(image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

BUILD KAMLOOPS AAP

Kamloops residents support Build Kamloops plan to build performing arts centre and arena multiplex

Sep 23, 2024 | 5:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — The results from the Build Kamloops alternative approval process (AAP) have been calculated. Kamloops residents were asked if they support the borrowing of $275 million to build a performing arts centre in downtown Kamloops and an arena multi-plex in Dufferin. Those in opposition needed to garner 10 per cent of registered voters’ responses to halt the borrowing and force a full referendum.

“(The) loan authorization bylaw to construct the Kamloops Centre for the Arts received 5,802 petitions or 6.66 per cent of eligible electors in opposition, thus receiving support from the electorate,” announced Build Kamloops Committee Chair Mike O’Reilly Monday (Sept. 23).

The votes on the arena were even fewer, with just 4,025 residents opposed, meaning both Build Kamloops projects can begin to move forward.

“We are very happy that the citizens of Kamloops chose to build Kamloops and chose to retain our title as Canada’s Tournament Capital,” said O’Reilly.

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The first project expected to break ground will be the performing arts centre in downtown Kamloops with shovels scheduled to hit the dirt next year.

“We see opportunity that is going to develop over the next several years and decades for things like a potential youth orchestra and these other opportunities for kids in this community to be able to access arts and culture in an affordable and sustainable way,” said Christopher Young, executive director of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra.

“The Sagebrush (Theatre) is a great facility but it’s bursting at the seams,” added Western Canada Theatre Artistic Director James MacDonald. “The opportunity to do more modern productions, the opportunity to have everybody in the community in… I think that’s the most exciting part of it. Obviously, it’s a great day for arts and culture in Kamloops but really it’s a great day for the city.”

The following year, in 2026, the arena construction will commence, with O’Reilly noting a lot of conversations still need to take place on the concept plan for the space.

“How the multi-plex is going to function? Who is going to be involved working there? Is there going to be a hockey centre for excellence, a training space, boardroom space? We don’t know and the user groups need to tell us what they need. Four rinks is easy to do. It’s everything else that will make this usable for as many Kamloopsians as possible,” O’Reilly told CFJC News.

The arena is the first of many new sports facilities on the Build Kamloops radar, including a south shore curling centre, North Shore pool, indoor soccer and more.

“We are looking at almost a 25-year look-ahead of what we need in the city, so it’s not just catching up but it’s where we want to be down the road. To have this go ahead now is just fantastic. It’s been a lot of work,” said Henry Pejril, President of the Kamloops Sports Council.

“When you have these heroes at a high performance level, like the Kelly Olynyks, like the Greg Stewarts, like the Dylan Armstrongs and on and on it goes — it really inspires the young, that youthful generation that think anything is possible,” added Pacific Sport Interior Executive Director Carolynn Boomer.

Projected completion dates for the two projects were not announced Monday.