This option would result in the extension of the City of Chilliwack boundary to take in Cultus Lake Park. Immediately following the extension there would be a period of co-existence involving Chilliwack Council and the Park Board. During this period, City Council would assume responsibility for certain Park Board services. Other services, however, would remain under the jurisdiction of the Park Board. The exact division of responsibilities would be determined through discussions involving the two parties, and would be itemized in a separate agreement.
It is not known at this time how long the period of co-existence would last under the Join Chilliwack option. It can be assumed, however, that the province would not wish to maintain a perod of co-existence indefinitely — a lengthy period of co-existence would undermine the entire purpose of a boundary extension. Ultimately, Chilliwack City Council would become the primary local government and service provider for Cultus Lake Park under this option, responsible for all local decisions and services. All electors of the expanded City of Chilliwack, including those in the Cultus Lake Park area, would elect Council.
The City of Chilliwack is a member municipality of FVRD. At present, the City participates in a number of regional district services, including E911, Library, Regional Solid Waste Management, Regional Parks and others. Decisions for these services are made by the Regional District Board, on which Chilliwack Council is represented by three directors. Under the Join Chilliwack option, the expanded City would continue to be a member of FVRD, and would, it is assumed, continue to participate in these and other regional district services. Decision-making for the services would remain with the FVRD Board.
As citizens of an expanded City of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake Park residents would have opportunities to participate in the City's decision-making processes. Examples would include participation in public forums, and on Council committees. The Cultus Lake Community Association would also remain in existence as a vehicle for residents to provide input to Council (neighbourhood associations have been formed by residents in other parts of the City for the same purpose).
The provincial government is not, at present, responsible for any local, municipal-type servcies in Chilliwack. Under the Join Chilliwack option, this situation would not change. City Council would be responsible for all key services, including policing, throughout the broader community.
Finally, A decision by Cultus Lake Park residents to join Chilliwack would not affect the current status of the Soowahlie First Nation with respect to local governance for the Park. Similarly, the City of Chilliwack under this option would receive no authority with respect to Soowahlie decisions. Like the Park Board, the City could enter into collaborative management agreements with the Soowahlie, as mutually desired by the parties. The City could also enter into service partnerships with SFN, just as the Park Board could under the Status Quo option. Any such management agreements or partnerships would be jointly governed by the parties involved.
Taxes & Charges
The Sample Tax Notices document lists the taxes paid by five different residential properties in Cultus Lake Park for the year 2008 as well as the amounts that would apply under the Status Quo and Join Chilliwack options. It also lists the taxes paid by five equivalent residences in the City of Chilliwack in 2008.
Values in the above document are also summarized in the Tax Impacts bar graph. The five different residential property values are listed across the bottom of the graph, and the height of each bar indicates the total amount of taxes and charges for each property.