Kamloops council approves upgrades to Stuart Wood property

“The City of Kamloops is wanting to make sure the Stuart Wood property is usable by the entire community, and right now it’s not overly usable,” City Civic Operations Director Jen Fretz told CFJC Today. “What we’re proposing to do is make some improvements – some fencing improvements, some landscaping improvements, tie the neighbouring park into the property, as well as remove one of the derelict buildings.”

The city is currently working on having the building re-designated for a new purpose, as it’s currently designated for educational use. Some members of council questioned whether spending up to $200,000 on a property with an uncertain future is a good idea at this point.

“It’s a bit of putting the cart before the horse, in a sense,” Denis Walsh said. “I think until we have an actual set plan for that location, I don’t think we should be moving forward with a $200,000 expense which isn’t really required.”

Tina Lange agreed with that sentiment.

“It could get to the point where perhaps council would say to the provincial government ‘This is going to cost too much money to do what you want’ or ‘Just take the property and do with it what you want’, so for us to invest more money at this point is, I don’t think, a good idea,” Lange said.

Councillor Pat Wallace members spoke out in favour of investing in the upgrades, as the improvements may increase in cost if they’re put off for too long.

“I think it’s really important we try to improve slowly. This isn’t going to bankrupt us,” Wallace said. “If we don’t do something and we wait 10 years, or five years, or two years, it’s gone up in price.”

Ultimately, the recommendation passed by a 4-3 vote. Staff will now be tasked with creating a capital project with funding from the General Reserve Fund.

by Adam Donnelly

Kamloops council approves upgrades to Stuart Wood property

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