Hay River (Mar 31/03) - In the end, it wasn't even close.

In a March 26 vote, Hay River ratepayers overwhelmingly approved town council borrowing up to $4 million to build a new aquatic and recreation facility.

Ron Cook, the former recreation director for the Town of Hay River, casts his ballot in last week's plebiscite on funding a new aquatic centre. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

The plebiscite results were 402 (78 per cent) in favour, while 114 (22 per cent) were opposed.

Of the town's 1,095 ratepayers, 516 cast ballots.

"I was quite pleasantly surprised by the number of votes that were cast," says Mayor Duncan McNeill, who described the 47 per cent voter turnout as phenomenal.

"That's a pretty clear sign to council that the people are willing to see the project proceed at these costs," he says.

For most stand-alone plebiscites in the town, he notes, the town would be lucky to get a voter turnout of 150-200.

Greg Rowe, the chair of the Hay River recreation board, is also happy with the plebiscite results.

"It was very exciting to see that type of turnout and response," Rowe said.

McNeill says he believes no one is opposed to the project, although some are concerned about the potential cost.

The project is estimated at $4.6 million. A built-in contingency raises the figure to $5.1 million.

Along with the money that will be borrowed, town council has already set aside $1 million for the project.

Based on a 25-year $4 million debenture, a household which currently pays $1,952 per year in taxes would pay an extra $115.74 for the facility's construction. That ratepayer would also pay $25.30 extra per year to operate the facility.

The next step is to get proposals out for engineering and design proposals, and get some hard numbers, says McNeill.

If those numbers are within the budget, the project will go ahead, he says.

"If it doesn't, we'll have to consider our options."

At a public meeting March 19, several speakers raised concerns about the cost of the project and what some saw as the extravagance of the project.

The proposed centre -- which will be attached to the B.G. Sivertz Sports Centre -- will feature a five-lane, 25-metre pool capable of hosting swim meets.

It would also have a squash/racquetball court, a water slide, a steam room/sauna and an expanded fitness centre.

The new facility will replace the existing 35-year-old pool.

"The pool has served its life," says Rowe.

Construction of the new facility is expected to start in May 2004 and be completed by June 2005.