The results are in, and the Kamloops Centre for the Arts will finally be built in Canada’s Tournament Capital, marking the start of the first capital projects identified within the visionary Build Kamloops program. The City has obtained elector approval of two borrowing bylaws that will fund the construction of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, the design and construction of an arena multiplex, and the advancement of other recreational facilities including a curling and racquet sport complex, an aquatic centre, and an indoor fieldhouse.
The alternative approval processes for both projects closed at 4:00 pm on Friday, September 13. A total of 5,802 forms (6.66% of eligible electors) were accepted in opposition to the $140 million loan authorization bylaw required to construct the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, and 4,025 forms (4.62% of eligible electors) were accepted in opposition to the $135 million loan authorization bylaw to design and construct the arena multiplex and advance other Build Kamloops recreation projects. Under the alternative approval process, approval of the electors is obtained if the number of valid elector responses received by the deadline is less than 10% of the number of eligible electors (8,713) within the City of Kamloops (87,131). Neither project reached this threshold. A full report will be presented to Council on September 24, 2024.
“Build Kamloops, and the Kamloops Centre for the Arts specifically, has been common ground for all of Council since our inauguration and we’re thrilled to take the next steps of building our community,” said Councillor Mike O’Reilly, Chair of the Build Kamloops Council Select Committee. “This has been a huge effort from Council, staff, and all the community members on our working groups, but this is just the beginning. We’re all eager to roll up our sleeves and get to work building Kamloops.” 
(From left to right, back row to front row) Councillors Bill Sarai, Dale Bass, Stephen Karpuk, Kelly Hall, Nancy Bepple, Katie Neustaeter and Mike O'Reilly.
This approval will finally make the Kamloops Centre for the Arts a reality, a project that has been identified as a high priority for the community for over two decades. This iconic facility will be built at 393 Seymour Street, serving as a catalyst for growth and elevating the overall cultural vibrancy of our city. The project is currently progressing through validation and detailed design, with construction expected to start by the end of 2025.
“This is such a positive step forward for Kamloops and now we can come together as a community and raise the funds to support these exciting projects!” said Brenda Aynsley, Chair of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Society.
The adoption of Arena Multiplex and Recreation Initiatives Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 57-2, 2024, will realize the design and construction of the arena multiplex, on which construction is anticipated to begin in early 2026 at 2070 Hillside Drive.
“We are so excited to be moving forward with this much needed next phase of the evolution of our city,” said Henry Pejril, President of the Kamloops Sports Council. “Now that we have certainty in our direction, we can get our Build Kamloops capital campaign up and firing on all cylinders!”
Residents can expect to weigh in on how these new facilities will integrate with and strengthen the recreational landscape of Kamloops, while addressing other community needs where possible. Follow the projects at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/BuildKamloops to be informed of future engagement opportunities.
Build Kamloops is a multi-year, multi-phase visionary program to re-establish the city’s prominence as Canada’s Tournament Capital, foster our recognition as a premier arts and culture destination, and keep pace with our recreation and leisure needs as Canada’s third fastest-growing city
