Build Kamloops
Build. Grow. Connect. Repeat.
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.
Build Kamloops is about catching up and keeping up with growth.
Build Kamloops is affordable.
Build Kamloops is about building community, not just facilities.
Build Kamloops is for everyone.
The Build Kamloops Select Committee has identified five facilities to explore as part of the Build Kamloops program, starting with the Kamloops Centre for the Arts. Other facilities to include an arena multiplex, a curling and racquet sport facility, an indoor field facility, and an aquatics centre, as well as a seniors centre or community space in conjunction with one of these.
Progress has already started with the announcement that the City will open the Kamloops Seniors Community Centre this fall at 730 Cottonwood Avenue, which provides an opportunity to create much needed child care spaces through the reimagining of Parkview Activity Centre (as bookings and programs from that facility can be accommodated at the new centre). Finally, Council has authorized a loan to Kamloops Youth Soccer Association to repair their indoor soccer dome, extending the life of Kamloops' only indoor field facility for the next 25 years.
The alternative approval processes have launched to seek electoral approval for the first phase of borrowing required to advance the Build Kamloops program. An overview of the Build Kamloops alternative approval processes is available here. Statutory notices and elector response forms for the Build Kamloops alternative approval processes are here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternative Approval Processes
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the Numbers
The Build Kamloops Financial Program Presentation lays out the funding and budgeting for the proposed borrowing and debt servicing.
Key Takeaways:
- Local governments are only able to borrow to deliver assets, facilities, and major waste or sewer projects. We can’t borrow for operations, such as fixing potholes or crime prevention initiatives.
- Building the proposed facilities does not mean that we will not continue to focus on, and advocate for, social issues, crime prevention and safety.
- The City always maintains a level of debt servicing within its budget every year. That debt servicing amount may change from year to year, but best practice in municipalities is to maintain a 5-8% debt servicing ratio (as compared to revenues). Ultimately this will be a decision that is placed on the elected City Council at that point in time.
- The actual borrowing for the Build Kamloops facilities does not commence until the buildings are complete, which means we don’t anticipate starting to pay on the loan until 2031. Between now and 2028, we are collecting the 1% tax (eg: $25 per year) to put into a savings account to put towards those payments when they start (similar to saving for a new home), in order to keep that healthy 5-8% debt servicing ratio.
- For planning purposes, the interest rate used in calculations was 4.33%.
- Municipalities can have a maximum level of debt serving (mortgage payments), which is 25% of specific annual revenues. In 2031, which is the largest mortgage payment year, the amount against the 25% maximum is 7.9%.
- As the City continues to grow, it is expected that growth will contribute and increase the civic revenues that are used to establish the debt level that the City can use.
What's Your Why
Locations and Timelines
Build Kamloops Project Locations
![](https://hdp-ca-prod-app-kamlp-letstalk-files.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/1317/1874/5890/base_map.png)
Timeline
![Visual timeline of Build Kamloops](https://hdp-ca-prod-app-kamlp-letstalk-files.s3.ca-central-1.amazonaws.com/9117/2080/3334/ADM_BuildKamloops_Timeline_1920x1080_June2024_FINAL.jpg)
Questions
Do you have a question about Build Kamloops? While we may not have all the answers yet, your questions will help us determine what is important for Kamloops residents to know as the project continues. Questions will be visible once answered.
Updates
Build Kamloops Videos
Archived Engagement
Comments
What We Heard
The post-it notes below are comments that were collected verbatim at the Build Kamloops Open House held on July 9, 2024.
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Ensure that any reference to the $25 increase per year mentions that it's in reference to an $800,000 home.
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Can we capture rainwater on the roofs?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Can we include EV charging stations at all facilities?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Will the theatre have flexible seating? Seating that can be removed for "floor seating" or banquet tables?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Can we consider a bronze, silver, gold option for the KCA? What could we build for $50 million, $100 million, $150 million?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Where are the people who park at 393 Seymour going to park? Can they park in the underground?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
How do we ensure access for local groups? (KCA)
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Will the KCA be run by the City or a third-party?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
How in anonymity maintained in the AAP?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Who oversees the corporate officer in this process? Can we have scrutineers?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Who is really running City Hall?
11 July, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
There are too many roadblocks in place against citizens of Kamloops to voice their opinions. No freedom of speech.
Visioning
What is your vision for Kamloops in 15 years?
It's been 20 years since our community chose to become Canada's Tournament Capital and grew into a premier destination for hosting tournaments and sporting events. Now it's time to think about where we want to go next. Who do we want to be? What do you want to feel when someone mentions our home city? We have the opportunity now to shape who we grow into. So, the sky is the limit. Where would you like to see Kamloops in 15 years? See an idea that you like? Vote it up!
- Recent
- Popular
20 April, 2024
Smilinj says:
Better infrastructure, turn lanes would help traffic flow. More entertainment options, family friendly and night life included.
16 April, 2024
KMV says:
Doctors for everyone. Housing for everyone. Opportunities/programs for the low income to build purpose in their lives. Community events.
14 April, 2024
Colleen Staintin says:
It is important that we have this plan to build more facilities and as many asx posdibke multi-use. I support the PAC being a very high #1!
9 April, 2024
brycecampbell says:
A locally owned municipal fibre network.
8 April, 2024
TechGuy says:
There's more to life than just arts and sports!
8 April, 2024
TechGuy says:
in the next 15 years, I would like to see the municipality sticking to it's financial budget, and not raising taxes more than inflation.
8 April, 2024
Chris says:
The comment box says "The sky is the limit!" well I came here with the idea to protect the night sky. A by-law to limit light pollution!
2 April, 2024
CorrynB says:
Kamloops has the opportunity to become a leader in Curling in BC. There is a need for a state of the art facility that supports excellence.
26 March, 2024
Carole says:
"The Build Kamloops Select Committee has identified five facilities to explore as part of the Build Kamloops program"
Why not an Agriplex?
25 March, 2024
Gary1213 says:
There should be a cricket ground inside kamloops as well to support other community as well. There’s one but its 19 kms away. Not for everyo
21 March, 2024
Old goat says:
I'd like to see the tranquille asylum actually developed into the multi-use, housing, agri community that has been talked about for years.
21 March, 2024
Linda DeBelser says:
A Curling Center that serves all ages and ethnicities and is the best in Canada if not the world.
In the Media
- Kamloops to be given Sports Heritage designation
- Kamloops soccer dome seeking new name as $1 million renovation gets underway
- Kamloops playing host to world's largest highland dance competition
- Kamloops native Matt Berger qualifies for second consecutive Olympic games
- International Kamloops Open pickleball tournament sees record number of players
- SKSS, Brocklehurst middle school earn top placements in national music festival