LETTER – More consultation needed on Kamloops RCMP building replacement
(Image: Mel Rothenburger)
Rather than engaging the public through open meetings and transparent consultation on the proposed replacement of the RCMP building, Kamloops City council appears content to sit idle listening to a small circle of vested interests while disregarding the voices of the broader taxpaying community.
The decision to advance this costly and controversial project through the Alternate Approval Process (AAP) is deeply troubling. The AAP was intended for minor or administrative matters, not for multimillion-dollar capital projects with lasting financial and civic consequences. Using it in this instance gives the appearance of avoiding meaningful public scrutiny rather than inviting it.
Demolishing a structurally sound brick building worth millions of dollars is a questionable act of stewardship. It raises serious concerns about fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and transparent governance. Taxpayers deserve open discussion, accurate cost comparisons, and a clear justification for replacing an existing public asset—none of which have been adequately provided.
Kamloops residents expect better from their elected representatives. Major infrastructure decisions should be made in the open, with full public participation not pushed quietly through a flawed process designed to minimize citizen input.
GARRY DAVIES
Kamloops
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Why not leave the existing building and build at least two others, in Valleyview and Brock for the same money as the current plan. City hall is fine for the time being , it just needs a good size traffic circle for the whole corner including Victoria. 1st and Landsdowne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe we should give council what they want. Let’s use the AAP to send them a message that taxpayers must be consulted and issues that are this expensive must be taken to the electorate before being pushed through.
I think if everyone voted NO to this AAP then this council would have to either abandon their plan, or take it to the electorate in a referendum to see how the people decide if this much money should be spent. Clearly the council does not think those who elect them are smart enough to see through their scam to get something passed that they want, and will be paid for by the citizens over huge amounts of time.
I am so tired of this group who are acting like the “leader” to the south, thinking they have the right to force things through that might not be wanted.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The number of “involved” citizens is low they know that. That is why they want to use the APP, under the expert guidance of McCorkell and supporting staff of course.
LikeLike
I dont disagree with most of the sentiments within this letter.
I would add, if they are going to do this and spend far, far too much money without public consult or any transparency … I just wonder why they haven’t considered moving the RCMP facility out of the downtown core.
There is no reason it needs to take up extremely valuable land, that the city could use for better purposes … maybe a future City Hall?
There is cheaper commercial and/or industrial lands out in Valleyview, or up on west McGill by the other City infrastructure, that could accommodate RCMP facilities better.
LikeLiked by 1 person