A photo of a handout depicting a rendering of a new performing arts centre in downtown Kamloops distributed at the Jan. 8, 2019 city council meeting.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED / CHP Architects

As the referendum date draws closer, another local business group is advocating for residents to vote ‘yes’ for the proposed Kamloops Centre for the Arts.

Carl DeSantis, the executive director of Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, has announced the group's support.

A referendum will be held on April 4 to decide whether or not the City moves forward with applying for grants to help fund the construction of the arts centre. The project is expected to cost around $70 million, and with $25 million coming from funding by the Kamloops Centre for the Arts Society, the remaining $45 million would be covered by the City through grants, loans and other methods.

DeSantis is encouraging residents to join the movement of support for the project, which has already been backed by many Kamloops business people and organizations.

According to a release from the downtown business group, it is eager to see the performing arts centre built as it will contribute to the revitalization of the downtown as an arts and culture scene.

The Centre for the Arts, proposed for 4th Avenue and Seymour Street, would host concerts, plays, performances, graduations, banquets and more.

“The (Kamloops Centre for the Arts) will enhance the downtown experience by supporting existing businesses and encouraging new businesses to locate here," local business owner and association director Maren Luciani says in the release.  "It will provide much-needed vibrancy in the evenings and an incentive for more young professionals to move here. We are going to see a lot of positive changes and new developments in downtown over the next 5 to 10 years given a shortage of land in suburban areas and a heightened desire for more culture and entertainment.”

The announcement of Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association’s endorsement comes just a day after Tourism Kamloops voiced its support.

For more stories on the proposed art centre and upcoming referendum, click here.

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