Tourism Kamloops is throwing its support behind the proposed Kamloops Centre for the Arts (KCA) in downtown Kamloops.

CEO Beverley DeSantis says the organization is encouraging people to vote ‘yes’ at the April 4 referendum.

“The Kamloops Centre for the Arts will just be one more piece of the puzzle for tourism and local economy here in Kamloops,” she told NL News. “We’re really excited about what we have seen and what’s going to go inside the building, and how it will support the downtown revitalization.”

DeSantis says the city has had to say no to conferences, events and performances because of a lack of space to host them.

“This would be very attractive to people who have historically said no to Kamloops because we don’t have such a facility. We do have the Sandman Centre, we do have Sagebrush Theatre but this Kamloops Centre for the Arts is really going to attract higher talent levels and visitation.”

Meanwhile, Downtown Kamloops is also urging Kamloopsians to say ‘yes’ to the Centre for the Arts project.

CEO Carl DeSantis says the KCA has seemingly endless uses for both the city and Downtown Kamloops.

“The KCA will allow us to maintain a smaller city feel while benefiting from bigger city resources and events,” he added.

Added Maren Luciani, a Director with the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA), “I am more than thrilled to see our city diversify to include a strengthened focus on arts and culture. The KCA will enhance the downtown experience by supporting existing businesses and encouraging new businesses to locate here.”

Luciani says the facility will provide much needed vibrancy to the city, 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 5-10 years given a shortage of land in suburban areas and a heightened desire for more culture and entertainment,” Luciani said.

“I am excited to be a part of this significant shift to a more sustainable community!”

The Kamloops Thompson School District has also voiced its support for the new facility as has the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce.