The Memorial Cup Host Committee in Kamloops has come up with a $100,000 contribution of its own to fund a temporary elevated platform inside Sandman Centre.

The move comes after Tuesday’s City Council meeting, where Kamloops councillors decided to fund only half of the $200,000 request to build a temporary skywalk on the east end of the arena connecting the press area with the loge seating.

Councillors primarily took issue with the timing – two months away from the tournament – and the return on investment.

“An event of this size takes a tremendous amount of effort and coordination, and we can expect hiccups along the way,” Yves Lacasse, the Chair of the Memorial Cup Host Committee said, referring to Council’s discussion Tuesday.

“We are focused on creating a great guest experience and are committing an additional $100,000 to make this event everything it needs to be on the national stage.”

City staff say the skyway will be used to create space for CHL officials, family members of the visiting teams, as well as space for TSN to use for its broadcast.

“We are working collaboratively with the City to try to reduce costs related to the temporary seating,” said Lacasse. “At the end of the day, this is about working together to make Kamloops shine for our residents, our visitors, and everyone watching this event,” added Lacasse.

In a statement, Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson thanked the host committee for the last bit of temporary funding needed for the project.

“I wish to extend a huge thank you to the Host Committee for coming to the table with their contribution. They have done a phenomenal job of putting together this event for our community,” he said.

“Thank you to the committee and all the volunteers who continue to give their time to make this event a success.”

The Memorial Cup is estimated to generate an economic impact of $12 to $15 million in the community. Organizers also say it will “leave a lasting infrastructure and financial legacy for Kamloops”, including a high school scholarship fund.

The Memorial Cup will take over the Tournament Capital from May 26 to June 4.