City of Kamloops releases statement on takeover of St. Andrews on the Square

The City of Kamloops released a statement today after receiving some backlash towards their takeover of St. Andrews on the Square.

The Kamloops Heritage Society, which has run St. Andrews since the late 90s, took to Facebook to show their displeasure with the news on Thursday. They mentioned being wary with the City in charge of the church as "with their plan," there will be no caretaker, no phone number to call, and all bookings would have to be done through a website.

"This decision is NOT supported by The Society," wrote the post. "We feel that this building deserves continued stewardship by The Society. We are a self-sustaining not-for-profit operating in positive cash flow. This means there are no staffing or running costs incurred by the City. The City will no longer have an on-site representative to set up weddings/events, answer questions about bookings and the building, or maintain a daily presence in the neighborhood."

"If you know St. Andrews, you know what we are saying; The City will be relieving The Society of the low-cost role we afford the City. More importantly, Mel (who saved, restored, and has run the building for nearly 30 years) will no longer be present as the pillar she is."

The City clapped back by calling the church one of "Kamloops' most treasured heritage resources," noting that they would keep it beautifully maintained for visitors and citizens in the years to come.

"Five years ago, the Kamloops Heritage Society’s board of directors asked the City to develop a succession plan for the property that would see the City taking over maintenance and operations at the end of five years," wrote the City. "The board recognized at that time that its operational model was not sustainable and that the financial burden of operating, maintaining, and repairing this heritage property would be too great for the society."

After recognizing the significant investment made by the Kamloops Heritage Society, the City went on to say its primary focus would be to protect the valuable heritage asset.

"Under the City’s operation, the facility will receive any required repairs and remain available for bookings by the public in the same way as the Old Courthouse, which is another heritage property that the City maintains and operates. The City is dedicated to maintaining and celebrating Kamloops’ heritage and is committed to ensuring that St. Andrew’s on the Square remains an architectural feature of Kamloops’ vibrant downtown."

Changes to St. Andrews on the Square will go into effect in March of 2020.