Finalized details of the counter petition process for the Centre for the Performing Arts, as well as other Build Kamloops projects, have now been made.

Those opposed will have from today until September 13th to submit an Alternative Approvals Petition in the negative to try to quash the process.

8,713 qualified electors in Kamloops will have to submit a “no” vote to the City for the borrowing process to be halted.

It’s results of the AAP will be made public to Kamloops council on September 24th.

Acting Deputy Corporate Officer for the City, Denise Anderson, says staff decided to recommend the cheaper voting option.

“The Alternative Approval Process has a cost of 10% of what a full referendum would be. A full referendum is approximately $200,00,” Anderson said, as part of her report submitted to council on Tuesday.

The City says elector response forms will be available at City Hall during regular business hours, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Digital copies will be made available online at Kamloops.ca/StatutoryNotices, or can be requested by emailing legislate@kamloops.ca.

The City of Kamloops is looking to borrow up to $140 million to finance construction of the Performing Arts Centre, on top of borrowing $135 million for the proposed multi-plex ice facility, as well as other future Build Kamloops initiatives.

The Alternative Approvals Process form does provide more details into the proposed multi-plex, which the city has already secured land for on Hillside Drive next to Kenna Cartwright Park.

“The proposed facility could include a walking track, fitness facility, child play spaces, food and beverage services, and amenities for park users such as bike repair stations and storage, showers and washrooms,” states the AAP document.  “Complementary services such as skate sharpening, equipment rentals, and other recreational services could be included. The Multiplex would also provide multi-use space when the ice is removed, which could be used for hosting events and tradeshows, or dryland sports like lacrosse. Additional arena capacity could also allow the City to respond as a host community during emergency events without disrupting recreation and community events.”

Three different “future developments” have been identified on the Alternative Approval Process form, including a joint facility for curling and racquet sports.

“The proposed curling facility would incorporate the expanding needs of other sports organizations like pickleball, racquetball, and squash that lack play facilities. This facility could increase the City’s hosting capability for national and international events and training camps,” states the City on it counter-petition for the multi-plex ice facility and future projects.

Future plans could also include a potential new swimming location.

“This City is actively evaluating locations that could be home to a new leisure pool facility that could accommodate swim lessons, AquaFit classes, and recreational swim time for residents of all ages, particularly families with children,” states the City on it counter-petition for the multi-plex ice facility and future projects.

The City of Kamloops is also eyeing the creation of an indoor sports facility.

“A multi-use indoor field space would provide year-round training opportunities for a variety of field sports, including soccer, rugby, ultimate frisbee, and football,” states the counter-petition.  “It could increase the City’s opportunities to host international competitions, training camps, and events.”