Debates over a number of infrastructure projects in 91Ô­´´ Township circled back to increasing borrowing totals at the Monday, Dec. 2 meeting.

Council considered approving a loan authorization for upgrades to a mile-long stretch of Old Yale Road, which requires $6.9 million in borrowing.

Councillor Kim Richter, who has often been critical of the council majority's use of borrowed funds, asked how much new debt the council has authorized in the last two years.

Staff confirmed that the total, including the Old Yale borrowing and the following item on the agenda, a parking structure in Aldergrove, would put approved borrowing at $499 million.

With borrowing from previous councils that has been carried over, the total authorized borrowing is $668 million, with $169 million borrowed before the 2022 elections.

Coun. Michael Pratt asked how much of the total borrowed in the last two years has actually been drawn down – in other words, how much of that potential debt the Township has spent.

Staff said that $63.6 million have been received by the Township so far.

The question of debt came up again later in the meeting as Mayor Eric Woodward put forward a motion calling for using a variety of funding sources, including borrowing from internal funds and $3.6 million in external debt, to pay for the repair of the culvert in the 21400 block of 40 Avenue. The road there is blocked since an October atmospheric river damaged the culvert and made the road unstable.

Richter noted she wouldn't support the motion, which pre-approves funding for next year's budget, until she sees the proposed budget itself.

Woodward argued that the Township has seen a failure of one culvert and is facing critical need for replacements of other culverts as well.

"We're dealing with an extraordinary situation with a road that's closed," Woodward said.

He also said that most of the debt and capital projects underway are funded from either future development cost charges (DCCs) or community amenity contributions (CACs).

"They're funded from revenue and growth sources," Woodward said.

The sharp increase in borrowing over the last two years has been driven by major infrastructure projects, including road widening and upgrades, and new planned parks and community centres, and a new firehall for Brookswood. Although borrowing has been approved, many of the projects have not yet started construction.

The building spree emerged from the platform of Woodward and the Contract With 91Ô­´´ slate, which holds a majority on the council. In 2022 they ran on a platform of a major expansion of facilities for 91Ô­´´'s growing population.