The latest move by Kamloops City Council in its ambitious Build Kamloops program is going to see a piece of Kamloops history make way for progress.

Kamloops Council has announced its intention to replace both Memorial Arena and the existing Kamloops Curling Club to make way for a modern Curling and Racquet Sports Complex.

The City — which already owns both the Kamloops Curling Club and Memorial Arena — has purchased the two lots directly east of Memorial, which will give the City a 3.6 acre space to create the new Complex.

“The redevelopment of this city block will create a vibrant downtown hub that integrates curling and racquet sports and has potential for much more,” stated the City in unveiling its plans for the downtown location.  “[Plans for the Complex include] a fitness space, community amenities, and even housing—a central place for active living.”

While the program to replace Memorial Arena and the Kamloops Curling Club is in its infancy — with no designs drafted or cost estimates put forward — Build Kamloops Chair Kelly Hall does note the Kamloops Legion is supporting the effort, hinting at the possibility of a housing component which could have veterans in mind.

“When we’re in such close proximity to a bus/transit hub, the provincial government has given us the opportunity to build in excess of 14 stories,” noted Hall, suggesting the Curling and Racquet Sports facility is going to help reshape the look of the downtown core as well.

“Gone are the days where you can build a tin building an put 8 sheets of ice on [it] for curling,” added Hall.  “Look at what we’ve got here — 3.6 acres of development.  You’re going to see a significant structure built that not only houses curling and racquet sports and the Legion, you’re going to see a housing component to that, you’re going to see mixed residential… it’s just so exciting.”

Hall also says there will discussions about ways to maintain the history of Memorial Arena and incorporate it into the new Complex.

“We’re hoping as we move into a new facility, we can bring along the history of Memorial, with Legion 52 being a big part of that,” added Hall.

Launched as a post-World War II community initiative, Memorial Arena was built in 1948 and played host to every version of the Western Hockey League’s teams in Kamloops, including the Chiefs, the Junior Oilers and the Blazers, who later shifted over to Riverside Coliseum when it was finished in 1992.

While no detailed plans for the new Curling and Racquet Sports Complex have been laid out yet, Memorial Arena and the Kamloops Curling Club will still be maintained for the next few years, as the City says it does not intend to start construction of the Complex until after the new Arena Multiplex in Dufferin is completed.

That facility is tentatively scheduled to open in 2029, with the City saying that would mean construction of the new Curling and Racquet Sport Complex wouldn’t begin until at least 2030.