The mayor of Kamloops is eager to see the details and make up of a non-profit society being put together to push for the new downtown Performing Arts Centre proposal.

Ken Christian says the group will make itself known soon.

“We are going to hear from the non-profit organization next week actually on the 18th. I am looking forward to that, how they are organized, and who is spearheading it. It is much more than just fundraising.”

Christian says council still has many unanswered questions.

“What we need is actual working plans that we can therefor do a good estimate of cost. Then look beyond to how this facility would be operated. Then take it to the people.”

He says it would be significant if the society takes a big role in fundraising.

“I think it would be very significant. If you look at the history of this the public rejected a $90 million effort and this one is $70 million. We already have a donation of in and around eight to $10 million. If there could be further corporate donations plus a lot of grassroots donations from the community that would signal to council that this has broad based support in our community. That to me is a greenlight.”

Christian says he monitors feedback on the project and feels support for the proposal is running about two to one in support of the Performing Arts Centre.

He says Kamloops has an obvious deficiency when it comes to arts and culture and the city needs to step up its game.