Arts community failed in ‘Loops

Dear editor: Re: Performing arts centre could be tied to parking, Herald, Opinion, Nov. 5

Glenn Sinclair’s column concerning parking and a performing arts centre is right on. However, parking for a performing arts centre is primarily at night. Below is an example, which we, including our council and mayor, should consider.

Kamloops failed a $49-million plebiscite in November 2015 by a narrow margin – a 53.7 per cent voted no. Only 32 per cent of eligible voters turned out to vote on that referendum. I have been told by residents of Kamloops, it was primarily for two reason the yes vote lost, even though the mayor and council were behind the endeavour.

1. The performing arts centre was tied to a much needed parkade for downtown Kamloops and coupled with plans for a larger, financially viable performing arts centre. Their regional district population needed this. Great shows were passing them by.

2. The second reason was a very tricky, yet effective no campaign against the city borrowing such a large sum. It went like this in the news outlets. “It is a wonderful idea but… just not now. So Kamloops did not get their much needed performing arts centre or their parkade. The city centre lost as well as the people of Kamloops.

If anyone wonders why the Cleland will not do as a preforming arts centre, read the above again. Donna Schellenberg

Penticton