File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Build Kamloops

A week from AAP deadline, Build Kamloops chair defends transparency

Sep 4, 2024 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The chair of the City of Kamloops Build Kamloops Select Committee says he wants to correct ‘rumours and misinformation’ circulating about the strategy and the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) now underway.

The city is asking residents whether it should borrow up to $275 million to finance the first phases of the strategy, including a performing arts centre and arena multiplex.

By using the AAP, those who oppose borrowing the money are required to register their opposition by returning a voter form. Those who favour the borrowing do not need to respond.

If 10 per cent of the voting public return voter forms, the city must either take the borrowing question to referendum or cancel the plan. The deadline to return voter forms is September 12.

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A group of local residents has formed to urge voters to reject the borrowing.

Spokesperson Garry Davies circulated a letter to local media earlier this week calling the AAP “undemocratic” and “unfair,” saying the process “lacks the proper citizen-led oversight” that would prevent city hall from manipulating the vote in favour of borrowing.

As a Build Kamloops committee meeting got underway Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 4), Mike O’Reilly noted to the gallery that committee meetings never include portions designated for public comments or inquiries.

O’Reilly went on to say he didn’t understand how some could say they did not know about Build Kamloops or the AAP, and did not have an opportunity to speak to council about either issue.

He listed 11 dates in which the issues were discussed at public council or committee meetings, starting in spring of 2023.

“This has been spoken about very publicly — and these are just the official council meetings and committee meetings these have been discussed at,” said O’Reilly. “That’s not including being out in the community at events, the Build Kamloops events that we’ve had at public gathering spaces, media interviews… we have been very vocal.”

The councillor also stated the Build Kamloops committee does not make decisions, but makes recommendations that are further debated and ultimately voted on at regular council meetings.

He noted the AAP can be cancelled by vote of council or directive of the province, but not by the Build Kamloops Select Committee.