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By Michael Reeve

BUILD KAMLOOPS

Build Kamloops looks to send amenity cost charges discussion to full council

Jun 7, 2024 | 6:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Build Kamloops Select Committee was presented with a report from city staff this week about the possibility of bringing what’s called amenity cost charges. The new cost charges are similar to development cost charges which have been utilized by the City of Kamloops for a number of years.

While the presentation was made to Build Kamloops, committee chair Mike O’Reilly stated because it equates to a new tax, it’s a discussion that needs to include the entire council.

“If we need recreational facilities as a municipality we should be looking at how we can fund this through taxation, not a new tax. And we need to make sure our debts are coming down before we take on new debts,” O’Reilly told CFJC News. “And I did suggest during that meeting, while it’s all fine and good potentially a new tax the province is letting us do, we need to look at our surrounding electoral areas to be a funding partner to large capital projects.”

Build Kamloops has outlined their list of priorities, which is topped by a performing arts centre, but also includes new ice surfaces, an indoor soccer facility, and a pool on the north shore of the city.

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O’Reilly noted that new information on the location of those proposed facilities could be coming soon.

“Certainly in the weeks ahead we will be able to share more. As we’ve spoken about before no sooner do we talk about the facilities we need and everybody is asking about the locations and where they are going,” said O’Reilly. “And as I’m sure you can imagine any land transaction or real estate deal does need to be kept confidential due to speculation. And really for the taxpayers as a whole for Kamloops, keeping that closed and quiet and confidential is much better for the taxpayer until deals are inked up.”