This proposal was copied of the Town of Rivers Website - there will be a public meeting in Rivers on March 22 at 7:15pm at the Legion for any rate payers that woul dlike to speak out for or against the new proposed tax levy and fpr those that want more information.  
 
Schedule “B” to By-Law No. 2 of 2010  
 
TOWN OF RIVERS  
 
Local Improvement Plan No. 2010-01  
For  
Construction of Riverdale Community Recreation Complex  
(Pursuant to Subsection 315 of the Municipal Act)  
 
 
A. Description of Proposed Local Improvement  
 
The Town of Rivers intends to provide recreational and healthy lifestyle opportunities  
for present and future generations.  
 
The Construction of the Riverdale Community Recreation Complex will consist of  
approximately 62,000 sq. ft. and will include the following:  
 
 
Main Floor Plan:NHL size Hockey Arena, Curling Rink (4 sheets) and  
Fitness Centre  
Second Floor Plan: Hall, Kitchen/Canteen  
Lounge/Smart Room  
 
 
The Riverdale Community Recreation Complex will be located at 101 Main Street,  
at the corner of Highway #25 and Main Street.  
 
B. Local Improvement District To Be Levied  
 
The Local Improvement District to be levied under this proposal will be all taxable,  
grant-in-lieu and otherwise exempt properties in the Town of Rivers, including  
Classification 52, Railway Companies.  
 
C. Potential Taxpayers:  
 
Potential Taxpayers will be owners of all taxable, grant-in-lieu and otherwise exempt  
properties as described on Schedule “C” attached hereto.  
 
D. Method and Rate to Calculate Local Improvement Tax  
 
The Method will be based on an amount for each parcel of land. The rate will be:  
Cash Option (lump sum) $3,150.00  
or  
Finance Option $345.00/year for 15 years  
 
Pursuant to Section 325 of The Municipal Act, taxpayers will be allowed to prepay  
their portion of the Local Improvement tax after the completion of the project and  
by a date set by council.  
 
 
E. Estimated Costs of Local Improvement  
 
The proposed Local Improvement has an estimated cost of $6,500,000.00.  
 
F. Funding Sources  
 
The Town of Rivers proposes to pay for the project as follows:  
 
1. Western Economic Diversification Grant ............ $ 800,000.00  
2. Province of Manitoba Grant................................. $ 800,000.00  
3. Community Places (Culture/Heritage) Grant.......... $ 50,000.00  
4. R.M. of Daly (Contribution) .................................$ 750,000.00  
5. Withdrawal from Town’s Arena Reserve Fund.... $ 295,000.00  
6. Fundraising (to date).............................................. $ 333,000.00  
7. Donations/Fundraising proposed......................... $1,472,000.00  
8. Balance of proposed costs.................................... $2,000,000.00  
 
...................................................................................$6,500,000.00  
 
 
G. Particulars of Borrowing  
 
Amount:.................... $2,000,000.00  
Rate:..................................... 7.000%  
Term: ...................................15 years  
Annual Payment............ $218,789.11  
 
The cost to ratepayers would be levied per parcel of land for a period of fifteen  
(15) years.  
 
The aforementioned Local Improvement Plan will be set out in the Financial  
Plan for the year 2010.  
 
H. Operation and Maintenance of Local Improvement  
 
Annual operation and maintenance of the Local Improvement will be funded by the Town’s General Operating Fund.  
 
Prepared By  
Dennis Higginson, C.M.M.A., U.M.A.  
Chief Administrative Officer  
Town of Rivers

problem with this project is how long its taking. They started looking at building a new rec facility about the same time as Virden. Virden is pretty well done and Rivers is still planning. WTF

Bergy said "problem with this project is how long its taking. They started looking at building a new rec facility about the same time as Virden. Virden is pretty well done and Rivers is still planning. WTF "

One of the major hold-ups was waiting for government grants. The problem is now that there wasn't as much government money as was hoped so in rder to get this particular facility, there is a $3.5M deficit that is being passed off on residents taxes in the amount of $2M or $354 a year per parcel of land owned for 15 years and a hope to fiundraise another $1.5M more.

