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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

City Council Reviews Growth & Community Development Dept Budget

The Growth and Community Development department painting a bleak picture for kids recreation in the city if their budget doesn't get a boost over the next couple years.

Commissioner Jacqueline Hamilton says if the budget is frozen the neighbourhood planning program could be delayed to at least 2017, there could be big cuts to playground programs and the Somerset Community Centre could close, and more.

Mayor Mel Norton says it's clear this department is an important area for council and they're seeing a return on investment. He says building permits in the first quarter of 2014 are 45-million while all of last year was about $85-million.

Hamilton says to maintain the service level over the next couple of years there would need to be a 5-percent budget increase over 2014. The presentation is part of a sustainable services review by the city.