Photo: BCLC

The BC Lottery Corporation has deferred plans of a move from its Kamloops head office.

"BCLC remains committed to Kamloops as home to its headquarters and as a leading employer in the community," the Crown corporation said in a press release on Thursday.

"Based on a third-party review, BCLC has determined that it will remain in its existing Kamloops headquarters facility and defer any further discussion of redevelopment into the future."

An assessment report found that despite inefficiencies in some parts of the Kamloops headquarters, which is more than 54 years old, the building is well maintained and functioning.

While BCLC expects employment to grow in Kamloops as its business continues to evolve, the report also found that more work is required to project future needs and associated space requirements.

“While we are not moving forward with a new development at this time, BCLC and the Province of B.C. remain 100 per cent committed to our head office remaining in Kamloops,” said Peter Kappel, chair of the BCLC board of directors. 

The structure was originally a Woodward’s department store. 

“Kamloops has remained the home of BCLC’s head office since day one, and that is not going to change,” said Jim Lightbody, president and CEO. 

The Kamloops headquarters employs more than 440 people, and is one of the city's largest employers.