A petition was circulated when the arena was first proposed. More than half of the citizens of Rivers don't want this huge recreation facility. Unfortunately the town is doing it anyway, regardless of what people want. Now the citizens are going to have to pay for it.

apparently the half of the population not wanting the rink don't matter much. I for one do not need or want a 6.5 million dollar complex with an "NHL" size hockey rink. I am reasonably sure that most of the Rivers population can hardly afford to have their taxes increased by $345. dollars per year. I know I sure can't and I am willing to bet a years income that anyone else on a fixed income will not be able to afford it either.

I grew up in Rivers and played almost all of my minor hockey in the old Rivers arena, I also used to work at the Rivers arena. This building badly needs to be replaced, as does the curling facility. Also, at this time, the only hall that Rivers has is the legion... which is also quite old itself and not suitable for many events. Now, although I do believe that Rivers is in desperate need of a new facility, I do believe that there has to be something that is more appropriate for the town. The extra cost for an NHL ice size over what is existing (which I don't believe is to far off) is not a problem and I am sure will not be causing much more of a cost. I propose that something be built much like what Hartney has done. This facility was very well built, has a great use of space, and is very affordable for Rivers (I believe they only spent around 3.5 M.. please correct me if I am wrong). The old arena in Rivers has actually been condemmed not long ago and already needed structural repairs just to open again for now. This could be a great opportunity for the town, and as I am about to move back to Rivers, I don't believe that tax money for this project is a bad idea.

racheal dawn said "apparently the half of the population not wanting the rink don't matter much. I for one do not need or want a 6.5 million dollar complex with an "NHL" size hockey rink. I am reasonably sure that most of the Rivers population can hardly afford to have their taxes increased by $345. dollars per year. I know I sure can't and I am willing to bet a years income that anyone else on a fixed income will not be able to afford it either. "

every ice surface is "NHL" size. go into the old rink and measure the ice.

I currently live in Rivers and have followed the Rec Facility project from day one. While I understand that there are ratepayers against the proposed complex it is well known that the public hearings to date have been attended by a majority of those that support it.There was also a letter writing campaign asked for by the Town council that resulted in both positive and negative responses. This community has been a great place to raise a family and will continue to be as long as there is progress made in the form of recreation. With a new (badly needed)complex, residents and visitors alike will continue to enjoy the quality of life most people take for granted. While this project has increased in price since it was first talked about, it is absolutely essential to our community in order to maintain and attract new residents and businesses. We are a "community on the move" and I'd rather have them moving in than out.

racheal dawn said "apparently the half of the population not wanting the rink don't matter much. I for one do not need or want a 6.5 million dollar complex with an "NHL" size hockey rink. I am reasonably sure that most of the Rivers population can hardly afford to have their taxes increased by $345. dollars per year. I know I sure can't and I am willing to bet a years income that anyone else on a fixed income will not be able to afford it either. "

apparently the half that dont want it dont go to the council meetings and speak their piece. the part of the population with children would love to see a rec facility.

of opinions is why we need everyone in the town to attend this meeting and voice their opinions - for or against people need to speak out. If the community screams for a plebecite, the proposal will only go ahead if passed. This isn't something that is being done TO Rivers, it can be influenced by public opinion if people will speak out.  
 
My personal opinion - we NEED a new arena - hands down. But if the global economy crisis has taught us anything it should be that we all need to live within our means and I don't understand why we can't start with a rik with the money in hand and add to the complex and/or community as funds allow without burdening the residential taxpayers with such a high levy in order to do it all at once.

