Kamloops City Council has taken the first step toward trying to fast-track goals in the Recreation Master Plan.

The Build Kamloops Select Committee is being formed to figure out how – and what – to fund as part of the Master Plan.

“Build Kamloops is a visionary program to re-establish the city’s prominence as Canada’s Tournament Capital, foster our recognition as a premier destination for arts and culture, and keep pace with our recreation and leisure needs as Canada’s third fastest-growing city,” said a staff report put before Council on Tuesday.

It would mirror a similar group which the city established ahead of the 2003 Tournament Capital Referendum, with a goal to determine – among other things – whether there should be a broad-based referendum on major capital plans, or whether there should be a counter petition instead.

A counter petition would require a minimum number opposing any plans to vote to see any proposal be rejected.

The Build Kamloops Select Committee is set to be chaired by Councillor Mike O’Reilly, and will include four other councillors – Kelly Hall, Margot Middleton, Katie Neustaeter and Dale Bass.

“Administration is recommending that five Council members be on the Build Kamloops Council Select Committee instead of the usual three members due to the number of meetings that will be required for this large initiative,” stated the report put to council by City staff.

“It is important that a quorum be achievable for each meeting.”

O’Reilly did ask Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson if he would like to be part of the Build Kamloops Select Committee.

“Certainly I would like to work with you on the Committee, if that’s something that’s something you’d like to accept,” O’Reilly asked Hamer-Jackson at council on Tuesday.

The Mayor politely turned down the request.

“Actually, I told you earlier today that I really feel we need more citizens in the community more involved,” argued Hamer-Jackson.

“For me, it’s like council feeding to council. I just don’t agree and I feel we need to have citizens in the community – professionals – involved.”