Photo: Google Street View

Thorn Road

The District of Peachland has put the brakes on a pair of long-awaited projects in order to finance a much-needed sewer project.

Council this week decided against borrowing nearly $800,000 for the two projects.

The paving of Thorn Road, with a price tag of $350,000 was cancelled with much regret from councillors.

But borrowing $440,000 to fence the Sanderson Park dog park was seen as extravagant.

“There isn’t a day in my lifetime that I’m going to agree to a $440,000 project to fence a dog park,” said Coun. Terry Condon.

"As I've said in previous meetings, I would be very reluctant to support $440,000 for fencing of a dog park. I don't see that as justifiable," said Coun. Keith Fielding."

Mayor Cindy Fortin had empathy for residents of Thorn Road, who she says have been asking for this paving project for quite some time.

But, not dog park fencing.

"I can't imagine spending $440,000 on dog park fencing right now," said Fortin.

She says she wanted the dog park, but not at that price tag.

The decision to postpone the two projects had more to do with giving the district more room to borrow for a sewer project and not due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The worldwide pandemic was brought up briefly by Coun. Pete Coolie, who suggested the municipality needs to find some efficiencies within its current 2020 budget.

He feels Peachland needs to lessen its tax impact on businesses and residents as they face uncertain futures.

The district has, for the time being, imposed a 2.8 per cent tax increase on residents.