This new facility has never had a better time to happen than right now! The reason that we are receiving funding from the Government is to stimulate the economy.I read an article in the Virden paper and while I understand that Virden is a larger center than Rivers you should get the picture. The article states that the construction of their new complex will generate 1.4 million to the local economy annually and 56 million over the life of the facility. That is not to mention the economic benefits during construction for our business community.It also states that the new complex will enhance the community as a great place to live.Do you have any idea what the final price tag would be if this project was to be done piece by piece? 60 years ago residents of this area had a dream to build an ice arena and they accomplished their goal with a lot of hard work and dedication. Unfortunately buildings don't last forever and in order for Rivers to prosper and grow the time has come for us to step up and continue the tradition of providing quality recreation for today and equally important tomorrow. Nobody said it would be easy but it can happen if we all work together.

Riv1878 - I do agree with you about the long tern benefits. Unfortunately they have to be balanced with the short term costs - both financial and societal. There has been a huge division in the town over this and both sides must have ample opportunity to voice their concerns and have their questions answered. There are some realities to the negetive effects of this complex on all taxpayers. Those that cannot afford a $3k one time payment per parcel of land will be forced to contribute over $5k towards the project per parcel - some of us own more than one. Low income families and seniors may find this extremely difficult to pay as our taxes are already high. Landlords will not be able to recover this additional tax through rents as increases are capped, so they will lose income which as you know - they less money residents have, the less they will spend in our community.  
The additional features that are proposed in this facility are also a source of concern. Catering faciities and yes, fitness facilities that are subsidized by tax dollars will use business peoples' own tax dollars to fund their competition and in a town of 1200 where it is already difficult to encourage people to invest, this is another strike against us. Our local Legion is also the corner stone of meeting places in the community,with a meeting hall, kitchen and lounge - this new complex will take vital economic support away from this organization and again, use our own tax dollars to do it. And of course while we are waiting for the financial long-term benefit of this project to come to fruitation and increase our property taxes anywhere from 10 - 50% per year for some properties, what happens to the community? How do we encourage new people to move here - to buy and to invest in new businesses and property development. Why wouldn't they wait 15 years after we have paid off this $2 Million dollar loan and then come when they can reap all of the rewards and bear non of the cost? What happens to those needing to sell during this period? I already pay over $4000 a year in taxes on my home in Rivers - how woud I sell ut when those taxes are raised to almost $5k?  
 
I understand the vision, I am all for progress and expansion, but at what cost? Piec-mealing the project may cost more financially long term but it would give the community time to decide if it is what we want and need. It would give us the opportunity to see if a new arena and curling rink would bring in the business and economic influx that is projected so we move cautiously and don't leave ourselves and our community vulnerable.  
 

i'm sorry but it sure doesnt sound like you are all for this project. To my mind you seem to be against it for many reasons. If so many people are against the rec facility why are you trying to rally against it?

Bergy said "i'm sorry but it sure doesnt sound like you are all for this project. To my mind you seem to be against it for many reasons. If so many people are against the rec facility why are you trying to rally against it? "

against the project, I am all for the building of a new facility, I am against the size, the cost and the financing of the proposed plan. I am also not trying to rally people against it - I am asking people to come out, get informed and decide for themselves.  
 
Transparency is key here. If the facility and tax levy as proposed are supported by the majority of the taxpayers through a vote, I will support it, if it is not I will work as hard as I can to find a project that the majority will support. That is how a democracy works. What is so wrong with informing people, asking them to get informed and get involved? If it really is going to be cost effective and beneficial to everyone having an open dialogue shouldn't be an issue. The proposed by-law should be handed out to every tax payer door to door with an invitation to come to the meeting and get involved. ALL TAXPAYERS have a say in this, no matter who they are or how long they have been here.

so you are against the size, price and financing. what exactly are you for? The size is pretty basic, curling rink, skating rink and lounge. Thats about as small as they come. Price, i've heard the committee had different ideas and different price.

