CITY COUNCIL – Mayor’s attempt to pause PAC and arena lambasted

Another motion from Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, this one again aimed at postponing a pair of major capital projects, was shot down by Kamloops City council Tuesday (March 24, 2026).

The mayor gave notice of the motion last week, which would have put the brakes on both the new performing arts centre and arena multiplex  at least until after this year’s civic election.

Hamer-Jackson said he supports the projects but believes more funding is needed from senior levels of government to reduce the cost to local taxpayers. The PAC, construction of which is underway on Seymour Street, sits at an estimated cost of $211 million, while the multi-sheet arena in Dufferin is estimated at $140 million.

“…Nothing in this motion shall be interpreted as cancelling these projects or invalidating previous planning, engagement, or studies undertaken to date,” the motion read.

The motion stated that the new council, to be elected in October, should provide further direction. Hamer-Jackson told the council that hundreds of emails have been received in support of his motion because of the current economy.

But although Coun. Stephen Karpuk seconded Hamer-Jackson’s motion for discussion, he and other councillors lined up one after the other to reject it.

Going ahead with the projects was the “right decision,” said one. The resulting tax increase is “a bargain” compared to those created by projects such as the Sandman Centre and Tournament Capital Centre, said another. Grants from provincial and federal governments will come once the projects are fully underway, said others. Opposition to them is based on misinformation, still others insisted.

Much of the discussion went beyond simply defending the projects and targeted Hamer-Jackson himself.

“It seems the mayor is willing to throw out statement after statement without even taking the time to read our annual report,” said Coun. Nancy Bepple.

Coun. Mike O’Reilly claimed the mayor creates instability by promoting misinformation. Coun. Katie Neustaeter said if the projects are not successful it will be because of “what you have done” and that the mayor should learn to take direction from the council instead of creating “chaos” in the community.

Hamer-Jackson defended himself, saying he listens to citizens, and pointed out he asked councillors for input before bringing his motion forward but that Karpuk was the only one who responded.

“When you say you’re speaking for the taxpayers, you’re not,” retorted Coun. Dale Bass.

Coun. Kelly Hall said the mayor didn’t receive responses from councillors because his proposal would cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Similar facilities in other communities have received grants from senior governments, he said.

“Instead, we sit here because of a motion you put forward on the advice of some small interest groups.”

“I have a mind of my own,” said Hamer-Jackson, but he was the only one who voted for his motion.