City of Kamloops Secures $7 Million Union of BC Municipalities Grant for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts
The City of Kamloops has been awarded the maximum available funding of $7 million through the 2025 Strategic Priorities Fund intake for the construction of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts feature lobby, café, and gallery project.
The Strategic Priorities Fund, administered by the Union of BC Municipalities, is part of the federally funded Build Communities Strong Fund, which supports large-scale strategic investments with regional impact and advances priorities such as economic growth, productivity, environmental sustainability, and strong communities.
The City’s successful application reflects the strength of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts project and recognizes the growing need for arts, culture, and recreation infrastructure in Kamloops and the broader region.
“This funding announcement is a significant milestone for Kamloops and a strong endorsement of the vision our community has been building toward for years,” said Kelly Hall, Chair of the Build Kamloops Select Committee. “Receiving the maximum grant amount available demonstrates that senior levels of government recognize the importance of investing in arts and cultural infrastructure that supports community well-being, economic development, and long-term growth.”
The $7 million grant represents the largest contribution available to municipalities under the 2025 intake and reinforces the momentum behind the Build Kamloops program. The award highlights the project’s regional significance and validates the City’s strategy of pursuing multiple funding sources to help deliver major community infrastructure projects while reducing impacts on taxpayers.
The grant forms part of the City’s Build Kamloops funding strategy, which is structured around four funding pillars: fundraising, grants, existing budgets and capital funding. By securing external funding through grants and fundraising, the City can reduce the amount of funding required from other sources and maximize value for taxpayers.
“The success of this grant application shows that Build Kamloops is gaining momentum and attracting significant external investment,” said Dave Hallinan, the City’s Corporate Services Director. “Receiving the maximum contribution available through this program is a powerful endorsement of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts and its value to our community. Every grant dollar secured reduces reliance on local funding sources and supports the fiscally responsible delivery of a community facility that will benefit residents for generations.”
The feature lobby, café, and gallery project will create welcoming public gathering spaces that enhance the overall experience. These spaces will support local artists, provide opportunities for community connection, activate the street frontage, and contribute to our local economy. This investment demonstrates that communities across British Columbia—and the funding agencies that support them—see the importance of modern arts infrastructure as part of building vibrant, healthy, and resilient cities.
“For local governments across British Columbia, the right investment can support housing, foster connection and build strong communities,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “This project will make a lasting impact and reinforces our commitment to building bold, building strong, and building together.”
“From performances and exhibitions to everyday community gatherings, the Kamloops Centre for the Arts will become a place where people connect, experience local culture and celebrate creativity,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Supported through the Government of Canada, UBCM and the City of Kamloops, this project reflects the lasting value of investing in public spaces that enrich community life.”
The Kamloops Centre for the Arts is a cornerstone project within Build Kamloops, the City’s long-term program to invest in recreational, cultural, and community infrastructure.
For more information about Build Kamloops and the Kamloops Centre for the Arts project, visit LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/BuildKamloops.
