Kamloops Centre for the Arts

The Kamloops Centre for the Arts has been identified by the Build Kamloops Select Committee as the first priority for the visionary Build Kamloops program and will be an iconic structure that serves as a catalyst to grow, inspire, and unify our community.

The Kamloops Centre for the Arts will fill an important gap in the community that has been identified in strategic plans for almost two decades. This purpose-built facility will address the current and growing needs of Kamloops, hosting events ranging from graduations, to awards ceremonies, to performing arts events. The Centre for the Arts will elevate the overall cultural vibrancy of our city.

Conceptual Video Rendering

The Kamloops Centre for the Arts has been in the preliminary planning and strategy stage for many years, which allowed the various internal and external teams to develop and refine a comprehensive scope. Much of this work has been done by Ron and Rae Fawcett, local philanthopists who took on the task of defining the project’s needs in conjunction with potential users and City staff. This conceptual work has established the framework needed to advance the project through detailed design.

Inspiration for the design was drawn from similar facilities in Canada and around the world. Specialists were consulted to develop a concept design that embraces what works and avoids pitfalls experienced by others. Theater layout, seating, and how the interior spaces are connected has been meticulously analyzed, resulting in a design that reflects what users need without waste. The concept design has taken the entire city block and the position of Kelson Hall into consideration. If completed as envisioned, the Kamloops Centre for the Arts will be a unified structure that seamlessly integrates with the rest of the block.

Visioning

How do you envision using the Kamloops Centre for the Arts?

How do you envision using the Kamloops Centre for the Arts? What memories do you think will be made here? How will the Kamloops Centre for the Arts help build Kamloops as a community? (See an idea you like? Vote it up!) (max 140 characters).

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27 February, 2024

Scott says:

This facility is not just about Arts - it's about making Kamloops an attractive place that helps employers recruit the skills we need

26 February, 2024

Bonita says:

it would be nice to have participation space—a dance floor large enough for groups like seniors, ballroom, etc for workshops & dances

25 February, 2024

Vgiles says:

As a filmmaker I can forsee both filming and premiering new projects there. As an author I can see literary events and performances here.

24 February, 2024

Lyn and Rudi Densch says:

Love the concept. Love the rendering. Our only concern is parking. We feel underground parking should be a must.

23 February, 2024

KamloopsMomma says:

If the professional concerts and performances happen here, it will free up Sagebrush for smaller, emerging performers!

23 February, 2024

jbassoevents says:

I tried to ask this in the questions, but it wouldn't let me. Is there a plan to ensure that there is plenty of leg room for the Centre?

23 February, 2024

Cathie says:

Kamloops has spent significant amounts on sports facilities, which are well used. It is past time Kamloops had a venue for performance too.

23 February, 2024

Lois Hollstedt says:

It will be a community space enriching users lives as do sports fields, ice rinks, walking & bike trails, & parks. Long overdue and needed.

23 February, 2024

Marilyn Stephens says:

It's going to be gorgeous! However, I cann't think what performances will be like without parking. Maybe less gorgeousness and some parking

23 February, 2024

Sue Whitehead says:

I am looking forward to this fabulous facility being built. I believe that it will be a great addition to our community.

22 February, 2024

Nel Sarrasin says:

I am not in favour of the PAC at this time. When our taxes are slated to increase by over 10%, luxury items should be strictly user pay.

21 February, 2024

KamloopsMomma says:

I hope that when my children graduate high school, they can do so in this state of the art facility instead of a smelly old gymnasium.

Updates

Updates

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Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Committee Recommendation

    On January 22, 2024, the Build Kamloops Select Committee recommended that Council authorize $7 million in funding from short-term debt to complete the validation and detailed design phase of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Capital Project resulting in a Class A estimate for the project.

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Council Approval

    Council voted in favour of accepting the recommendation from the Build Kamloops Select Committee to authorize the funding and move the Kamloops Centre for the Arts project forward.

  • Timeline item 3 - active

    Validation

    A purpose-built team consisting of an architect, a general contractor, key engineers, subcontractors, and a City team will work to collectively validate a work plan and associated budget. The deliverable is a realistic work plan that is collaboratively owned by the City, consultants, and contractors that are part of the project delivery team.

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Detailed Design

    The validation team will work together to deliver the issued-for-construction drawing package. This will provide the City and the electorate with an accurate estimate of the investment required to build the Kamloops Centre for the Arts.

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Electorate Approval to Borrow

    Before construction can begin, the City will seek approval from the residents of Kamloops to borrow the money required to fund the construction. This approval can be obtained through assent voting (referendum) or an alternative approval process (counter-petition). The decision on how to seek this approval will be made by Council.

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    *Construction

    Construction of this facility would only proceed if the City receives approval from the electorate to borrow the money required to fund the project.