Interested in seeing an overall plan for all City facilities (questioned addressing the needs of arenas in isolation) • Not prepared to give the City “carte blanche” to pursue, they want involvement in the process 9

Option 6: Reduce service levels and Feedback costs • Many suggestions provided (i. e. close pool, reduce snow clearing) • Do not strongly support reducing service levels • See more engagement before changes made • Concerned about “nickel and diming” • See more efforts by City to be efficient (i. e. Key Performance Indicators) 10

Feedback Option 7: Review subsidies • Support reviewing the $1. 6 M in subsidies for “effectiveness” • Do not advocate removing funding for non-profits • Support better governance to ensure: • Demonstrated financial need • Need for location (if prime real estate) • Fulfill commitment (i. e. pay property tax) • City should be involved in that service 11

Feedback Option 8: Sell off non-core properties • Support selling non-core properties not in the Parks Plan but with conditions: • Consultation may be required • Ensure people are informed in advance • Ensure property is actually developed (if applicable) 12

Feedback Option 9: Review economic incentives • Support economic incentives to encourage business • Program around since 2010 and not measured • Need equal consultation with business and residents • Perception the City is “selling out” (i. e. long leases, EIZ tax relief) • More analysis and reports on effectiveness 13

More ideas (130+) • • • Move art gallery to old wine centre Build up to increase revenue Charge a pavement tax Explore joint ownership of the airport Close agriculture land loophole Penalize undeveloped land Explore public-private partnerships Consolidate aging buildings (i. e. P 3/RFP) Rescind Development Cost Charges Reduction Bylaw 14

More questions… • Why is population growth flat? • Why can’t we attract more business and industry? • How much revenue does parking generate? • How do our taxes compare? • How does the City measure the value of our economic development activities? • Why are we subsidizing a golf course? 15

Engagement Lessons • Engaged citizens participate (Thank you!) • Engagement improves when… • Direct invites (i. e. Familyfriendly, Parks & Rec) • Content is ‘consumable’ • Events ‘piggyback’ (i. e. Chamber) • Diverse groups participate • Senior leaders and subject matter experts • Participation low, value is significant 16

Next steps • Provide to Council to inform decision making • Provide to Staff to inform budget, strategies and plans • Continue to consult with more focus on individual options • Continue to respond to questions • Ensure actions and progress are reported to the community 17