Image Credit: File Photo

By Adam Donnelly

CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS

Date set for Kamloops performing arts centre referendum

Nov 19, 2019 | 9:15 AM

KAMLOOPS — This afternoon, the city council made it official — the citizens of Kamloops will decide if the city will borrow $45 million to help fund the proposed Centre for the Performing Arts on April 4, 2020.

Based on city staff’s recommendations, Council unanimously passed a motion that set the date of the referendum, as well as the question voters will be asked at the polls. They also passed a motion to use council contingency funds to allow city communications staff to begin engaging with the public.

Councillor Bill Sarai says now that these items are in place, it’s on the city to provide more details on what the actual cost of the project will be.

“I really need some more information, some numbers on what it will be for operational costs,” Sarai said after the council meeting. “There’s no tax increase for the $45 million we’d be borrowing, that will come from a payment that’s coming off the TCC. We’ll put that payment over to the performing arts centre if it’s approved. We need some operational cost numbers.”

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: The icon who is Taylor Swift

Nov 17, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Business owners shouldn't be held responsible for nuisance calls

Nov 15, 2024

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: November 14, 2024

Nov 15, 2024

Sarai says once those details are addressed, it’s on the city to ensure that that knowledge is passed along to the public. He also feels it’s essential to show the community what happens if the voters decided against the Centre for Performing Arts.

“We need to get out there and let [citizens] know the benefits of having shows here, but here are the negative aspects of not having shows here what that could do to our city, [in terms of] vibrancy and financial livability,” Sarai explained. “We don’t want to keep losing shows to the Kelowna’s, the Penticton’s, and the Vernon’s. We’re a perfect city and perfect size to support this performing arts center.”