Council to look at awarding contract for arts centre study

NEWS/ CITY HALL — The feasibility study for a new performing arts centre will come before Kamloops City council for approval on Tuesday.

The recommended contractor for the work is MHPM Project Managers Inc., an Ottawa-based company, which would complete a two-phase study for $233,000.

Phase one would involve consultation, recommendation of a site, an operational model and business case. The second phase would consist of detailed geotechnical and environmental considerations, structural assessments and capital funding model.

Council is hoping to put a proposal to referendum next year for a 1,500-seat theatre and other amenities. The Kamloops Daily News Building, Hotel 540 and Thompson Rivers University are in the running as possible locations.

Funding for the study was approved earlier in the year, with a request for bids issued in July. The first phase will cost $139,000 and the second phase $94,000.