Author: Sean Brady
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More work needed on 2026 city budget
Higher rec fees for outsiders? The city is considering raising fees for recreation facilities for those living outside of Kamloops. Sport, recreation, and wellness manager Sherri Holmes told council the city is looking into higher fees for non-residents, but noted that it’s not yet clear how the program would be administered. “We also want to…
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Province petition to destroy report successful
A petition to the courts by B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma for the return and destruction of a confidential report previously kept by Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has seen success, following a hearing earlier in November. The mayor turned the report over after the province’s petition was filed, but for months prior ignored requests by…
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Coun. Kelly Hall, chair of the Build Kamloops select committee. Sean Brady photoKamloops Centre for the Arts breaks ground on Seymour Street
The ground has been broken for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts. Nearly two decades in the making, construction of the performing arts centre will soon begin downtown at 393 Seymour St. The project includes an 1,100-seat theatre, a 450-seat theatre, a lobby, cafe and gallery, and a two-level underground parkade with 158 spaces. Construction…
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Photo provided by the City of KamloopsChildcare, utility rates, and more discussed at council
Pair of Bass motions approved Two motions from Coun. Dale Bass have been approved, concerning affordable childcare and extreme heat emergencies. The approved childcare motion will see the city call upon the province to increase funding for the hiring of early childhood educators, support existing $10/day daycares, increase the number of $10/day daycares, build new…
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Grassroots group Maternity Matters held a rally outside RIH Oct. 25 to call attention to the maternity crisis. Photo by Sean BradyMass maternity resignation at RIH
Try not to go into labour on Friday or Saturday.” That’s what soon-to-be mother of two Aurora O’Flanagan was told when she inquired about receiving care at Royal Inland Hospital after hearing seven obstetricians / gynecologists (OB-GYNs) had resigned, sparking anxiety during what is supposed to be a hopeful and exciting time in her life.…
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No fundraising gala for RIH in 2025
Iccha/Wish has announced it will not hold its annual fundraising gala for Royal Inland Hospital this year. The organization was founded by Al Patel and Anil Parekh in 2007. Since then, it has raised nearly $2.6 million for Royal Inland Hospital and related projects, sourcing its donations from the community via its annual gala and…
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Photo provided by Kamloops City Council
Mayor’s claim of bias unfounded
Following claims of bias from the mayor, a third-party investigator working for the city has found none in his own work. According to a report released by the city, Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson made five claims of bias directly to the investigator, who made note of them and later investigated, concluding there was no bias present…
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Catching up on the work of Kamloops City Council
Climate change, child care motions coming from Coun. Bass Coun. Dale Bass put forward notice of two motions to be heard by council at its Oct. 7 regular meeting, including one to advocate for affordable child care and another relating to relief of costs during extreme heat emergencies. Bass’ child care motion calls for the…
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New Kamloops heritage park proposed
A proposal has come forward for a new heritage park, featuring historical attractions from a host of groups, put forward by the Kamloops Heritage Society and presented to council in September. The pitch was brought by Jeff Lodge and Joe Leong of the Kamloops Heritage Society, who put forward a potential site plan and host…
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Highland Valley Copper mine to operate another 20 years
The Highland Valley Copper mine southwest of Kamloops has been given new life, now expected to continue operations until 2046 with the undertaking of a major life extension project. The project was fully permitted back in July and construction is well underway, expected to be completed in 2028. That work includes expansion of the open…