Kelson Hall officially opens as Fawcetts hand keys over to the city

KAMLOOPS — For years, there has been heated debate about the construction of a performing arts centre in Kamloops.

On Monday (Nov. 28), the possibility of such a venue took a huge step forward, as Kelson Hall, a 20,000-square-foot facility was donated to the City of Kamloops by Ron and Rae Fawcett.

“I now declare Kelson Hall officially open.”

With those words and a snip of some comically large scissors, Deputy Mayor Mike O’Reilly took possession of what many on hand believe will be the envy of arts organizations across Canada.

Deputy Mayor Mike O’Reilly accepts the keys to Kelson Hall from Ron Fawcett. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

“It’s a gem,” former KSO Music Director Bruce Dunn says. “I’m sure every city would say, ‘Why can’t we have a building like this?’”

The 20,000 sq. ft. building used to be part of the Telus complex on the corner of Third Avenue and St. Paul Street. Ron and Rae Fawcett bought it several years ago, with the plan to create a space for Western Canada Theatre and the Kamloops Symphony to relocate offices there.

“To see it today, with the groups in here…” Ron Fawcett begins saying.

“To see the looks on their faces, it’s very exciting,” Rae Fawcett interjects.

“I think it turned out perfectly,” Ron continues. “It’s probably as fine a building as there is in Kamloops — a civic building.”

Kelson Hall contains offices, classrooms and two signature rooms — the Lori Marchand Theatre and Bruce Dunn Hall, named after two of the people who helped mold the organizations that will call the facility home.

“I can’t believe the generosity of Ron and Rae, they’re just amazing people,” Marchand explains. “[I am] a little bit overwhelmed, and not really quite sure what to do with it, but I’m incredibly grateful.”

“It’s a great honour. As I mentioned, I’ve known Ron for the full 32 years I’ve been associated with Kamloops,” Bruce Dunn, former KSO Music Director says. “We’ve talked about music arts centres and concert halls for all those years. This is the first step.”

WCT and the Symphony will move in in the coming weeks.

“What you’re looking at now is the new Western Canada Theatre offices, with a carpet that goes through to what will eventually be a doorway,” WCT Artistic Director James MacDonald explains. “Through that doorway, and through a passageway will be the new Kamloops Centre for the Performing Arts.”

There are certainly a few people who are already excited for that connection to be made.

“I’m getting a bit on in age, and I’m looking forward to the future,” Ron Fawcett says. “I’d like to see that new theatre built while I’m still here to enjoy it.”