A former city councillor says now is the time to move forward with the proposed operations building the city is aiming to build off of Range Road near Two Mile Hill.

“Due diligence has been done,” ex-councillor Mike Gladish told the current council Monday night. He spoke during a public input session on the city’s 2017 capital budget.

The $46.6-million spending plan passed first reading earlier this month, allowing for last night’s input session before a staff report on the comments received and the final two readings of the bylaw come forward on Dec. 12.

The operations building eats up the majority of the capital budget, at $39.1 million. (A further $1.5 million is anticipated for 2018, when construction wraps up and the building is opened.)

The project has been met with concerns over the cost from a number of fronts.

A number of council members and city staff point to the need to replace the aging Municipal Services Building (MSB) on Fourth Avenue. They argue the plans for the new operations building are the best way to deal with that.

Councillors Samson Hartland and Dan Boyd have both been vocal in their arguments against the high cost of the building.

Hartland voted against every contract related to the plans – from the design down to the installation of water and sewer infrastructure and the land clearing.

He’s argued the city would be better off leasing space for its various operations.

Boyd, meanwhile, has maintained his concerns voting against the awarding of the design contract. He has, however, been in favour of the other contracts, noting there is potential for other development in the future.

Gladish served on the previous council and decided not to seek re-election in October 2015.

He pointed out that the new building has been carefully considered through two councils and funds are available through the Build Canada Fund and federal gas tax funding the city can use.

The city has estimated it will need to borrow $18.8 million for the building. Gladish pointed out there are plans for the debt to be repaid through capital funds so that it will not impact property tax rates, which are set through the operating budget.

Yes, Gladish acknowledged, money from taxpayers will fund the building. But one reason taxes are paid is so infrastructure can be maintained, he noted, and that includes buildings like this that allow the city to operate.

He also pointed to the plans to tear down the MSB and sell off the land after the new operations building opens.

The ex-councillor said the move will be good for future generations, as a large parcel of land will be available for a more appropriate use in the downtown area.

There are possibilities, he said, for more affordable and market-priced housing.

“It’s time for this project to go ahead,” Gladish argued.

Public input sessions do not allow for debate between those providing input and members of council. However, those on council are able to ask questions of those who are making presentations.

Coun. Rob Fendrick used that opportunity to voice his agreement with Gladish. He jokingly asked Gladish if there would be any issue should he “plagiarize” parts of his presentation in the future.

Also raising the issue of the future of the MSB site was Jeanine O’Connell and Nathan Miller of the Downtown Residents Association (DRA).

While they did not speak directly to the plans for the new operations building, O’Connell said the organization is wondering about the possibilities for the site in the future.

Fendrick asked whether the DRA had any ideas of what type of development it would want to see on the site if the land was vacant.

Miller responded that there hasn’t been that level of discussion about in in the group.

He added, however, that given its significance and relationship in the neighbourhood, it will be an important issue for the organization in the near future.

Much of O’Connell’s and Miller’s presentation focused on the plans outlined in the budget for the rebuilding of downtown streets and infrastructure.

Miller cited concerns that work eyed for Sixth Avenue that would help address safety concerns near the intersection with Black Street would be subject to external funds being approved.

He noted the project is an important part of the priorities the group has set out for the downtown area.

“We’re looking forward to this project,” he said.

Work planned for the Wheeler Street area as well as design work for Alexander Street (followed by the physical work to the street in 2018) are also important to the neighbourhood, O’Connell said, displaying photographs of the areas to stress the importance.

Also included in the DRA’s presentation was the issue of the playground equipment in the park at Sixth Avenue and Taylor Street.

The equipment is in disrepair, O’Connell said, urging the city to build a new playground at the site.

Coun. Betty Irwin later recalled that work had already gone into the design of a new playground at the site. She wondered if the DRA knew what had happened to that plan.

Miller answered by noting the DRA had been wondering the same, but hadn’t found any answers yet.

City staff will explore the issues brought up through the public hearing in its report to council next week.

Council will then vote on the final two readings of the capital budget on Dec. 12.