Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum
REFERENDUM CANCELLED
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On November 5, 2019, Kamloops City Council voted to support the development of the KCA in partnership with the KCA Society and directed staff to initiate a referendum to measure the electors' support for funding up to $45 million of the construction cost.
The business case, prepared by the KCA Society, outlines a new 120,000+ sq. ft. facility on the City-owned lot at the corner of 4th Avenue and Seymour Street, with an additional 20,000 sq. ft. of renovated existing space. View the business case.
This project supports Council's strategic priorities and was supported unanimously by CityContinue reading
REFERENDUM CANCELLED
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On November 5, 2019, Kamloops City Council voted to support the development of the KCA in partnership with the KCA Society and directed staff to initiate a referendum to measure the electors' support for funding up to $45 million of the construction cost.
The business case, prepared by the KCA Society, outlines a new 120,000+ sq. ft. facility on the City-owned lot at the corner of 4th Avenue and Seymour Street, with an additional 20,000 sq. ft. of renovated existing space. View the business case.
This project supports Council's strategic priorities and was supported unanimously by City Council.
Ways to Vote
There are multiple ways to cast your vote for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts. General Voting Day for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum is Saturday, April 4, 2020 from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Find your nearest voting location.
Advance voting days are Wednesday, March 25, 2020 and Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Other alternatives include mail in voting or special voting opportunities. Learn more about the multiple ways to vote.
Who Can Vote
You can vote in a referendum in Kamloops if you meet all of the following criteria:
- are a Canadian citizen*
- are 18 years of age or older on general voting day
- have lived in BC for at least six months
- have lived in Kamloops for at least thirty days
- are not disqualified by law from voting
Learn more about voter eligibility and requirements.
Voting Process
To vote in the referendum, visit any voting location on an Advance or General Voting Day, between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm and present two pieces of identification. View the list of acceptable ID.
*Please note: The combined BC Driver's Licence and BC Care Card will be considered as ONE piece of ID.
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Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum Cancelled
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkKamloops, BC – The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing confirmed Wednesday, March 18, 2020, that the referendum (assent vote) for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts (KCA) has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister made the decision after consulting with public health officials and local governments, and has signed a ministerial order postponing by-elections and referendums in four specific BC communities.
The Chief Election Officer for the KCA Referendum had been working closely with the Ministry to determine available options for the referendum. The ability to change the process and timelines of a referendum once the process has been initiated lies with the Minister, not with the local government.
“Although the cancellation of the referendum is a disappointment, it is in the best interest of public health. We respect the efforts made by the Chief Election Officer and the decision made by the Ministry, we fully support that decision.” said Mayor Ken Christian. “We will have a new path forward in the coming months and this project will hopefully act as a key piece of the recovery in our City and our region.”
A new referendum date will be determined once a designated medical health officer advises the City under the Public Health Act that the Covid-19 pandemic no longer poses a threat to public health.
Any mail ballots received for the April 4, 2020, assent vote will remain unopened and will be destroyed by the Chief Election Officer as per the ministerial order. These ballots will not be included or counted in the rescheduled assent vote.
Once a new date has been set for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum, there will be a new call for election officials. Any applications received to date for an election official will not be processed. Those wishing to participate will need to reapply when the applications become available.
Up-to-date information on KCA Referendum will be posted on this project page: LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/KCA
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Direction to be Provided by Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on the April 4 Referendum (Assent Voting)
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkMarch 17, 2020 – The City acknowledges the concerns of residents regarding the COVID-19 outbreak and the upcoming referendum for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts (KCA). With the recent provincial and federal announcements regarding COVID-19, the Chief Election Officer for the KCA Referendum has been in conversations with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to determine available options for the referendum.
The ability to change the process and timelines of a referendum once the process has been initiated lies with the Minister, not with the local government. The Chief Election Officer has been working closely with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and will take direction from the Minister on how to proceed.
The City of Kamloops cares about the public’s health and wellbeing, election official volunteers, as well as the health and safety of our employees and are actively working with our Emergency Program Manager and Health and Safety Department.
