The Kamloops and District Chamber of Commerce says its members are – for the most part – supportive of the Build Kamloops initiative.

Executive Director Acacia Pangilinan says there have been questions – but not too much concern – from its members about the Alternative Approval Process that is being used to approve borrowing up to $275 million to build a performing arts centre and a four-sheet arena multiplex.

“Maybe some people within our membership haven’t experienced anything like this before,” Pangilinan said. “As it was explained to us, its actually a lot more affordable and at a time when we’re really looking for ways to be saving money, I think our members were very supportive of moving forward with this type of process.”

“We’re seeing different municipalities take on the AAP process as well so its one of the tools within the tool box that local governments can use to move forward projects. So noting really too major in terms of concerns from our memberships but there were certainly questions.”

Pangilinan also says a number of Chamber members were part of Build Kamloops working groups, where some questions that were raised by the business community were asked and answered.

“I always encourage more communication to make sure that things aren’t getting misunderstood,” Pangilinan said, when asked if there were any questions about the process being used by the City, and a perceived lack of communication about the AAP.

“I’m not going to speak to how the city decides to spend its marketing dollars but anytime you can try to dispel some of the disinformation that is out there, its really important and so it could have been valuable to have some more dedicated resources put to talking about the process.”

Pangilinan also says the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce will have more to say on Build Kamloops in early September, when it releases the results of a survey of members.