Hostel could become non-profit centre

NEWS/ CITY — The last remaining building from the city’s original main street could become a shared headquarters for non-profit programs if a feasibility study proves out.

Kamloops City council will be asked Tuesday to approve $5,000 for a study by the United Way into transforming the former Men’s Christian Hostel heritage building at 207 Victoria St. into a “centre for community collaboration.”

The building was constructed as the Federal Building in 1900 on what was then known as Main Street.

A recommendation coming to council through the Social Planning Council says it could be used for meetings, small events and community planning activities. Regina has a similar facility that has proven highly successful, the report says.

The historic building is owned by the Canadian Mental Health Association, which got it for a dollar in 2010. The CMHA is in discussion with the United Way about selling it for a nominal fee.

“The building may require significant capital improvements,” says the planning council.

The old building was once one of many elegant heritage buildings in the area and its future has long been a cause for concern among heritage advocates. The Kamloops Heritage Commission recommended last year that the City take ownership of the building and approve it as a municipal heritage designated property.

City council refused to buy the building due to maintenance costs. Various uses for the building have been discussed, including as a centre for social agencies and a hostel for backpacking travellers.

Heritage commission chair Andrew Yarmie said he’s hopeful about the newest proposal. “I’m very optimistic about it and the heritage commission is really supportive,” he said.