Arts centre input – it’s about money

NEWS/ ARTS — Saturday’s public-input session on the $90-million performing arts centre proposal was a little bit about design, parking and theatre size but it was mostly about the money.

After a brief introduction from Mayor Peter Milobar, about 150 people split up into groups and rotated among four tables on the floor of the Interior Savings Centre to talk about various aspects of the project that would see a performing arts centre built on the Kamloops Daily News site on Seymour Street.

While the sessions on design and other details of the proposal attracted a dozen or so participants for each 20-minute discussion, it was the cost corner that was consistently packed with a standing-room crowd.

While there were supporters, the most strident comments came from opponents who don’t like the price tag.

“I don’t see how this is going to benefit our most vulnerable,” said Laura, who works in the emergency ward at Royal Inland Hospital.

Several others were of the view that the money should be spent on other things, “necessities, not wants.”

“I personally am absolutely stunned,” said community activist Frank Dwyer in looking at the cost. He was especially concerned about the $26-million cost for an underground parkade in the project.

“Why will the parking be so damned expensive?” He said he “guardedly supports” the idea of a new centre but the total $90-million cost is going to be a problem. “People are going to blanche at the idea.”

Another resident said the cost will probably grow to $200 million by the time it’s built, and that “is unacceptable.” He questioned the need for it, saying Sagebrush Theatre is seldom filled.

“The taxpayer cannot afford this particular venture at this time.”

Tanja Hasler, who ran in last year’s Kamloops civic election, worried that the project could become “a chain around our necks” when money is needed for other things.

But Bob Gamble is in favour of the centre. “Just standing in this building tells you why we need a new building,” he said. “The acoustics are terrible.”

“We’re missing out on an awful lot,” said another resident.

Tim Rodgers, a hotelier and chair of Western Canada Theatre, is convinced a new arts centre would be good business. “I see this as a huge economic boon.”

Over at another table, a man interrupted a discussion of what the centre should include to demand if it was just a discussion for people who support the plan. When he was assured it was about ideas, he said, “I don’t want it.”

He said several referendums have been “rammed down our throats” and “We don’t need this. There’s too many people in this town on fixed incomes.”

“Well, I’m for it,” another resident countered.

The project is expected to go to a referendum after more details are ironed out.