On March 9, 2026, more than 45 participants came together in a world café–style workshop to share insights on how the new arena multiplex can best serve the community beyond ice time.

Guided by the voices of the people who will use the facility most, the Build Kamloops arena multiplex project team brought together a broad mix of ice user groups, community representatives, engagement group leads, the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library, and City staff. This diverse range of perspectives helped shed light on how different groups move through a shared facility and what they need to feel supported—from athletes warming up to families waiting between games, community members accessing programs, facility operators working in and around the building, and library patrons seeking quiet, flexible spaces.

To further broaden engagement, a short survey was distributed to ice user groups, inviting feedback from board members, coaches, players, parents, and sport representatives. The survey results, together with insights from the March 9 workshop, will play a meaningful role in shaping early decisions about layout, circulation, amenities, and overall building functionality.

By gathering these insights now, the project team is building early alignment and strengthening collaboration across users. This work ensures that as the arena multiplex design evolves, it truly reflects how people expect to move, gather, and participate in community life inside the building—not just on the ice, but throughout every corner of the facility.

The enthusiastic participation highlights the community’s investment in getting the project right. As the arena multiplex continues to move forward, engagement will remain a vital part of the process—helping ensure the new arena is designed with the community and for the community.