Bergy said "so you are against the size, price and financing. what exactly are you for? The size is pretty basic, curling rink, skating rink and lounge. Thats about as small as they come. Price, i've heard the committee had different ideas and different price. "

all for an arena, curling rink canteen and louge, I support it wholeheartedly! I don't think that a $2m loan with a $3-$5 k tax levy per person to include a kitchen, hall, gym and smart room is neccessary for a town the size of Rivers. We have local businesses that are capeable of catered, banquets, conferences and fitness facilities, it is not like these services are non existant.

I know I have not been to any meetings over this... mostly because I am currently living in Brandon, however, I have been trying to listen to as much info from people that I know as possible, and I keep hearing from everyone in Rivers that they are just spending money on things that are not needed. For example... not mentioning any names (for their sake), but "RUMORS" say that the architects design for the entrance alone is over half a million dollars? Is this a smart use of the money? This facility does not need to be fancy, it needs to be practical, AFFORDABLE, and supply the need for the town... that is it!! BUT, it does need to be done!

I don't feel it's my place to have an opinion in this debate, but as an interested observer in this thread there are a few things that might help people like me get a grasp on things..  
 
- Butterfly, you've done a great job of providing us with detailed info but is there an actual specific plan (with diagrams and conceptual images) available publicly online anywhere that details what's to be included in the arena? If there isn't, can someone possibly add images to this thread.. or failing that, send me the PDF/JPEGs/etc and I'll be happy to add them. If you have this info, the best way to get in touch with me is by clicking on the "contact" link at the top of the page  
- other than Virden, are there any comparable arena projects in Canada over the last ten years that can be examined? In particular the costs associated with them, but of course the more info the better.  
- what would you consider to be an average property tax bill in Rivers right now?  
 
If anyone can help with any or all of the above it would be much appreciated as a way to add another level of depth to this discussion

the only information that has been released can be found on the town's website www.townofrivers.mb.ca and this notice will be printed in tomorrow's edition of the Rivers Banner. Objections will be filed, opinions shared and democracy will happen one way or another - why some people thing that is a bad thing is beyond me.  
 
Town of Rivers Public Notice  
Regarding Local Improvement Plan  
No. 2010-01, Bylaw No. 2 of 2010  
For the construction of Riverdale  
Community Recreation Complex  
Council of the Town of Rivers has scheduled a public hearing  
at Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 75 (hall), 633-2nd Avenue  
in the Town of Rivers, Manitoba on the 22nd day of March, 2010  
at 7:15 p.m. to present the following local improvement plan:  
PROPOSED LOCAL IMPROVEMENT  
Town of Rivers intends to provide recreational and healthy lifestyle opportunities  
for present and future generations by constructing Riverdale Community  
Recreation Complex which will consist of approximately 62,000 square feet and  
will include the following:  
Main Floor Plan: NHL-sized hockey arena, curling rink (four sheets)  
and fi tness centre  
Second Floor Plan: Hall, kitchen/canteen, lounge/smart room  
SUMMARY OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN  
The Local Improvement District to be levied under this proposal will be all taxable,  
grant-in-lieu and otherwise exempt properties in the Town of Rivers, including  
Classifi cation 52, Railway Companies. The method and rate to calculate the  
Local Improvement tax will be based on an amount for each parcel of land. The  
rate will be cash lump sum option of $3,150 or fi nance option of $345 a year for  
a 15-year period. Taxpayers will be allowed to prepay their portion of the Local  
Improvement tax after the completion of the project and by a date set by council.  
Estimated cost of the Local Improvement is $6,500,000 and sources of funding  
are as follows:  
Western Economic Diversifi cation Grant $800,000  
Province of Manitoba Grant $800,000  
Community Places (culture/heritage) Grant $50,000  
RM of Daly (contribution) $750,000  
Withdrawal from Town’s Arena Reserve Fund $295,000  
Fundraising (to date) $333,000  
Donations/fundraising proposed $1,472,000  
Balance of proposed costs $2,000,000  
$6,500,000  
PARTICULARS OF BORROWING  
Amount of borrowing $2,000,000  
Maximum rate of interest 7.000%  
Term 15 years  
Annual borrowing payment $218,789.11  
The annual operation and maintenance of the Local Improvement will be funded  
by the Town’s General Operating Fund.  
A written objection may be fi led with the Chief Administrative Offi cer at 670-2nd  
Avenue prior to the commencement of the hearing. At the hearing, Council will  
hear any potential taxpayer who wishes to make a representation, ask questions  
or register an objection to the Local Improvement Plan. All objections, written or  
verbal, must be fi led prior to the adjournment of the hearing and must include  
the name, address and property description of the person fi ling the objection  
and the grounds of their objection.  
Copies of the local improvement plan are available at the municipal offi ce at  
670-2nd Avenue and on the municipal website at www.townofrivers.mb.ca  
Dated at the Town of Rivers this 1st day of March, 2010 and issued pursuant to  
Section 318 of The Municipal Act.  
D. Higginson, CMMA, UMA, Chief Administrative Offi cer  
Town of Rivers; 204-328-5250  
 

