The City of Kamloops has launched alternative approval processes for long-term borrowing of up to $275 million to partially fund the construction of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, the design and construction of an arena multiplex, and the future development and design work for related Build Kamloops recreation facilities.

As a requirement under the Community Charter, the alternative approval processes ensure Kamloops community members have an opportunity to submit elector response forms should they oppose the long-term borrowing associated with either or both of the projects.

The borrowing proposals are outlined in “Kamloops Centre for the Arts Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 57-1, 2024” and “Arena Multiplex and Recreation Initiatives Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 57-2, 2024” .

The alternative approval process period opened on Tuesday, July 30, and extends until Friday, September 13, 2024 at 4:00 pm.

If you support the long-term borrowing proposals, there is nothing you need to do.

An individual who is opposed to one or both of the borrowing proposals may obtain an elector response form by:

• downloading a form online at Kamloops.ca/StatutoryNotices
• picking one up in person at Kamloops City Hall, 7 Victoria Street West, between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday (closed on statutory holidays)
• requesting an electronic form be sent by emailing legislate@kamloops.ca

Elector response forms must be completed by eligible electors in the City of Kamloops who are entitled to sign. Detailed information about eligibility can be found in the statutory notices, on each elector response form, and in the FAQS posted in the right column at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/BuildKamloops.

Completed elector response forms must be submitted and received at City Hall using one of the following options, by 4:00 pm on Friday, September 13, 2024:

• mailing them to Legislative Services, City Hall, 7 Victoria Street West, Kamloops, BC V2C 1A2 (postmarks not accepted)
• dropping them off in person at City Hall between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday (closed on statutory holidays)
• depositing them into the external drop box at City Hall (near the front door)
• emailing a scanned copy to legislate@kamloops.ca

If, after the September 13 deadline, less than 10% of the 87,131 eligible electors, or less than 8,713 people, submit elector response forms to the City, then elector assent is obtained, Council can proceed with the certification process, and approval of the long-term borrowing would occur.

If elector assent is not obtained for either or both of the proposed bylaws—that is, if more than 8,713 elector response forms are submitted to the City—then the City cannot proceed with the long-term borrowing without first holding a referendum. As there are two separate loan authorization bylaws, there are separate elector response forms for each and the totals will be calculated separately. Results of the alternative approval processes will be presented to Council on September 24, 2024.