Up-to-date information about the KCA Referendum will be provided on this project page, LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/KCA, as it becomes available from the Ministry. -
Question of the Week - Updated Weekly
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The City is reaching out to the community asking for residents to submit their questions related to the Kamloops Centre for the Arts (KCA) project and the referendum process.We have been collecting these questions through various methods: online, through in-person conversations, and at public meetings. As answers become available, we will be updating the Q&A section on the Let’s Talk website. To highlight some of the questions and answers in the Q&A, we will be issuing a regular “Question of the Week” feature via social media and on the City’s Let’s Talk website.
We encourage you to share the information with those who are interested in learning more about the KCA project and the referendum process.Question of the Week - March 9
Q: Where do I go to vote on April 4th?
A: You can vote at any of the 16 voting locations on Saturday, April 4. Two pieces of ID are required to vote.
General Voting Locations:
- Aberdeen Elementary, 2191 Van Horne Drive
- Arthur Hatton Elementary, 315 Chestnut Avenue
- Arthur Stevenson Elementary, 2890 Bank Road
- Beattie Elementary, 492 McGill Road
- Dallas Elementary, 296 Harper Road
- Dufferin Elementary, 1880 Hillside Drive
- Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street
- Lloyd George Elementary, 830 Pine Street
- NorKam Secondary, 730 12th Street
- Parkcrest Elementary at George Hilliard, 985 Holt Street
- Rayleigh Elementary, 306 Puett Ranch Road
- R.L. Clemitson Elementary, 5990 Todd Road
- Sahali Mall, 945 Columbia Street West (Voting hours are 9:30 am to 6:30 pm for this location)
- South Sahali Elementary, 1585 Summit Drive
- Valleyview Secondary, 1950 Valleyview Drive
- Westmount Elementary, 745 Walkem Road
Question of the Week - March 2
Q: What happens if the Kamloops Centre for the Arts $22 million fundraising is not met or if the project goes over budget?
A: Funding would need to come from other levels of government, grants, donors, or other City sources, such as reserves. Before construction proceeds, if the money objective has not been met, project scope, timing, and/or finishings may be reviewed. The project may not proceed unless other sources of funding are secured. The referendum has set the maximum amount the City can borrow for the project at $45 million.
Question of the Week - February 28
Q: Why did Council choose to hold a referendum?
The City has two options to seek the approval of the electors—through assent voting (referendum) or through the alternative approval process (counter-petition).Council felt a referendum would be the most transparent way to engage the community and determine whether the community will support the proposed project as it weighs the overall number of “yes” and “no” votes, whereas a counter-petition only gauges the “no” votes.Question of the Week - February 19
Q: Why should taxpayers fund this? Shouldn’t the user groups pay for it?A: Taxpayers in Kamloops support all of our City-owned venues, including arenas, pools, sports fields, and parks. As a community, we embrace and support the diverse interests that make our city liveable for all. While this venue will provide an opportunity for those interested in the arts, it is also well-recognized in the business case that it will be used for many community events that are not specifically connected to cultural user groups.The 2019-2022 Council Strategic Plan identifies livability as one of the four strategic priorities, stating that the City of Kamloops maintains a vibrant, high quality of life for an inclusive, healthy, and diverse community.Question of the Week - February 7
Q: What other venues in Kamloops exist because of a ‘yes’ vote in a referendum?A: Sandman Centre, McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, Tournament Capital Centre, and Riverside Park all exist due to referendums.Question of the Week - January 31
Q: I will be out of town on April 4. How else can I vote?
A: Residents unable to vote on April 4 are encouraged to vote during one of two advanced polling dates at Heritage House, Wednesday, March 25 and Wednesday, April 1. Individuals who expect to be absent from the City during the general and advance voting dates, or those who have a physical disability, illness, or injury that prevents them from voting at another voting opportunity, can submit an application to vote by mail online (Kamloops.ca/Referendum) or through City Hall.
Question of the Week - January 24
Q: Are residents of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc, Sun Rivers, and outlying areas of Kamloops able to vote?
