Alternative approval process gives Kamloops residents final say on Build Kamloops plan

The performing arts centre, located downtown, will be the first major project built.

“The Kamloops Centre for the Arts will be built on city-owned land at 393 Seymour Street. This spectacular facility is approximately 120,000 square-feet and includes two theatre spaces and two levels of underground parking, as well as community space and full accessibility in all areas,” outlined Kristen Rodrigue, City of Kamloops Communications Manager.

Build Kamloops is also moving ahead with a new ice facility along Hillside Drive near Kenna Cartwright Park and, pending public approval, would begin a 18-to-24-month design period ahead of shovels hitting the ground.

“We know we are at a significant deficiency of those ice sheets. That is what we have presented today. And I really feel the residents of Kamloops do not feel that we are getting a little bit behind, but they are feeling it everyday with kids having to go to Chase and Logan Lake for a hockey practice, when we have no public skating,” added O’Reilly.

The other main projects include a curling and racket sport facility, an indoor field house, a seniors centre and a pool on the North Shore.

“This is no longer a conversation. This is what Kamloops needs and this is what we are going to build for Kamloops. I would invite people to make sure and take their heads out of the sand and out of the weeds when we are looking at these details that are being cared for every step of the way and look at the big picture. This, in my mind, should have been in place decades ago. We shouldn’t have to catch up,” said Councillor Katie Neustaeter.

Before the city can move forward with a loan of $275 million, the public must approve it through an alternative approval process.

“Anybody who is in favour of the long-term borrowing is not required to take any action. Any eligible elector who is opposed to the borrowing has 30 days to submit their response to city hall. If less than 10 per cent of the eligible voters voice their opposition, the borrowing can proceed,” said Rodrigue.

While projects in Kamloops have a history of being rejected, O’Reilly was confident in proposal headed to the public.

“We think we have put forward a plan that really checks all the boxes off, all the facilities that are needed and at an economically affordable price for the taxpayers of Kamloops,” said O’Reilly.

With the city’s last major capital project coming decades ago, it was highlighted that Kamloops is in a good position to take on debt without major increases to taxation.

“This equals approximately $25 of your 2024 annual property taxes. To reiterate that is $25 for the year — not for the month. And this provides the city with approximately $1.34 million to offset future borrowing costs,” said Rodrigue.

Once the alternative approval process receives provincial approval, a date will be set out for the 30-day window for submissions. It’s expected to occur before the provincial election in October.

by Michael Reeve

Alternative approval process gives Kamloops residents final say on Build Kamloops plan

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