What about a Kamloops arts and convention centre?

If they do, that should be the end of the discussion. Convention centres are a nice-to-have and bring a lot of people into a city but they’re notorious money pits.

The Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, for example, has gone through several renovations costing millions of dollars, and operates with a hefty subsidy.

The Vancouver Convention Centre is subsidized by taxpayers to the tune of several million dollars a year. It’s a common story.

Twenty years ago, a convention centre was all the talk in Kamloops but a number of proposals based on partnerships between private developers and the City didn’t make it past the concept stage.

The issue came up briefly during last year’s civic by-election but didn’t make any waves then, either. Right now, with other public facilities to think about, it’s not on anyone’s radar.

Stuart Wood School needs to be repurposed for an as-yet unknown use, and City council has approved $200,000 just to clean up the property. The Big Thing, though, is the question of a performing arts centre.

A PAC has got to be the next civic facility. So, shall we just forgive de Santis because she’s new in town, pat her on the head and say thanks, but no thanks?

Well, what if a convention centre was combined with a performing arts centre?

It would make some sense, wouldn’t it? Convention centres need theatres, after all. Put them together with meeting rooms and we’ve got the Kamloops Arts and Events Centre, and it might actually make money.

I’m Mel Rothenburger, the Armchair Mayor.

by Armchair Mayor

What about a Kamloops arts and convention centre?

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