LAKE COUNTRY – The Liberal MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country is clearing up some ambiguity about a provincial contribution of $7.2 million for the proposed purchase of the abandoned CN Rail line in the Okanagan.
In a news release Tuesday, the government said its contribution was contingent upon Lake Country voters approving the borrowing of $2.6 million to help pay the district’s share of the $22 million purchase price.
A long time Lake Country resident who is strongly opposed to borrowing the funds calls the government’s announcement an attempt to influence the referendum results.
“I think it’s just a blatant way of bribing the people of Lake Country into voting yes in the upcoming election,” says Ron Volk. “As far as the no side, it’s just driven them to definitely vote no because people are not stupid, they can see this is just a bribe.”
But the local MLA denies the government is trying to influence the vote.
“I’ve talked to a lot of people in Kelowna and Lake Country. What I hear is they want information. They want to know where things stand before they go and vote,” says Norm Letnick.
And Letnick also says the provincial money will still be available even with a no vote if another way is found to make up the $2.6 million shortfall.
“The $7.2 million is there to support the purchase. It’s up to the local municipalities to find the balance of the money.”
Lake Country voters cast their ballots on April 25th.
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