Performing Arts Centre Referendum Postponed

KAMLOOPS – The April 4th referendum for the proposed Kamloops Centre for the Arts has been postponed. The announcement was made in a news release from Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Wednesday (March 18) night.

“I know that local governments are working hard to keep their communities safe and protected during this pandemic,” Robinson said. “Our government is working closely with our partners to help marshal all resources to protect those most vulnerable and ‘flattening the curve’ of the spread of COVID-19. After consulting with our public health officials and local governments, I have signed a ministerial order postponing byelections and referendums in these communities so they can focus on protecting their residents.”

The provincial government says the action was requested by both public health officials and local government members. It says the move will help ensure residents are not required to gather in polling stations and will free up local government resources to focus on dealing with the impact of COVID-19.

A vote on the $70 million project is required to allow the City to borrow up to $45 million to build facility downtown.

The provincial government also announced the postponement of April 4th byelections in Victoria and Rossland. The planned Lytton byelection set for April 25, is also being pushed back.

The Municipal Affairs and Housing Ministry says a new date for the referendum and the byelections will be determined by local governments in consultation with public health officials and Elections BC.