With the sail building at the marina boardwalk in Comox nearly complete, a Comox councillor is wondering about its usage throughout the summer.
Comox Coun. Russ Arnott asked council at Wednesday’s meeting if buskers could use the space when it is not otherwise occupied.
Comox CAO Richard Kanigan explained the Town does have a bylaw and a process where people can audition. He added they will be advertising and encouraging entertainers to come forth and apply.
Arnott also inquired about appealing to food vendors to fill the space prior to “the last brick (being) levelled.”
Kanigan noted some vendors have expressed interest and the town will be soliciting feedback.
The Marina Waterfront Vitalization project’s goal was to bring more locals and visitors to the Comox waterfront and connect people downtown; it includes new buildings, a washroom and a gazebo.
Parts of the project, which has an allocated budget of $1.6 million, was set to be complete by March 31 of this year, but weather has slowed construction.
The cost of the project was split between the town, Island Coastal Economic Trust and Western Economic Diversification.
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Ahead of the May 15 deadline, Comox council formally set their tax rates and their financial plan Wednesday.
The plan includes tax rates to be set at a 3.2 per cent increase across all property classes except businesses which would have a 2.2 per cent increase in 2017.
Originally, taxes in both categories were set 0.2 per cent higher respectively, but a proposed $400,000 Comox Avenue hydro under grounding expenditure in the financial plan was reduced by around $100,000, which led to the tax reduction.
Last month, Mayor Paul Ives said next year the town will be free of general debt, with funds being able to be directed towards capital expenditures as final payments are nearing for the Comox library and the recreation centre expansion.