A: We acknowledge that residents in the Thompson Nicola Regional District (TNRD) and within the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc (TteS) membership may wish to exercise their right to vote in the City’s upcoming referendum. Members of TteS and residents who live within the TNRD boundaries are unfortunately not eligible to vote in the upcoming referendum, this includes areas such as Sun Rivers, Rivershore, Tobiano, and Sun Peaks. However, residents who reside in these areas may vote if they own real estate in Kamloops, registered in their name for at least thirty days prior to the day of voting. These requirements are dictated by the Local Government Act and Elections BC. As a municipality, the City is bound to follow the requirements when conducting an election or a referendum.
Question of the Week - January 17
Q: Have other locations been considered for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts?
A: We recognize that some residents would like to see a venue of this nature in other areas of town; however, the location for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts is final. The downtown property is owned by the City and is ready for development.
In order to allow access for all residents and provide the greatest economic opportunity from this investment, a major community venue such as the Kamloops Centre for the Arts must be built in the downtown core.
When the City created the current surface parking lot, it was developed with the intention of future development. With the addition of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, Kamloops would have the Kamloops Symphony, Western Canada Theatre, the Kamloops Film Society, the Kamloops Art Gallery, and the Kamloops Museum & Archives all within three blocks of each other, which would create a cultural destination in our downtown core for both residents and tourists to enjoy.
Question of the Week - January 10
Q: What is the total cost for this project, and how will it be funded?
A: The Class D estimate indicates the facility will cost approximately $70 million, of which the City is proposing to borrow up to $45 million for its contribution.
This balance of the project will be funded through grants from other levels of governments, donations and sponsorships from organizations and individuals, and a substantial financial gift from Ron Fawcett.
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Did You Know - Updated Weekly
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkTo highlight facts and information about the Kamloops Centre for the Arts (KCA), we will be issuing a regular “Did You Know” feature through the City social media channels and on the City’s Let’s Talk website.
We encourage you to share the information with those who are interested in learning more about the KCA project and the referendum process.
Did You Know - March 9
Did You Know - March 2
Many of the civic/community uses that are projected for this facility will benefit from a 1,200 seat theatre, such as high school graduations, university convocations, speaker series, and special celebrations. Year-end dance shows, traveling broadway productions, and music tours are also projected.
Did You Know - February 26
Attracting business to Kamloops can be like the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears - finding a venue with seats that is just right - not too big, not too small! The Kamloops Centre for the Arts would place Kamloops in a competitive market to attract larger performances, such as theatre, music and comedy, as well as securing tournament and sporting events, with seating options that are just right!
Did You Know - February 19
Enhancing offerings in arts and culture provides opportunities for increased tourism through attending events, shows, and festivals, as well as generating visitor spending on hotels, transportation, restaurants, retail, and other business spin-offs.Did You Know - February 5
Once established (by year 5) the estimated annual operating contribution from the City is $383,000, which is approximately $1.22 per month for the average household.
By comparison, the City’s 2018 operating contribution to Sandman Centre was $752,197 and $1,269,166 for the Tournament Capital Centre.Did You Know - January 29
Once constructed, the Kamloops Centre for the Arts would help Kamloops’ Tournament Capital program build on its success and attract large sporting events by providing a competitive venue to host the award ceremonies, celebrations, and volunteer events that have become an expected component of a host City.
Did You Know - January 22
The proposed design for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts allows for all three theatre spaces to be used at the same time with complete sound separation and to be serviced by a 9,000 sq.ft. lobby.
Did You Know - January 15
There were 3,862 children and youth registered in arts and culture programs in 2019 in Kamloops. The Kamloops Centre for the Arts would assist in providing facility space to the programs to host performances, competitions, and rehearsals.Did You Know - January 8
In 2019, over 1000 students graduated from School District 73. Graduation ceremonies were held in churches, school gymnasiums, sporting arenas, and a conference centre to accommodate the size of the graduating classes. The Kamloops Centre for the Arts will provide students with a venue appropriate in size and decorum.
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Special Voting Opportunities
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkGeneral Voting Day for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum is Saturday, April 4, 2020. Advanced Voting Days are Wednesday, March 25, and Wednesday, April 1. We recognize that getting to a voting location is difficult for residents in assisted living/care homes, and we are pleased to announce that Special Voting Opportunities will be held at a number of assisted living/care homes in Kamloops. These Special Voting Opportunities are only open to electors who are residents, patients, visitors, volunteers, or employees on duty, and are not available for general voting.
