LETTER – Residents need more time to understand Build Kamloops loans

When “No” means “Yes, but . . .”

I‘m one of the long-time Kamloopsians who thinks we need some new sports and entertainment facilities but also feels we’re moving too fast.

What’s the hurry? Why do we need a summer Alternative Approval Process (AAP) that was called so quickly there’s not even time to notify property owners via their City utility mailouts? Since an AAP is like negative billing where no response is considered a “Yes,” the City seems to be taking advantage of the fact that many people are away or distracted by holiday and back-to-school activities.

As the “Kamloops AAP Vote” group said, “$275 million is a lot of money, and we have to get things right the first time. Voting ‘No’ on the AAP now doesn’t mean we don’t want the facilities. It means we need more time to work out the best plans at the best price for all.”

They hope a successful “No” vote will slow down the process and give council time to explore more options and more widely consult with the community so that taxpayers can get more information, raise issues and ideas and have their opinions heard and discussed.

Council has already stated that if the AAP isn’t successful in garnering residents’ approval, a referendum will be held later in the fall.

The “AAP Vote” folks maintain that the estimated $200,000 cost of a referendum is minor in view of the $275 million loan taxpayers are being asked to shoulder, especially since the numbers aren’t clear.

The City insists that the average tax increase will be $25 per year but this is disingenuous. The average tax increase will be $25 added each year to a total of $125 by 2029 where it will remain, according to the City, “in perpetuity.”

Further, this tax increase only seems to cover construction costs. Residents have seen no estimates for needed equipment, maintenance, utilities, insurance, staffing and security, which will likely result in more tax increases. And that’s just Phase One.

But it’s not really about the money, though many, like the seniors who make up a third of the city’s voters, already struggle to pay their annual taxes. It’s about transparency.

“No” voters want to know why Kelowna can build a 1900-seat performing arts centre for $87.3 million compared to Build Kamloops’s plan for a $140 million, 1550-seat structure.

They’re concerned that the theatre complex has been designed to fit the 4th & Seymour lot instead of our city’s future needs and they want more locations considered. One suggestion was the old Penny Pinchers location at the junction of 8th and Tranquille. A PAC at this site, they said, would give the North Shore a much-needed facelift and provide “a shining gateway to the city.”

They feel the Arena Multiplex is a potential huge economic generator and should be built in a central location near existing businesses to support our existing amenities. They want to know if Multiplex plans will include selling the airspace for hotel or other uses, as was done to reduce costs for the North Kamloops Library building.

They wonder why Build Kamloops hasn’t set up a donor platform as is done for hospital additions.

They’ve compiled a list of questions they feel should be considered by Build Kamloops before committing to a loan that will take generations to pay off. It’s available, along with other information, on their facebook page, “Kamloops AAP Vote” or by emailing kamloopsaapvote2024@gmail.com, where residents can get help in filling out the forms and getting them to City Hall.

I hope they’re successful. A “No” vote will force Build Kamloops to give residents more time to consider the issues and have more input into plans for the recreational infrastructure we need for our growing city.

BRONWEN SCOTT