Langford residents are demanding the city put the brakes on plans to spend $35 million to buy the Westhills YW/YMCA Langford Aquatic Centre building and its parking lot, and instead let the public have their say in a referendum.
“This is the largest facility that's being contemplated to be purchased in the city’s history,” said Frazer Johnson at a Nov. 18 council meeting. “I would vote in favour of purchasing it, but I do think that the voters in Langford deserve to have that vote.”
“You haven't properly consulted with the taxpayers, who likely may not be able to afford to use these services,” said Sandy Sifert.
The city announced on Nov. 4 it was considering purchasing the building – which is also home to the Langford branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library and the Victoria Conservatory of Music – from owners Westhills, who have given the council a deadline of Dec. 17 to consider the sale.
According to consultants hired by the city, purchasing the building could bring savings of $10.2 million over the next 17 years, the remainder of the YW/YMCA’s service agreement.
The consultants say the ‘status quo’ would leave the city continuing to pay the recreation provider $1.9 million in annual subsidies, as well as being on the hook for building maintenance costs estimated as $14.8 million over the next 17 years, which the YW/YMCA is expected to be unable to cover.
But not all Langford locals are convinced by the figures, asking for more information and transparency about the proposal.
The city's decision to use a five-year loan of $20 million from the Municipal Finance Authority of BC for the purchase has also raised eyebrows as a referendum would automatically be triggered if the council opted instead for a longer-term loan.
Some locals questioned if the city was "afraid" of what the answer would be if the decision was put in the hands of the community.
“These decisions impact our community and our wallets, and they should never be made behind closed doors,” said Wendy Bowers. “It’s time for answers, transparency and public input are not optional, they are essential.”
“It's a manufactured dumpster fire,” said Sifert. "The truth is, you want this dumpster fire because it serves a political purpose and you believe it will help you to get re-elected."
Interest on the $20 million loan would push the total cost of the building and parking lot to $37.5 million. And to help cover the cost, Langford taxpayers are facing an annual property tax increase of 1.75 per cent from 2025 to 2028.
“Between the ‘Y’, increased city insurance costs and hiring arborists … seniors and families cannot afford this, people are struggling,” said Lisa Foxhall. “Taxes are increasing – it’s only sending more people to the food bank.”
A spokesperson for the city said the option for a five-year loan is preferred as it is projected to save approximately $7.5 million in interest costs compared to a 20-year loan.
In addition to financial considerations, the city has said there is no certainty the terms of the sale will remain the same if they do not consider the offer to purchase by the deadline of Dec.17 set by Westhills.
The City of Victoria's current struggles to maintain the aging Crystal Pool, which is over 50 years old and could cost $168.9 million to replace, was also used as an example why the city should take more time on the decision.
"Maybe we should start thinking about our children and our grandchildren, and what are we leaving them in 50 or 40 years, or however long it may be when the pool needs major replacement again," said Mike Morton.
But not everyone at the meeting was against the proposal, with some residents speaking up in support, highlighting the benefits to the city if it were to own the asset.
“I think it makes sense for the city to buy the 'Y' building," said S. Plank, who described the building as an “essential amenity” for the community, that should be safeguarded for generations to come.
"We're going to have to spend money on it one way or another due to the historic agreement we are on the hook for," continued Plank. "And it is much more in the public interest to end up with a public asset and amenity in the end.”
Another resident described the purchase as “financially prudent”, adding the city would benefit from collecting rent from other tenants in the building, as well as owning land that will accumulate value over time.
“I would rather pay a 1.75 per cent tax increase for the next five years instead of offloading this expense on to another generation,” said the local woman in support. “I'm hoping that council will be able to reduce spending in another area to compensate for that increase.”
Councillors will deliberate the proposal at a meeting on Dec. 2. If the city agrees to proceed, the purchase would be finalized on April 1, 2025.
More information can be found on the city’s website: https://letschatlangford.ca/YMCA.
