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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23 March, 2024

HD says:

Do NOT design for only 1100 seats! Too small and it won't be expandable. Kelowna will build with 1200 to 1400 seats and book more events.

20 March, 2024

KIA says:

We need a new theatre for WCT and for bringing in different shows and performers. Local people can use the theatre in off times .

20 March, 2024

outofmoney says:

How are we going to pay for it? We have TNRD wanting more for the hospital and the city raising taxes for salaries, etc.

16 March, 2024

pineview resident says:

Hopefully a new venue will be able to attract more concerts to Kamloops rather than Penticton and Kelowna.

15 March, 2024

Barb says:

Arts and music are so important to our culture. With the world in chaos it seems it’s needed more than ever. Plays and music

13 March, 2024

Perky says:

Kamloops is a growing city and we need a centre for the arts . Lets not talk about it , lets just do it .

13 March, 2024

Jock Stewart says:

Dont build it, never passed referendum, why is it even an issue.

13 March, 2024

Pgvetter56@gmail.com says:

As a young senior I have no expectations of using this and do not agree with it being built! Two referendums said no to this! No means no!!

13 March, 2024

TW says:

As a physician who has lived and practiced in Kamloops for 17 years this is a critical piece of infrastructure to retain and recruit Doctors

12 March, 2024

Aaron says:

Concerts, live theatre, opera, ballet, graduations, weddings. A venue for Kamloopsians to enjoy for decades.

12 March, 2024

Patrick says:

I believe we have enough venues for the arts, Sandman centre was built for hockey and to bring in music and other events

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

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.