The British Columbia Lottery Company is no longer seeking a new headquarters location and relocation, as confirmed this Thursday. The change in plans has sparked intense criticism from Camroops South Thompson MP Todd Stone, expressing disappointment at the change in plans. However, the financial aspect should not be underestimated, as demolition of the current headquarters building would break the C$100 million mark.
The Canadian Crown Games Company has indicated it has scrapped all plans for a new location in downtown Kamloops, which had previously been considered. For the time being, BCLC will maintain its current headquarters building, which has been in use for the past 54 years. Before becoming the company’s headquarters, this building was the site of Woodward’s department store. Nevertheless, he pointed out that this location can leave something lacking, but it is fully functional and reliable.
The headquarters will remain at Seymour Street West
In the coming weeks, the company will refrain from further discussions on the subject. It is no secret from anyone that the BCLC is responsible for the employment of many parts of the community. In addition to the current more than 60 contractors, nearly 450 individuals rely on steady income from the Crown Company.
This was considered when considering the relocation. The project discussed was expected to cost approximately C$50 million. But Jim Lightbody, president and chief executive officer of BCLC, gave more details about the project’s financial costs, saying everything and pointing out that once completed, the project could become even more expensive. The plan required the demolition of buildings as well as the construction of new multi-storey parking lots, essentially inflating the overall cost to more than C$100 million.
This figure is related to the company. Lightbody said the British Columbia Lottery company has a responsibility to be cautious about spending, especially with respect to taxpayers’ cash that is linked. This is why there will be no relocation for the time being and the company should remain at its current address in Seymour Street West.
Liberal MLAs Concerned About 250 New Jobs
A thorough evaluation and inspection of the building was recently conducted, and it was concluded that its current location could still provide a reliable home for the company. In addition, the British Columbia Lottery Company has submitted a business case to the Treasury asking for further review of the proposed plan. A central agency that evaluates Canadian government spending has concluded that no move is needed for the time being. 슬롯
But the response to this final decision was negative, but negative, as Mayor Ken Christian expressed disappointment after the announcement. Liberal MLA Stone went so far as to point out that Crown Corporation is disappointing the community by changing its plans. According to estimates cited by him, the new project had the potential to create about 250 new jobs within the BCLC structure. Temporary employment around the building was also likely to benefit the community.
Mr. Stone is now concerned that these jobs will be held by individuals from the mainland. The Lightbody CEO said the Camroops-based company’s employees could apply and the lack of new buildings would not hinder the provision of employment to up to 250 new individuals. You can recall in August 2018 when Attorney General David Eby claimed that the $50 million project was ready to begin.