Guide For Voting For/Against The Water Referendum

During my campaign travels, numerous people have shared their confusion with me that, while they agree with some portions of the referendum question, they disagree with other portions. The following guide may be helpful in working through that process.

Step 1: Carefully Read the Referendum (note that each underlined portion is in fact a separate question/issue, of which there are 10):

Are you in favour of the City of Abbotsford (1) developing a new water supply source at Stave Lake (2)(consisting of a water intake in Stave Lake, a pump station, a water treatment plant and a water transmission line from Stave Lake to the City of Abbotsford) (3) to ensure that the current and long term water needs of the City of Abbotsford are met by: the City (4) entering into a partnering agreement with a private sector partner that (5) will design, build, partially finance and operate a water supply and distribution system from Stave Lake (6) for up to thirty (30) years, (7) incurring a maximum capital cost and liability to the City of TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY-ONE MILLION DOLLARS ($291,000,000) of which (8) up to $61,000,000 will be paid for through a federal contribution; and Abbotsford City Council adopting (9) Bylaw No. 2105-2011, “Stave Lake Water System Loan Authorization Bylaw, 2011” to (10) authorize the borrowing by the City of the remaining TWO HUNDRED AND THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS ($230,000,000), for up to thirty (30) years, for the capital cost of constructing the water supply and distribution system from Stave Lake?

Step 2: Answer the Following Questions:

1. Do you understand the Referendum question so that its meaning is clear to you?
2. Have you taken the time to become reasonably informed about the issues involved in this decision?
3. Do you approve of proceeding with this project without the approval or involvement of Mission?
4. Understanding the benefits/detriments of “the City entering into a partnering agreement with a private sector partner that will design, build, partially finance and operate water supply and distribution system”, do you wish to proceed with the project in this manner?
5. Have you read, understood and agree with Bylaw No. 2105-2011?
6. Do you approve of the City borrowing $230 million for the project?

Step 3. If your answer to all of the above questions is “Yes”, then, on principle, you vote “Yes” in the upcoming Referendum.

Step 4: If your answer to any of the above questions is “No”, then, on principle, you vote “No” in the upcoming Referendum.