City now open to proposals for former Kamloops Daily News building

KAMLOOPS – The future of the former Kamloops Daily News building is back up for discussion.

What seemed like the start of a messy political battle at Kamloops City Hall appears to have smoothed over and Coun. Denis Walsh got what he wanted from the beginning: An opportunity to hear ideas on how the building might be saved from demolition.

The site was purchased by the city as a potential site for a performing arts centre but when the centre failed at referendum, councillors talked about demolishing it and possibly making a parking lot. Walsh fought that with confusing results until today when councillors managed to vote together on at least one front. 

They agreed to not only leave the building standing, the city should also actively seek outside interest and proposals for the site and building at 393 Seymour St.

Councillors also voted down the motion to study downtown parking as it may already be improving with construction at Royal Inland Hospital, and agreed it was more prudent to wait and not rush a parking lot, though Couns. Walsh, Dieter Dudy and Donovan Cavers voted in favour.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Brendan Kergin at bkergin@infonews.ca or call 250-819-6089. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.