The YES Committee for Kamloops’ proposed performing arts centre was at the site of the former Daily News to share their support and progress.
Head of the committee Brendan Shaw says launching the YES Campaign will be quite the undertaking since there is only six weeks left until the referendum.
“Our focus here is obviously to make sure that the referendum passes. So, 51 per cent of the vote, if we can get that out, ideally more the better. Our goals are clear, we want to see this performing arts centre fast,” said Shaw.
Mayor Peter Milobar was also on hand to show his support for the project. He says citizens stand to benefit from the centre and urges those who are opposed to review what the project has to offer.
“I would challenge them to take a good hard look at the projects in Kamloops that have, at the time, thought of to be too large or too aggressive for our community at the time. From the Sagebrush Theatre, to the Sandman Centre, to Tournament Capital project, you name it those projects all had similar sentiment from the community,” said Milobar.
Tourism Kamloops is the latest organization to jump on board in supporting the construction of a performing arts centre in Kamloops.
Acting CEO Monica Dickinson says the centre would be a great asset to Kamloopsians and the greater community.
“There is a strong desire for the local tourism industry to emphasize arts and cultural experiences to encourage increased opportunities for overnight stays in shoulder and off-peak tourism seasons,” said Dickinson.
The New Performing Arts Centre Business Plan was released on September 10th. The new centre is estimated to deliver an overall economic impact of $11 million dollars annually, attract approximately 20,000 visitors each year, and enhance the ability to increase tourism revenues in Kamloops.
Kamloops will vote during a referendum on November 7th on whether or not the city should borrow the $49 million needed to construct and design a parkade for the centre.
The full project is expected to cost approximately $90 million.
