David Johnson Asks:
Talk about the need for a Kamloops Performing Arts Centre, discuss the concept behind the number of seats it should have, where it should be built, and the build project administrative and financial structure (grassroots, City, Prov, Fed), that it would take to build and operate it.
Given Kamloops recent experience, what is the best approach?
I was in favour of the original Performing Arts Centre proposal. I believe that it was handled poorly by the last council. There was no easily accessible information so what most people heard was from the opposition. We would have gotten a grant specifically intended for the purpose of building that kind of project, but we had to match what was given. In the end it would have been a publicly owned space that the city of Kamloops would have been collecting direct revenue from. Now it looks like if we do get one it will either be private or much smaller than would have been originally possible. Without that grant I don't think the citizens of Kamloops will want to pay for a project of that size and scope. I would still like to see this type of building come to Kamloops because it would help our city to grow and become more prosperous.
The type of centre that I would like to see would be centrally located in downtown Kamloops and be a large one to two thousand seat multi-use space. Somewhere to hold not only arts performances but all kinds of concerts and even comedy shows. There would be a lobby area for food and drink sales and a place to go for intermissions or pre and post event mingling. Underneath would be a parkade large enough that those attending the show would be able to drive to the venue and park on site if they so wish. When events are not taking place the parkade would be open for paid public parking. Not only would this provide construction and facility jobs but it would bring more business to the surrounding area. It would attract visitors who will stay at nearby hotels and eat at local restaurants and bring out of town money into the city. This is what we could have had and I hope we can still find a way to get.