Wednesday, March 25, 2020- Ridgeview Lodge, 920 Desmond Street, 9:00 am–11:00 am
- Overlander Residential Care, 953 Southill Street, 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
- Pine Grove Care Centre, 313 McGowan Avenue, 3:30 pm–5:30 pm
Thursday, March 26, 2020- Shores Retirement Residence, 870 Westminster Avenue, 9:00 am–11:00 am
- Chartwell Kamloops Retirement Residence, 628 Tranquille Road, 12:30 pm–3:00 pm
Tuesday, March 31, 2020- Ponderosa Lodge, 425 Columbia Street, 10:00 am–12:30 pm
- Berwick on the Park, 60 Whiteshield Crescent South, 2:00 pm–4:30 pm
Wednesday, April 1, 2020- Kamloops Seniors Village, 1220 Hugh Allan Drive, 10:00 am–12:30 pm
- Chartwell Ridgepointe Retirement Residence, 1789 Primrose Crescent, 2:00 pm–4:30 pm
The above voting locations are not available for general voting. Mail ballot voting is also available for residents or employees of assisted living/care homes who are unable to attend a voting location. Download an application to vote by mail.Information on voter eligibility, voting locations, acceptable ID, and more can be found at Kamloops.ca/Referendum.
For further inquiries related to special voting opportunities please contact the Chief Election Officer at 250-828-3405 or dcampbell@kamloops.ca.
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Information Session on the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe City of Kamloops would like to invite residents to learn more about the proposed Kamloops Centre for the Arts (KCA) and the upcoming referendum at two information sessions this month.On April 4, 2020, electors will vote to decide if they are in favour of the City of Kamloops borrowing up to $45 million to construct the KCA. To help residents become informed and prepare to cast their votes, the City is hosting two information sessions.Wednesday, February 12 Thursday, February 136:30–8:30 pm 6:00–8:00 pmSports Centre Lounge, McArthur Island Valley First Lounge, Sandman Centre1665 Island Parkway 300 Lorne StreetCity staff and representatives from the KCA Society will be available during both events to share information and to discuss the proposed project, the financing, and the referendum process. The information sessions will begin with a 30-minute open house followed by a short presentation, and the sessions will conclude with roundtable discussions. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. Residents are encouraged to attend the information sessions, discuss the proposed plan, and ask questions to gain an understanding of the proposed project.Residents who are unable to attend an information session are encouraged to review this site to learn more about the KCA project proposal details, financing and operating costs, and details on the referendum. Residents can also join a community conversation, ask a question, and review answers to over 70 questions posed by the community and answered in detail. -
Vote by Mail Application Now Available
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkGeneral Voting Day for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum is Saturday, April 4, 2020. Advanced Voting Days are Wednesday, March 25, and Wednesday, April 1. We acknowledge that not all residents will be in town on the scheduled voting days, and we are pleased to announce that applications to vote by mail are now available. Download an application now.
Mail ballot voting is available to those who have a physical disability, illness, or injury that prevents them from voting at another voting opportunity. Mail ballot voting is also available for people who expect to be absent from the city on Advance and General Voting Days.
An application to vote by mail can also be obtained by contacting the Legislative Services Division in person; by mail at 7 Victoria Street West, Kamloops, BC, V2C 1A2; or by phone at 250-828-3483.
To ensure your vote will be counted, your mail ballot, along with all required documentation, must be received by the Chief Election Officer at 7 Victoria Street West, Kamloops, BC, V2C 1A2, no later than 8:00 pm on April 4, 2020.
Information on voter eligibility, voting locations, acceptable ID, and more can be found at Kamloops.ca/Referendum.
For further inquiries related to voting by mail please contact the Chief Election Officer at 250-828-3405 or dcampbell@kamloops.ca.
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Apply to be an Election Official
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkApplications are now closed.
Are you curious about what takes place behind the scenes of a referendum? Get involved to find out!
