Author: Sean Brady
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Photo provided by the City of KamloopsConflict of interest complaint substantiated against mayor
Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has had yet another code of conduct complaint substantiated against him. Third-party investigator Reece Harding found Hamer-Jackson in breach of council’s code of conduct, saying the mayor was in a conflict of interest when he voted to deny a temporary use permit for a property owned by Arpa Investments — a…
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City says mayor responsible for departure of CAO
The City of Kamloops has confirmed David Trawin is no longer employed by the city, blaming Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson for the end of his 22-year tenure with the city. Chief administrative officer (CAO) David Trawin took a leave of absence in March 2024. At the time, his absence was not explained, but information recently released…
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September event shines a light on FASD
September 9 will be a day to celebrate, connect and create awareness around Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), with a family day event being hosted by Insight Support Services. The event will feature crafts, games, friendly competitions, food and entertainment. Jennifer Schultz of Insight Support Services is organizing the event. As a key worker, she…
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Cancer centre finally on its way
The ground has been broken, at least ceremonially, for Kamloops’ long-promised cancer centre, which is set to be completed by 2028. Provincial government officials were in Kamloops in late July to break ground on the project, including Minister of Infrastructure Bowinn Ma and Minister of Health Josie Osborne. The centre will be five storeys in…
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Big dollar projects take a step forward
The City of Kamloops has laid out its timeline for the construction of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts. Vendors have now been chosen for the new downtown facility, which is expected to cost more than $150 million, with the city approved to borrow up to $140 million. The KCA will include an 1,100-seat theatre,…
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Wildfire film premieres in Kamloops
A retired forester is calling for a more proactive approach to wildfires in the province, with a shift from fighting them to preventing them. His film B.C. is Burning premiered July 22 at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops. While the 45-minute film does paint a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by wildfires, its main…
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‘Inquisitive’ mayor’s forensic audit motion defeated
A motion introduced earlier in June by Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson saw no real support at the June 24 regular council meeting, resulting in public conflict between mayor and council and another call for his resignation. At the June 10 council meeting, Hamer-Jackson put forward a notice of motion for a “third-party forensic audit of all…
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July city council briefs
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…
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Sarai offers apology for conduct as city publishes complaints
Coun. Bill Sarai has apologized to Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, to council, and to the public following an investigation that found he breached council’s code of conduct policy. According to the City of Kamloops, Sarai breached the code of conduct by recording a conversation between himself and the mayor without the mayor’s knowledge and later denied…
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Council deals with disruptions, engagement
Public input suspended again Following council’s pause on public inquiries and changes to the process, early use of the new system came in the form of a prank against council at its May 27 meeting. After an obviously fake name ended up on the speaker’s list, Coun. Margot Middleton called to remove that portion from…