Build Kamloops

On June 27, 2023, Council voted to form the Build Kamloops Council Select Committee, which will provide Council with recommendations for the implementation of the strategies outlined in the Recreation Master Plan and potential inclusion of other needed civic facilities. Four working groups were formed that will report up to the Build Kamloops Council Select Committee:

• Communications Working Group: The purpose of the Communications Working Group will be to develop and execute communications strategies to keep the public informed on the Build Kamloops initiative. Members will include the Communications Manager as the chair, support staff as needed, external groups, and potentially members of the public.
• Concept Development Working Group: The purpose of the Concept Development Working Group will be to develop the concept/program, determine what is included in the Build Kamloops program, help identify priorities, and work on conceptual designs. Members will include the Civic Operations Director as the chair, support staff as needed, consultants, external groups as required, and potentially members of the public.
• Community User Engagement Working Group: The purpose of the Community User Engagement Working Group will be to liaise with user groups on potential projects, determine what components are in each building, and determine building locations. Members will include the Community and Protective Services Director as the chair, support staff as needed, external groups, and user group representatives as required.
• Program Finance Working Group: The purpose of the Program Finance Working Group will be to determine overall available debt funding and recommend amount for inclusion on public assent, determine overall debt servicing amounts and financial strategies to address how the increase in debt will be funded (taxation, use of reserves, combination) and for what period of time, work to establish financial targets related to grant funding and fundraising (donation), and develop key messaging related to the broader financial impact to the ratepayers of the City of Kamloops. Members will include the Corporate Services Director as the chair, support staff as needed, external groups as required, and potentially members of the public.

The terms of reference for each of these groups is available under Documents in the right side menu. These working groups may include members of the public and user groups. If you are interesetd in volunteering on a working group, please complete the application form by 4:00 pm on Friday, September 22, 2023.

The City of Kamloops is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to participate on the Build Kamloops working groups and provide input on the future of community facilities in Kamloops.

Build Kamloops is a visionary program to re-establish the city’s prominence as Canada’s Tournament Capital, foster our recognition as a premier arts and culture destination, and keep pace with our recreation and leisure needs as Canada’s third fastest-growing city.

"Build Kamloops is about improving the quality of life for all of our residents through more equitable opportunities for recreation, arts, and culture," said Councillor Mike O'Reilly, Build Kamloops Select Committee Chair. "Council has prioritized the development of amenities to create exceptional experiences and new opportunities for residents and visitors."

On June 27, 2023, Council authorized staff to form the Build Kamloops Council Select Committee to provide Council with recommendations to implement the strategies outlined in the Recreation Master Plan and potentially include other needed civic facilities. This committee will receive information through four working groups with the following purposes:

• Communications Working Group: to develop and execute communications strategies to keep the public informed on the Build Kamloops initiative.
• Concept Development Working Group: to determine what is included in the Build Kamloops program, help prioritize, and work on conceptual designs.
• Community User Engagement Working Group: to liaise with user groups on potential projects to help determine what components are in each building and where they could be built.
• Program Finance Working Group: to determine the financial strategies for funding the Build Kamloops initiative.

The City is looking for community members with the following experience and attributes:

• demonstrated independence and innovative thinking
• proven collaboration while offering constructive ideas in group dialogue
• established track record of commitment to the community

For some working groups, the City is also seeking experience in a field or sector related to architecture, property development, construction, or finance. A resume is required to apply for these positions.

"These volunteers will play a pivotal role in ensuring this program builds up all of Kamloops and creates opportunities that match the diversity of our community," said O'Reilly.

The working groups will meet a minimum of four times per calendar year, starting in October 2023. Meetings times will be determined by each working group based on the needs of its membership.

The application period for the Build Kamloops working groups is open until 4:00 pm on Friday, September 22, 2023. Interested residents can apply at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/BuildKamloops.