Proposed Osborn Hall Replacement Project

Why not repair the old hall?
The existing facility has significant structural issues, including the walls, roof, windows and flooring.
 It was determined that repairing the building would be more expensive than constructing a new facility, and would not address long-term sustainability. 

Why was the delay so long?

This project involves multiple steps, including cost analysis, design development, and evaluation of taxation impacts.

A significant portion of the delay was related to obtaining complete assessment data from BC Assessment, including pipeline assessment values. This information is necessary to accurately estimate potential taxation impacts for residents.

The required data was received in late 2024, and additional time was needed to complete background work, including concept design and cost estimates.

Would a smaller hall be cheaper?

Not significantly. Even a smaller hall with basic features such as a kitchen and washrooms requires plumbing, electrical and safety systems, which represent a large portion of the overall cost.

As a result, reducing the size of the building does not proportionally reduce the total cost.

Why is the hall so expensive to build?

Public buildings must meet applicable building codes and safety standards.

Costs include:

• Architectural and engineering services
• Plumbing, electrical, and safety systems
• Construction materials and labour
• Transportation and logistics associated with building in a rural location

Construction costs in British Columbia for a basic public building with kitchen and washrooms can be significant.

Can the PRRD just give the community the money to build independently?

No. The PRRD owns the land and would own any new facility. As a result, the PRRD must be involved in planning, construction and ongoing oversight of the project.

How would a new space be funded?

The PRRD has allocated $500,000 toward a new community facility.

If a new facility is supported, additional funding could come from:

• Grants
• Community fundraising
• Donations
• Property taxation within a service area

For lower-cost outdoor options, the allocated funding may cover construction, with taxation primarily supporting ongoing maintenance and operations.

What if I don't support a replacement facility?

That is a possible outcome of the engagement process.

If there is no support to proceed, the Regional Board will consider alternative options for the site.

What are the next steps?

Feedback from the community meeting and survey will be compiled and presented 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) as the next step.

What if I don't use the facility - do I still have to pay? 

If your property is within the service area, you would contribute through taxation regardless of how often you use the facility.

This is similar to other local services, where costs are shared among properties that may benefit from the service being available in the community.

How is the service area determined?

The service area is based on a defined geographic boundary that considers which properties may reasonably use or benefit from the service.

The proposed boundary is shown in the project materials and will be included as part of any referendum process.

Will taxes increase every year?

The tax rate presented reflects current estimates based on known costs.

Future changes may occur depending on factors such as:

• Inflation
• Operating costs
• Future capital needs

Any changes would be managed through the Regional District’s budgeting process.

Who will operate and maintain the facility?

The facility would likely be operated by a local community organization (such as a society), with support from the PRRD.

The PRRD would retain ownership and provide oversight, and may provide an annual operating grant.

Can the project be changed after the referendum?

The referendum would approve the service area, taxation and general scope of the project.

Detailed design (such as layout, materials, and specific features) would be developed after the referendum and may be refined within the approved budget and scope.

Can grants or fundraising reduce the tax impact?

Yes. Grants, donations or fundraising can help offset project costs and may reduce the amount required through taxation.

Will the space be available for public use?

Yes. If developed, the space would be intended for community use, including gatherings, events and recreation.

Details regarding access, booking and use would be determined as part of the operational planning phase.

What happens to the site if no option is supported?

If the community does not support moving forward, the Regional Board will consider alternative options for the site.

This could include leaving the site as-is or exploring other uses.