Rendering of the proposed Performing Arts Centre (Image credit: City of Kamloops/File photo).

By Michael Reeve

BUILD KAMLOOPS

Build Kamloops timeline still intact after AAP legal case

Feb 24, 2025 | 4:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — On Friday (Feb. 21), the City of Kamloops won its legal battle against Kathrine Wunderlich as the BC Supreme Court has ruled the results of the alternative approval process (AAP) will stand. The AAP was used by the city to gain public approval to borrow up to $275 million for a performing arts centre and an arena multiplex.

With the petition now in the rearview mirror, the City of Kamloops has filed the borrowing bylaws with the province, working with ministry staff to advance the two projects.

“If you look throughout the province of B.C., you see a lot of municipalities looking at the AAP as a viable option for city infrastructure. All you have to do is look at Vernon, look at Kelowna, look at Prince George — all these communities are using AAPs and it’s saving the taxpayers a tremendous amount of tax dollars,” said Kelly Hall, Build Kamloops committee chair.

When city council announced the AAP had been successful in September of last year, the goal was to see shovels in the ground on the downtown performing arts centre this year. However, while stalled during proceedings, Hall mentioned auxiliary work was conducted.

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“What are the road systems going to be looking like? The multiplex arena complex, how are the road systems going to look in there? It gave us an opportunity to look at the roads and the infrastructure that are going to be needed to support these facilities when it comes time to get the shovels in the ground,” said Hall.

During the decision on Friday, the court highlighted to city representatives how clearly there is a subsection of the community not happy with the AAP process. That comes just before council is set to decide on how to receive public assent for a new RCMP detachment.

“I think the council will take a look at everything that is in front of us. And we will make sure, at that time, we make the right decision on behalf of the community,” stated Hall.

Wunderlich has stated her intention of filing an appeal of the decision. If an appeal is granted, it’s unclear if the projects could face delays.