Kamloops Centre for the Arts Referendum Cancelled

Kamloops, 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