An Election Official’s job duties include legibly registering voters, recording and confirming their identification, and issuing ballots. If you are selected to work, you will be required to:
- work on Saturday, April 4, 2020, from 7:00 am to approximately 9:00 pm; and/or
- work on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, and Wednesday, April 1, 2020, from 7:00 am to approximately 9:00 pm; and
- remain on site throughout the entire day.
Job duties may include:- greeting and directing voters
- clarifying processes and required identification
- assisting with voting location set-up and clean-up, including arranging chairs and tables
- administering solemn declarations
- issuing ballots and instructing voters on how to mark ballots
- serving all voters in a friendly and efficient manner
Required special working conditions:- physical ability to work long hours in a standing or sitting position
- dressing neatly, but comfortably
- responsible for own meals and beverages
- ability to work in high pressure situations while paying meticulous attention to detail
Qualifications:- minimum 18 years of age and legally entitled to work in BC
- ability to be a non-partisan representative of the City of Kamloops
- English literacy and language skills, and fluency in a second language may be beneficial
- clear printing/handwriting
- ability to focus, stay on track, and process voters in a timely, professional, and efficient manner
- patience, tact, and courtesy when interacting with a variety of people during a long day
- excellent organizational skills and experience
- good problem-solving abilities
- ability to understand and follow directions, written instructions, or checklists
- excellent verbal communications skills to welcome and provide instructions to voters
- exceptional attention to details
- previous experience as an Election Official may be an asset
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Let’s Talk About the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkOn April 4, 2020, electors will vote to decide if they are in favour of the City of Kamloops borrowing up to $45 million to construct a Kamloops Centre for the Arts (KCA). In recognition of the strong desire from the public to learn more about the referendum and the project proposed by the KCA Society, City staff have been working diligently to gather questions from the public through online question submissions, emails, and face-to-face conversations.
The City invites residents to learn more about the proposed KCA project by visiting LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/KCA. Residents can join an online community conversation, ask a question, and stay up-to-date on project news and upcoming information sessions.
“Our team has been working hard on listening to the questions coming from the public. Our goal is to provide factual information to help residents make an informed decision and to feel empowered when they vote on April 4,” said Byron McCorkell, the City’s Community and Protective Services Director. “Currently, there are over 70 answered questions on the Let’s Talk website that are related to the project, its financing and operating costs, and the referendum, such as voting requirements and eligibility.”
On November 5, 2019, City Council unanimously voted to support the development of the KCA in partnership with the KCA Society and directed staff to initiate a referendum to measure the electors' support for the borrowing.
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Council Authorizes Referendum Date and Communications Budget
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkAt the November 19, 2019, Regular Council Meeting, Council set the date for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts referendum as April 4, 2020 and authorized the referendum question “Are you in favour of the City of Kamloops borrowing up to $45 million to construct a Kamloops Centre for the Arts?"Also at that meeting, Council authorized a $35,000 budget for communication tools such as advertising, printing, signage, audio-visual, etc. Communication activities begin with this launch of the Let's Talk engagement tile LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/KCA and continue through to the referendum date with the creation and launch of materials, as listed in the communication report to Council.
Who's Listening
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Email shunter@kamloops.ca -
Email KCA@kamloops.ca -
Email KCA@kamloops.ca -
Email KCA@kamloops.ca
Communication Phases
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Phase 1 - Planning and Collaboration
Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum has finished this stageListen and address relevant questions and concerns of the community, identify communication methods and begin communication on the KCA project and referendum process.
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Phase 2 - Sharing Information with the Public
Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum has finished this stageInform and educate residents about the project detailed by the Kamloops Centre for the Arts business case and presented in the referendum question.
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Phase 3 - Getting out the Vote
Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum is currently at this stageElectors vote to decide if they are in favour of borrowing up to $45 million to design and construct the Kamloops Centre for the Arts. The City will provide communication on the project, voting date and voting locations.
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Phase 4 - Closing the Loop & Continuing Conversation
this is an upcoming stage for Kamloops Centre for the Arts ReferendumPhase 4 is dependent on a ‘yes’ outcome in the referendum and would include ongoing community conversation between the KCA Society and the community on subjects including design. Phase 4 would not occur if the referendum does not pass.