Build Kamloops plan proposes arts centre, ice sheet multiplex, borrowing $275M

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops has revealed details about its much-touted Build Kamloops strategy, including a performing arts centre, an arena multiplex and a plan to borrow hundreds of millions of dollars.

The details came forward at Kamloops council’s regular meeting Tuesday (June 25) and were subsequently distributed to media via news release.

The first phase of the plan would see a performing arts centre built at the long-considered downtown location at 393 Seymour St., formerly home to the Kamloops Daily News.

It would also include an arena complex containing four separate ice sheets built at 2070 Hillside Drive in Dufferin, adjacent to the main entrance to Kenna Cartwright Park.

To pay for the projects, the city proposes a four-pronged funding strategy it considers “measured and affordable” that “minimizes the tax impact on residents and prioritizes fiscal responsibility.” The strategy is based on fundraising, obtaining grants, using existing funds and setting aside capital funding, which includes the use of long-term debt.

The city is proposing the borrowing of $275 million to fund the first phase. Corporate Services Director David Hallinan says the long-term debt will add an average of $25 to each annual property tax bill over five years.

Tuesday, council authorized the first three readings of a bylaw approving the borrowing, but proposes to go to an alternative approval process to receive the public’s vote of confidence. Councillor Mike O’Reilly says alternative approval is a less expensive method of surveying the public than a referendum.

“An alternate approval process is the most affordable and efficient way to seek electorate approval for long-term borrowing,” said O’Reilly in the release. “It requires the same level of transparency and oversight as a referendum without the $200,000 price tag.”

Council has also announced three more projects meant to enhance the quality of life for local residents.

The city is taking over the lease of the North Shore Community Centre at 730 Cottonwood Avenue, transforming the facility into the Kamloops Seniors Community Centre, which will be operated by the Centre for Seniors Information. The transition will begin on August 1.

Council has authorized a loan to repair and extend the life of the Kamloops Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) Soccer Dome for another 25 years.

And the city is preparing to transition the Parkview Activity Centre next to McDonald Park to address a critical shortage of childcare spaces in Kamloops.

The public can learn more about the plans in an open house planned for Tuesday, July 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Kelson Hall.