Bomberfan said "I know I have not been to any meetings over this... mostly because I am currently living in Brandon, however, I have been trying to listen to as much info from people that I know as possible, and I keep hearing from everyone in Rivers that they are just spending money on things that are not needed. For example... not mentioning any names (for their sake), but "RUMORS" say that the architects design for the entrance alone is over half a million dollars? Is this a smart use of the money? This facility does not need to be fancy, it needs to be practical, AFFORDABLE, and supply the need for the town... that is it!! BUT, it does need to be done! "

that is a part of the problem - too many rumors and back room discussions and not enough facts and information for everyone to have an informed opinion. That is why this meeting is a GOOD thing and the more people that attend, the better off the community will be.  
 
Adam - as far as average property taxes I don't know but at my last assesmnet - for a 10 year old bungalow (1578 sq feet each floor) with double attached garage and a double lot, I paid just over $3600 last year in annual taxes after rebate. After my next property assesment, without this added levy, I expext a 20% increase due to an expansion and improvements to my property. For my commercial lot, before I am assessed for improvements, I pay $1200 annually, that too will increase because I have invested in improvements to my business property.  
 
Edited by Butterflymbca, 2010-03-04 22:53:18

As a first time new home owner in Rivers and also a business owner,I agree a complex would be nice but I am not gonna live beyond my means to pay for it.Paying higher taxes for something I may walk into once a year is not on my list of things to do,it will most definately not help my business either.Being a contractor, no one will want to or be able to afford to renovate or add on because that to will add to their taxes.I do know what it costs to build ,and I know if you cant afford to build the TajMahal,You dont.You start smaller and add when you can afford it, espeacially when you could be placing income strapped famillies in a really tight situations or elderly people who will never use the facilities.If I want to improve my property I know my taxes will go up accordingly,but its my choice.To have the town dictate to me that my taxes are going way higher,dam near double, to pay for something I know I will get nothing out of I have a problem with.If i wanted high taxes and a mortgage i cant afford I would have stayed in Brandon.Please,if you have an ignorant comment to this post of mine,keep it to yourself or give me your hard earned money and cover my taxes.I will be sure you never get to enjoy your money.

i think to get the goverment money the facilities need to include all of these rooms.I think Virden should look into the $3000 investment to there project just for the benefit to the community.

I have played at this rink since i was a kid too, and i know that in rivers there is catered, banquets, conferences and fitness facilities, but i also think its a good thing to because not all people want to to fitness at whoevers fitness studio is in rivers and might not want to eat anywhere else then the rink and they might want to go with friends to the hockey rink while there kid is practicing or do what ever there!! So i think its a great idea for what are all the plans for this Rink to be built and whats to be built in side of it!!! And really its not like they are not going to use any business for catering cause they sure get bids in for grad suppers!!!

bobbyo said "i think to get the goverment money the facilities need to include all of these rooms.I think Virden should look into the $3000 investment to there project just for the benefit to the community. "

When you submit a proposal for government money, it is up to you to include your plans for both construction and financing. The proposal that was submitting to the federal and provincial governments in order to receive $1.6 Million in funding had this plan attached to it so yes, I believe (and if I am wrong, someone please correct me) thegovernment money is contingent on proceeding with this plan.  
 
