Council opts for AAP to borrow for new RCMP building

Council will use the alternative approval process to seek citizen approval to borrow nearly $200 million for a number of projects, including a new RCMP headquarters.

The process means that rather than holding a referendum, electors can voice their opposition to the city, and if at least 10 percent of the electorate does so, a referendum will need to be held.

The borrowing includes funds for a new RCMP headquarters ($150.6 million), a property on McMaster Way ($16.7m), Sandman Centre improvements ($2.5m), a third phase of the Tranquille sanitary project ($9m), water intake upgrades ($11.75m), Rose Hill Road realignment ($5.8m), work on the Pacific Way off-ramp ($1.2 million) and Copperhead Drive emergency access ($1.65 million).

Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley told council the current headquarters on Battle Street is 25 years beyond its capacity, creating inefficiencies for the police force and space issues, all while its complement of officers is increasing.

Alcohol allowed in Riverside Park under new pilot

Council has given the nod for a pilot project that would allow liquor in an area of Riverside Park, with time and space constraints attached.

The new rules, now in effect, allow liquor consumption in the park in the field of the Rotary Bandshell in the central area of the park from noon to 9 p.m.

The pilot project will run until October 1. Organizers of events hosted in that area of the park can choose whether or not to allow liquor.

Music in the Park typically fills that space each night, with the event running until the end of August.