Service Area & Referendum

What is a service area?

A service area is a defined geographic area where properties contribute to the cost of a specific service.

For this project, a service area would include properties that may use or benefit from a community space, such as a hall or outdoor gathering area. This approach ensures that those who directly use or benefit from the service contribute to its cost, rather than taxation being applied across the entire Regional District.

A service area provides a stable and predictable funding source to support both ongoing operations and future needs.

If established, the service area would fund:

• Utilities
• Insurance
• Routine maintenance and repairs
• Long-term replacement and future improvements

The PRRD would likely provide the operating society with an annual grant to support day-to-day operations and maintenance.

How would taxation work?

For this service, taxation would apply to building (improvement) value only, not land value.

• “Improvements” refers to the value of buildings on your property (e.g., house, garage, or other permanent structures)
• Land value is not included
• The tax rate is calculated as an amount per $1,000 of assessed building value
• Only eligible voters within the proposed service area would vote in a referendum.

What happens next?

Following the community meeting and close of the online survey, PRRD staff will compile feedback and present the results to the Regional Board.

If there is clear community support for a preferred option, the Board may choose to proceed to a referendum (public vote).

What does a referendum mean?

A referendum gives eligible residents within the proposed service area the final decision.

• A “yes” vote would approve the service area, taxation, and construction and operation of the selected option
• A “no” vote would mean the project does not proceed as proposed
• If no project proceeds, no new taxation would be established for this service.

If approved by the Board, the referendum will happen at the same time as the General Election on October 17, 2026. 

What happens if the referendum is not supported?

If the majority of voters do not support the referendum:

• The service area would not be established
• The project would not proceed
• The Regional Board would consider alternative options for the property