LETTER – Analysis of costs, municipal revenue needed for Kenna plan

RE: Lifecyle Costing Analysis Proposed for Kenna Village Rezoning Application  

The Kenna Village proposal represents a significant development for the Dufferin area and the City. Specifically, the project will involve redesignating the land use and rezoning the properties to facilitate development that will create a light industrial park, a maximum of 900 residential units, neighbourhood commercial, neighbourhood parks, and greenways connecting to the adjacent Kenna Cartwright Nature Park (Concept Plan) (City of Kamloops. 2026).

While the City does touch on the costs and Development Cost Charges to be applied in the financial implications, the discussion of total costs to residents is missing, along with the timing of when costs will be incurred. Likewise, the administrative report does not outline the anticipated property tax revenue stream and other potential financial benefits that this project could contribute to the City.  Looking at both the full costs and the anticipated municipal revenue benefits over the life of the development is a critical factor in understanding the contribution to the future of our City.

Overall, and given the size, the location and potential mix of residential, commercial, and light industrial of the Kenna Village project, it would be constructive to undertake a comprehensive analysis of these variables and their timing.

To create a clear and transparent understanding of the project it is suggested that the City undertake a full Lifecycle Costing Analysis of the project that would explore the revenues, indirect costs, operations, maintenance and lifecycle replacement, and utility implications of this new neighbourhood development and its associated commercial and industrial elements.

Lifecycle Costing Analyses are done in other communities in B.C. and would help in the overall understanding how the project will contribute to the City’s revenue stream and compare against the associated costs and clearly outline the stream of cost and benefits throughout the project lifecycle.

RANDY SUNDERMAN

Randy Sunderman is a candidate for City council in this year’s civic election.