Build Kamloops projects eligible for federal infrastructure funding, city says

There is no guarantee that the projects will be funded, but the federal government is accepting applications for shovel-ready, Class C infrastructure projects that can begin before the end of this year.

“Funding is being provided through the ‘Direct Delivery’ stream of the Build Canada Strong Fund (BCSF),” a statement from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) said. “This stream will provide $6 billion over 10 years across Canada – with $1 billion available in this first intake.”

“For projects that are not shovel ready, applicants can submit an expression of interest for future consideration.”

While the Kamloops Centre for the Arts project downtown could cost as much as $211 million, up from previous preliminary estimates of around $154-million (later revised to $166-million), Kamloops councillors have only approved the borrowing of up to $140 million for this project.

City Council has also green-lit the borrowing of up to $125 million for a four-sheet arena multiplex – with a library – in Dufferin. At last check, this project is currently estimated to cost about $154-million, and it may also open with just three full-sized rinks.

Both the arts centre and the arena multiplex received public assent through the alternative approval process (AAP) in 2024, and the projects survived a legal challenge last year.

Construction is underway on the arts centre, while preliminary work on the arena multiplex is expected to begin later this year. According to previous city estimates, work on the arts centre is expected to wrap up by 2029, while work on the arena multiplex is expected to wrap up by early 2030.

Build Kamloops also includes a curling and racquet sport complex, which is set to rise at the site of Memorial Arena and the Kamloops Curling Club downtown. It also includes a new leisure pool, new indoor field space, and a new all-ages community centre.

It also included a new seniors centre at Cottonwood Avenue and renovations to the Kamloops indoor soccer dome which are both complete. Plans for a new daycare at the Parkview Activity Centre had to be shelved after an application for provincial funding was denied.

The city has also announced a partnership with the BC Interior Community Foundation, allowing residents and business owners to donate directly to Build Kamloops. Last year, the city announced the first donation towards Build Kamloops, in what they called a “major milestone” for the initiative.

City staff have previously said they expect that Build Kamloops projects will be paid through debt as well as various government grants along with corporate and private donations.

by Victor Kaisar

Build Kamloops projects eligible for federal infrastructure funding, city says

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