A mail-in survey that's part of polling the public on new recreation facilities in Maple Ridge also will sound out taxpayers on a payment plan.
Over the next several weeks, the surveys will arrive at select homes and ask people for their opinions on a new aquatic centre, two new ice arenas, a civic and cultural facility, a new sports stadium and sports fields as well as community centres.
It will also review several ways by which Maple Ridge residents could pay for the new buildings, which will easily cost more than $100 million.
"The survey outlines a number of possible funding scenarios, including an annual (property tax) increase of one per cent each year, over 15 years, that could fund the full list of projects," said Kelly Swift, general manager, parks, recreation and cultural services.
The survey will be complemented by further public consultation in March that will include an open house, pop-up surveys and focus groups.
Together with input from online, the information, ideas and opinions will allow consultant Jennifer Wilson to write a report for council summarizing the public's feelings. The mail-in survey itself, while restricted to only 3,000, will be mailed randomly to Maple Ridge homes.
The process that's being followed "ensures that this discussion will not be driven by special interests, but has a strong foundation from all citizens in the community," Wilson said in the release.
Once council settles on its priorities, it will try to obtain grants and partnerships to reduce costs to taxpayers. Mayor Nicole Read and staff have already been to Ottawa and met with cabinet ministers in an attempt to secure federal infrastructure funding.