By Dylana Milobar

City says extra federal funding could be used for numerous projects

Mar 24, 2019 | 9:25 AM

KAMLOOPS — With the announcement of the federal government doubling gas-tax revenue funds in the 2019 budget for community works projects, it remains to be seen what specific changes that could bring to Kamloops.

Kathy Humphrey, the city’s Corporate Services Director, says if the extra money — approximately $3.7 million for Kamloops — is treated the same way as the other half of what the city usually gets, it could boost a number of projects.

The proposed doubling raises the community works funding to about $7.4 million, and Humphrey says restrictions on what they can use the money for are fairly broad.

“Community works is relatively open, but right now our funds are primarily used for active transportation, beautification, recreation and culture — things like that,” she explains. “It’s supposed to be things that enhance your community, not sort of day-to-day operating type expenses.”

Given those guidelines, Humphrey says the distribution of the funds would not be taking money away from other much-needed projects and infrastructure improvements, or mean that they wouldn’t see as much financial investment.

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According to Humphrey, potential projects that would qualify to access the money could include improvements for arenas, the Tournament Capital Centre, pools, and even — if it was approved — a Performing Arts Centre.

“This would just be one funding source on whatever project it is that goes out there,” she says. “So if we get money in the community works fund, it would have to be for an approved project.”

However, Humphrey says the funds wouldn’t make a massive dent in project price tags, and would likely be another of the many resources pitching in on total costs.

“While $3.7 million is a lot of money and it’s great to get that potentially added into our city, it doesn’t really fund any one project we have that people are talking about.” 

Humphrey says the money is certainly an exciting addition, but details around when they could access the funds still need to be worked out.

“But at this point, for the city, we’ve already finished our 2019 budget so we don’t really have any projects that are underfunded that would qualify for this for 2019,” she explains. “So probably for the city it wouldn’t be for something until at least 2020.”

Once city staff receive more details on the financial boost, Humphrey says they’ll be bring more information before mayor and council.