PETERS: Good news for Kamloops’ cultural infrastructure

In the context of what may be a $200-plus million project, $7 million doesn’t exactly turn the arts centre into a bargain.

But in terms of what is usually available from the upper levels of government, it’s huge.

The majority of the other successful recipients were projects like water and sewer infrastructure, fire halls and road-building – that sort of thing.

The Kamloops Centre for the Arts was the only recipient listed as ‘cultural infrastructure’.

That’s an interesting term – and one that rightly recognizes arts and culture venues as critical to any thriving community.

A city can build pristine roads and beautiful bridges, lay down the strongest and most durable pipes in the world, but if it doesn’t have good recreational and cultural amenities, people still won’t want to live there.

We can expect there will be other funding announcements coming – either through grants or donations with naming rights attached.

You can expect the different theatres and rooms contained within the arts centre to bear the names of familiar local companies or benefactors.

Each of these philanthropic contributions will nibble away at the amount Kamloops taxpayers will need to pay back over the term of the $140-million loan we received to get this project off the ground and in the ground.

Hopefully this week’s grant will be the first major domino to fall.

With all the doom and gloom all around us this week, it’s nice to have a bit of news that gives the region some light at the end of a smoky tunnel.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.

by James Peters

PETERS: Good news for Kamloops’ cultural infrastructure

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