Version 2.0 of a downtown performing arts centre is being welcomed by the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra.

KSO executive director Kathy Humphreys says this proposed performing arts centre would be a significant addition to the city’s amenities making Kamloops a more attractive destination.

As for how we are going to pay the $70-million-dollar price tag, “they’ve opened the door for the city to raise money to sponsorship,” Humphreys says.

“Of course there are also the federal and provincial infrastructure grants that may or may not be available. So there will be some money from both of those levels of government, and with any luck the taxpayer portion of the cost of the facility, it won’t be as much as some people may think.”

Humphreys says the Sagebrush Theatre is often booked solid, meaning music and other acts often skip Kamloops for other destinations.

“Quite often there are no dates available for promoters who are looking for a place for a touring group to play. So they have no place to go, they go right through or maybe they spend the night here but they don’t put on a performance,” she says.

“I think we’ve been missing out on a lot of things and this will give an opportunity to take advantage of those things. I think some of the events will be attracted to the whole region, so I think there’s an opportunity for some economic spinoff for people who will travel from out of town.”