Kathrine Wunderlich speaks to reporters outside Kamloops city hall on Oct. 22, 2024, after serving court documents to city officials.

(LEVI LANDRY / iNFOnews.ca)

The group that campaigned to collect petitions against millions of dollars in borrowing for new Kamloops facilities is now taking the city to court.

Filed on Oct. 22, the civil court file details criticisms against the city's process to approve millions in borrowing for a new arts centre and an ice rink.

Kathrine Wunderlich, member of a group called Kamloops Citizens United, served city officials in the middle of a public council meeting Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Wunderlich also criticized city council for considering the removal of public inquiries during meetings, saying it was undemocratic and accused the city of being fearful of public opinion.

She was one of many who voiced criticism for a move that could stifle an opportunity for residents to speak to city officials, but she set herself apart by drawing a connection to the failed counter petitions for the performing arts centre and ice rink, and delivering the court documents. 

"You have forced us to decide to use the system to try and stop the city from this slippery slope" Wunderlich said. "It pains me to do this, however, this afternoon our lawyer filed a petition and affidavit with the Supreme Court of BC."

She served city staff and, after asking his permission, Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson.

READ MORE: 'Democracy at work': Build Kamloops projects to go ahead after counter petitions fail

Kathrine Wunderlich in council chambers after serving court documents amid a council meeting.

(LEVI LANDRY / iNFOnews.ca)

The counter petition, or Alternative Approval Process, was done in place of a referendum and sought to gauge voter disapproval for $275 million in loans.

In September, the campaign failed to get the roughly 8,700 signitures for each that would have likely sent the proposed performing arts centre or ice rink to referendum.

READ MORE: Low voter turnout in Okanagan, Kamloops symptom of disinterested electorate

They previously called themselves Kamloops AAP Vote and were shy about speaking to news media during the campaign, the newly-named group's goal is to quash the petition results in court.

Wunderlich said only her name was included on the document for times sake, but she said the move was made in consultation with several other people.

Some of those involved with the group include Kamloops resident Coley Ecker who hand delivered thousands of petitions to city hall herself in August, and Arthur Loring, a friend and close advisor to the mayor. It's not clear if the mayor had any knowledge or involvement with the group's decision to file the court action.

According to the court document, Wunderlich criticized the city's efforts to notify the public of the counter petition at the time. She said the lack of a local newspaper made it less likely that senior citizens would have heard been informed about the two loans.

READ MORE: Kamloops council may decide to end public inquiries at meetings

Wunderlich claimed the city provided inadequate information when pitching the two loans including how how they would be funded. She said the timing, too, was poorly chosen as it was during the summer. The provincial government's own guidance suggests avoiding times when people may be away and on holidays.

In order to go through with the alternative approval process, the city needed approval from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. To do that, the province required the counter petition for each loan be separated.

Wunderlich's court petition suggests a one day hearing should take place in November, but it's not clear when or if one will be scheduled.

The city hasn't responded and none of the allegations have been proven in court.

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