Kamloops wins $7M grant for arts centre lobby; millions more awarded for Savona, Ashcroft water projects

“These spaces will support local artists, provide opportunities for community connection, activate the street frontage, and contribute to our local economy,” the city said in a news release.

The $211-million project carries a $150.5-million construction and fit-out budget. The majority of that funding ($140 million) is budgeted to come from long-term debt, which was authorized by an alternative approval process (AAP) carried out in 2024.

“This funding announcement is a significant milestone for Kamloops and a strong endorsement of the vision our community has been building toward for years,” Kelly Hall, the chair of the Build Kamloops Select Committee, added.

“Receiving the maximum grant amount available demonstrates that senior levels of government recognize the importance of investing in arts and cultural infrastructure that supports community well-being, economic development and long-term growth.”

Another $37.8 million is going towards soft costs, site costs and allowances, with $22.7 million earmarked for a second parkade level.

The UBCM also selected two water projects in the region as funding recipients from the grant program.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District will receive $7 million to build a new water treatment plant in Savona. That will cover the majority of the $11-million project budget. The TNRD has also secured $3-million through the Growing Communities Fund and $1-million through the Build Communities Strong Fund.

In applying for the grant, the TNRD’s Jamie Vieira said turbidity in the water drawn from Kamloops Lake has led to recurring issues with the Savona Community Water System, presenting “an ongoing health risk.”

“This water treatment facility will include membrane filtration and upgrades to existing infrastructure, ensuring compliance with Interior Health drinking water standards and significantly improving water quality for approximately 650 residents who rely on this system,” the TNRD said in a news release.

The TNRD also noted that this is the largest grant the district has received for a project in its history.

“As the largest community water system operated by the TNRD, Savona’s system will benefit from the addition of a state-of-the-art water filtration plant that will finally end the chronic annual boil water advisories for the community,” said Mike Grenier, director for Electoral Area ‘J’ and Chair of the TNRD Utility Systems Committee.

The Village of Ashcroft is also set to get $4.8 million to twin the North Ashcroft Reservoir. The funding will help the community expand its reservoir in Pressure Zone 3 and install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) station.

Mayor Barbara Roden says this project was identified as a priority back in 2020, and village council and staff have spent the past six years trying to advance it.

“By twinning the North Ashcroft reservoir, the Village will increase water storage capacity and strengthen the reliability of the Village’s water system. We will also increase fire protection and support future growth,” Roden, who is also chair of the TNRD’s Board of Directors, said in a statement.

“This is the second-largest grant the Village has ever received, second only to the grant received for the new water treatment plant in 2015.”

A total of 54 projects across British Columbia were funded through the Strategic Priorities Fund, and individual grant applications were capped at a maximum of $7 million. Both Kamloops and the TNRD are two of 13 applicants who will receive the maximum grant amount.

by James Peters

Kamloops wins $7M grant for arts centre lobby; millions more awarded for Savona, Ashcroft water projects

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