SOUND OFF: Build first, explain later — the real story behind the PAC

In a letter written by Councillor Mike O’Reilly and published on CFJC Today on Oct. 7, 2022 — one week before the election — he said:

“My hope is that the next city council will be able to complete a funding study to fund the Recreation Master Plan. The fundraising study will take a closer look at provincial and federal grants that may be available, as well as the potential corporate donations that could be realized. Only then should we bring forward a referendum to our residents.”

As the chair of Build Kamloops, O’Reilly abandoned the steps he said were essential — a funding study and a referendum — and advanced the city’s largest project without either one.

Why did the city approve $7 million in February 2024 for detailed design — based on a privately funded concept — before updating the business case, validating costs, reassessing the site or seeking taxpayer approval? Architectural renderings should be concepts, not commitments. By adopting the design first and planning later, the city made premature commitments that created financial lock-in.

City staff recently said cost increases would be covered by shifting money between reserves, the gaming fund and community works. This isn’t a financial plan — it makes clear that the project was approved without basic safeguards.

A council’s job is oversight — not rubber-stamping — and when oversight collapses, the result is spiralling costs, after-the-fact justifications and taxpayers left to bear the consequences.

Since July 2024, many residents have repeatedly asked, “Where is the updated business case? The cost model? The risk analysis? The operating projections?” None have been published. The 2019 business case was based on timelines that never happened with outdated assumptions justifying major borrowing without a proper public review.

Slope conditions, excavation depth, remnants from the Daily News building, underground utilities, parking limitations, a constrained site footprint and the absence of any publicly disclosed archaeological impact assessment all point to the need for full site evaluation before construction. These are issues that normally lead cities to pause and confirm that the chosen site is appropriate and cost-effective.

Cities like Kelowna are following proper planning steps consistent with standard municipal planning frameworks — updated business cases, site assessments, concept options, cost validation, feasibility studies, risk analysis, grant funding, public consultation and detailed design — before committing to construction.

Residents also deserve clarity on the role of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Society. For a project of this scale, communities typically see evidence of fundraising leadership early on. Kamloops has seen none.

With a tax hike looming, rising municipal costs and slowing population growth, city council must act in the best interest of residents — pause the PAC, complete the proper steps, provide current information and hold a referendum at election time.

Kamloops Citizens United (KCU) has launched a public petition at: openpetition.org/pac.

Some may feel it’s too late, but the petition numbers can gauge public approval, show residents are engaged and add context for voters in the next municipal election.

This is not a “no” to a performing arts centre. It is a responsible pause to ensure residents rightfully receive current, accurate information to make an informed decision in the vote that should have been provided from the beginning.

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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 Coley Ecker, Kamloops Citizens United

SOUND OFF: Build first, explain later — the real story behind the PAC

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