The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association has weighed in on BCLC cancelling its plan for a new headquarters.

KCBIA executive director Carl DeSantis says the immediate reaction is disappointment for downtown Kamloops.

However, he says the more important news is the company confirming a commitment to stay in the Tournament Capital.

“We must appreciate what we’ve got here, and what we’ve got is an incredible relationship with BCLC. Not just downtown, but our entire community. And there’s economic benefit throughout the community that we feel because they’re still here,” Desantis says.

“They’re a significant employer and contributor to our community and economic development, now we can continue with the confidence the 450-or-so employees they currently employ are going to stay in our community. And we have to appreciate that, of course we do.”

The BC Government last July told NL plans for a brand new headquarters was all systems go before announcing their change in plans yesterday.

“Sure, there’s frustrations and there’s going to be a lot of conversations going forward about how the plans went off the rails. But my understanding is, after speaking with BCLC, the decision is final, but the commitment to stay in the community remains.”