There’s no new BCLC headquarters coming to the downtown, but the proposed performing arts centre could still revitalize Kamloops.

That’s according to the KCBIA, as the city continues to work on Phase 3 of their downtown master plan with an open house held last night.

CEO Carl DeSantis says the performing arts centre will enhance their entire city.

“I’m really hoping city council is able to navigate not just the politics but the financial challenges, just so we can continue to move that project forward,” he said. “This is just such a perfect time for us to have that conversation, but more so for the community to get involved in the downtown plan conversation.”

He’s also hoping that people voice their thoughts about transportation in downtown Kamloops – including long term parking for business owners and visitors.

“It’s to attract more businesses so that employers have places to park their vehicles,” DeSantis added. “What does that look like? Is it a parkade? I’m not here to say yes or no.”

“Does it mean that we can support other development projects throughout the downtown core and perhaps include a level of parkade? Perhaps.”

As for what he’d like to see downtown, DeSantis would love to see the 4th Avenue Plaza return.

“It was a remarkable success from so many different perspectives,” he noted. “From the tourists to the visitors. From the local and the businesses, there was so much benefit.”

“I think that would just do so much to enhance our downtown as a destination.”

City staff expect that a final plan to go before city council in early summer.