The Executive Director of the KCBIA agrees there is some apprehension surrounding the future of the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC) Headquarters in downtown Kamloops.

There have been similar concerns shared by both Kamloops MLA’s as well as Mayor Ken Christian, who’s meeting with BCLC CEO Jim Lightbody today.

Carl DeSantis says the way he understands, BCLC is still committed to keeping the HQ in Kamloops.

“The project itself I’m not sure where it’s going to go,” DeSantis said, while speaking on the NL Morning Show. “I’ve reached out to BCLC again, and I’m hoping to talk with them this afternoon, and get some clarity as to what’s going to happen.”

As for a new building versus a renovated one, DeSantis notes a new building would be fantastic news for the area.

“A new building would have generated increased capacity for more employees,” DeSantis added. “That would have been a really exciting thing for the Downtown.”

“The project itself would have brought construction downtown and when completed more densification. More people would live and eat and shop near their workplace.”

However, he noted a renovated building wouldn’t be the worst thing either.

“[It] wouldn’t be that much different,” DeSantis said. “We’re still going to have some constuction on the go, and increased capacity for more workers downtown.”

“We’re happy just to keep them in the community because they’re huge supporters of our city.”

The B.C. Attorney General’s office says BCLC will have an update on the project this week.