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Council passes motion for UCC referendum

For the second time in one year, students will be voting on a referendum about renovations in the University Community Centre.
“Students liked the plan [proposed by the USC] last year. What they didn’t like was the fee — which was too high,” Sacha Kumar, vice-president finance for the University Students’ Council, said.
At $25, the proposed fee is considerably cheaper than last year’s suggested $95, which was voted down by 56 per cent of the student population.
The motion, decided in Wednesday night’s council meeting, would put the student fee towards two main purposes — renovations and the upkeep of old assets.
The capital project involves the renovation of all newly acquired spaces in the UCC, including the gymnasium, squash courts and former campus recreation offices. Priority will be given to the creation of additional lounge and 24-hour study space, programmable space and additional meeting and storage space.
The capital project proposed last year would have cost $30 million total.
“[This time], the cap is at $2 million. The $95 was only for renovations last year. But this time, $25 will go towards renovations and [maintenance] of existing assets,” Kumar explained.
Additionally, the council decided the funds within the Capital Renewal Fund—Special will be dedicated towards purchasing capital and equipment, which will be used for creating lounge, storage and study spaces.
If the referendum passes, the $25 fee will be collected annually, beginning in the 2010-11 academic year.
The ballot for the referendum will be held on Feb. 9 and 10, 2010 in accordance with USC bylaws.

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