Rendering of the proposed Performing Arts Centre (Image credit: City of Kamloops/File photo).

By Peter Persad

SOUND OFF

SOUND OFF: The AAP is fine by me

Sep 5, 2024 | 11:00 AM

DEAR MR. DAVIES,

Thank you for your letter regarding the AAP and the costs of borrowing funds and building Kamloops.

While I share your concern with the rising cost of everything, it’s also painfully obvious that a city the size of Kamloops needs major infrastructure pieces like a centre for the performing arts, ice sheets, fitness centres and other civic venues. These pieces help make a city feel like a home and also make it a desirable place to live, do business and visit. It’s how we became the Tournament Capital – and it’s how we continue to be the Tournament Capital. And there are a lot of folks who depend on those dollars to earn a living in our city.

The other thing that is obvious and demonstrable is that our failure as a city to build a Performing Arts Centre actually cost us. Had we voted to move the project forward nearly a decade ago, it would already be built, and we would be earning revenue from it right now. Instead, we voted not to build it, and now we are looking at a significant increase in the cost to do so. In other words, not building it the first time cost us. We don’t need to make that mistake again.

Finally, I just want to say that I love this city. I moved here about 15 years ago, and I have never been happier. Kamloops has it all and is what I call a “goldilocks” of a place – not too big and not too small, but just right. I love all the different neighbourhoods here. I love the incredible scenery and the weather. I want to retire here and live here for the rest of my days. But I want some things to do while I’m here. I also want to see Kamloops grow and become a better version of itself. In short, I want to build Kamloops, and I am grateful to Kamloops council for having the courage and the vision to do just that. And I believe that the AAP process accurately reflects the will of the majority of the people of Kamloops.