File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By James Peters

Build Kamloops

Mayor’s effort to cancel alternative approval process for Build Kamloops goes unsupported

Sep 10, 2024 | 3:48 PM

KAMLOOPS — For the second straight Kamloops council meeting, the mayor’s attempt to cancel the alternative approval process (AAP) to borrow money for the Build Kamloops strategy has fizzled out.

The AAP is asking for voter consent to borrow $275 million for the first phase of the strategy — including a performing arts centre and an arena multiplex. If 10 per cent of the population returns Elector Response Forms, council must either cancel the borrowing push or take the issue to referendum.

Forms were made available to the public on July 30. They must be returned by 4:00 p.m. this Friday (Sept. 13).

At Tuesday’s council meeting, Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson moved the cancellation of the AAP. Before the motion was made, Hamer-Jackson asked staff whether cancellation was within the municipality’s power. Corporate Officer Maria Mazzotta told Hamer-Jackson she would have to consult with the province to determine that.

Just as when he made his motion at the August 27 council meeting, Hamer-Jackson did not receive a seconder, meaning the motion could not be debated or voted upon.

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Shortly after the failed motion, council voted to remove Hamer-Jackson as chair, believing he was preparing to discuss sensitive human resources matters in the public meeting rather than in a closed meeting.

Hamer-Jackson was returned to chair at the conclusion of the portion of the meeting set aside for reports from councillors.