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WEST KELOWNA - The District of West Kelowna didn’t compile enough information to decide how much the West Kelowna Civic Centre project will cost so there won't be a related referendum question on ballots this November.

In a media release, the district stated council was told negotiations are still underway with the proponent, New Town/Sturgess Group about the 3641 Elliott Road property chosen for the project.

“We want the best possible project for West Kelowna taxpayers,” Mayor Doug Findlater said. “Council was unanimous on this point. We don’t want to rush any part of this key component of our economic development strategy and important municipal amenity. With election just a few weeks away and complex negotiations with the developer and planning still well underway, we are not ready to include the Civic Centre on this year’s ballot.”

The property was chosen in June and as negotiations continue, the district is also trying to find ways to raise money through public sector tenant partnerships along with other funding opportunities to offset the cost of the project.

“These complex financial negotiations, although very promising and exciting, are taking some time to get through,” Findlater said. “Our council is very cautious and dedicated to ensuring that the costs of this project remain in tight control, that we are getting out of it what this community needs and that when taxpayers are asked this important funding question, we present the most comprehensive information we can for them. We want to have absolutely accurate and firm cost information before it moves forward. It is too important a project to push through at this time.”

Findlater said the question of the electoral assent process for borrowing will be a decision of the new council in 2015.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

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