I think what some taxpayers here are concerned about is that our town council committed us to this facility and special tax levies to pay off $3.2 Million dollars ($2 million plus 15 years of interest) without a plebiscite to determine if this is the complex that the majority of tax payers wanted and if they were willilng to pay $3000 - $5000 per parcel of land to pay for it. That is where the controversy lies.

hunterchik8 said " I have played at this rink since i was a kid too, and i know that in rivers there is catered, banquets, conferences and fitness facilities, but i also think its a good thing to because not all people want to to fitness at whoevers fitness studio is in rivers and might not want to eat anywhere else then the rink and they might want to go with friends to the hockey rink while there kid is practicing or do what ever there!! So i think its a great idea for what are all the plans for this Rink to be built and whats to be built in side of it!!! And really its not like they are not going to use any business for catering cause they sure get bids in for grad suppers!!! "

I absoutely agree! And that is why we need a new arena with lounge and canteen! Unfortunately in a town of only 1200 people where we are trying to encourage small business and local investment it is difficult to condone the municipality competeing with local businesses using their own tax dollars.

the other major concern some people have is the addition fundraising projections of $1.4 Million dollars in this plan. In the past 3 years with all of the fundraising efforts only $333,000 has been raised and if this tax levy is introduced people will have less to donate.  
 
So I am very curious to know how the council and committee plan on raising an additional $1.4 million in such a short time frame and what happens if their efforts fall short or if the costs exceed the proposed budget? Where will that extra money come from once construction has begun and there is no turning back?

how can a municipality not get a better rate than 7%

wheatiefan44 said "how can a municipality not get a better rate than 7% "

Bank borrow money from B of C at 0.25% the lend it to you at 7%...that's only 2800% mark up. What's the problem?

It is very interesting to read the comments from people that haven't followed this project from the beginning. While I realize that some have moved to Rivers mid stream,all of the correct information has been available from either the Town or the RRFRC.It has been no secret that the Town and RM contribution would be either in the form of a levy or mill rate increase. The amount has not been finalized but an estimate of 345 has been supplied with the current proposal based on 7% money. Has anyone looked at what the amount would be based on 5% or less? The levy would obviously be less. The answer to the question about Government funding is yes we received $1.6 million based on a proposal that included what has been printed on the Town website. This building has been stripped down to make it as functional for as many user groups as poosible while still trying to make it afforable. Adam asked about other communitites in Canada going through this same process. Let's look at Manitoba. In the last 10 years there have been new MULTIPLEX facilities go up in communities such as Altona,Killarney,Souris,Hamiota(maybe more than 10)and new ones proposed for Virden,Russell and Minnedosa to name a few. Recreation infrastructure in the province of Manitoba is OLD and needs to be replaced.As for taxes in Rivers, I would agree that they are not cheap but no one said Rivers was a cheap place to live.It is a great place to live and raise a family. My taxes on a 1000 sq ft home on a single lot with a single garage are around $1500.00 and I would think that is more the norm than 1600 sq ft houses on double lots for $3600.Every community that has built a new facility has had opposition and Rivers will be no different.There will be those with a vision for the future and those that don't.

I forgot to address the fundraising aspect of the discussion,sorry.While fundraising has been going on for some time, the committee has been waiting for a decision to proceed with the project before taking the fundraising to another level.Fundraising began years ago to replace our aging health facility and over $600,000 was raised and it sits.The decision to hold off on fundraising came from that.The fundraising committee will be challenged to find over 1 million dollars but if you have seen in the Brandun Sun lately,Souris just passed the 1 million dollar mark for their swimming pool campaign.I agree that with the added expense on taxes people will have less to give and the committee will have to find ways to deal with that and be creative and hopefully find money from outside our community as well.