Regular Council Meeting–April 8, 2025

City Hall front exterior

Delegations

Aragon Arts

Local artist Casey Macaulay from Aragon Arts presented Council with a framed print of a cross-section of lumber from the Red Bridge to commemorate the bridge's historical significance. The art piece will find a permanent home at City Hall.

Mayor and the artist holding the artwork about Red Bridge

Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association

Howie Reimer, Executive Director of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, led a delegation, including:

  • Bryce Herman - President
  • Adil Hosenbocus - Treasurer
  • Ricky Marshall - Customer Care and Patrol (CAP) Team Supervisor

The delegation provided an update on collaborative initiatives, events, and the significant ongoing work of the CAP Team while presenting the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association's 2024 Audited Financial Statements and 2025 Annual Budget.

Council authorized that the $352,632 Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association levy be paid in 50% increments in accordance with Kamloops Central Business Improvement Area Bylaw No. 13-1-21, 2021.

Consideration of Bylaws

Rezoning for Multi-Unit Residential Development in Brockelhurst

Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 55-77, 2025 to permit a future 10-unit multi-unit residential development on the corner of Parkcrest Avenue and Holt Street in the Brocklehurst neighbourhood. View the full report to Council from the January 14, 2025, Regular Council meeting.

Affordable Housing Definitions

Council adopted Zoning Bylaw No. 55, 2025 to refine the definitions related to affordable housing and amend the parking requirements for such developments. View the full report to Council from the March 4, 2025, Regular Council meeting. 

Unfinished Business

Public Inquiries Pause

Council passed a motion to continue the pause on Public Inquiries while amendments to Council Procedure Bylaw No. 59 are under consideration. 

Reports to Council

Presentation of the 2024 Audited Financial Statements

Mario Piroddi, Partner, Assurance at BDO Canada LLP, provided Council with a report on the City of Kamloops’ audited financial statements. The audit was completed in April 2024 and did not identify any necessary changes to the City’s planned financial approach, nor did it identify any internal control issues.

Build Kamloops Phase Two Municipal Security Resolutions

Council received a written report completing the legislative requirement of providing municipal security resolutions to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia enabling the City to borrow funding for Build Kamloops initiatives including the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, the arena multiplex, and the development and planning for future recreation facilities.

Council authorized the borrowing at a sum not exceeding: 

  • $140 million over 30 years for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts (Bylaw No. 57-1)
  • $135 million over 30 years for the Arena Multiplex and future development and design work for related Build Kamloops recreation initiatives (Bylaw No. 57-2)
  • View the full report.
  • View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.
  • Contact for further information:
    Lewis Hill | lhill@kamloops.ca

Next Generation 911 2025 Grant Application

Ken Uzeloc, the City's Protective Services Director/Fire Chief provided Council with a report seeking a resolution of support for an application to the Union of BC Municipalities Next Generation 911 funding program. Next Generation 911 refers to the modernization of 911 networks and infrastructure across Canada. It is a federally mandated transition of the emergency communications network from the current network to an internet protocol-based technology.

Next Generation 911 will enable significant improvements to public safety, including enhanced 911 caller location information, real-time texting, streaming audio and video, and new methods for directing calls to services beyond police, fire, and ambulance, such as mental health support.

Council authorized the City's grant application for $2.1 million and for staff to provide overall grant management.

Zoning and Business Licence and Regulations Bylaw Amendments Related to Short-Term Rental Accommodation Legislation

Stephen Bentley, the City's Community Planning Manager, provided Council with a report on amendments to Zoning Bylaw No. 55, 2021, and Business Licence and Regulations Bylaw No. 9-60, 2012, to align with provincial legislation on short-term rental accommodations. The Zoning Bylaw will be brought forward at the next public hearing before Council votes to adopt both bylaws.

As of May 1, 2025, all short-term rental hosts and platforms operating in BC must be registered with the provincial short-term rental registry to ensure compliance with the provincial rules. A new provincial enforcement unit will monitor compliance, issue compliance orders, and administer penalties for violations. More information on short-term rental accommodation requirements can be found on the provincial website. 

To assist with the transition (i.e. to legalize a suite), hosts in 19 communities in British Columbia, including Kamloops, have until June 1, 2025, to submit proof of applying for a business licence instead of providing a copy of the licence when registering. This temporary option is available because many communities have recently introduced or updated their short-term rental business licence programs. These hosts must upload a copy of their business licence to their registration dashboard by August 1, 2025, or their registration will be cancelled.

Official Community Plan Update 2025 Project Scope and Process

Stephen Bentley, the City's Community Planning Manager, provided Council with a report on the scope and process for updating KAMPLAN: City of Kamloops Official Community Plan in 2025. This update responds to recent legislative changes, which require municipalities to review and amend their Official Community Plans and Zoning Bylaws by December 31, 2025, ensuring that they permit the number of housing units needed over the next 20 years and provide policies related to each class of housing need.

The proposed process for updating the Official Community Plan in 2025 is as follows: 

  • Phase 1: Housing Needs Report - August to December 2024
  • Phase 2: Plan Content Development - January to April 2025
  • Phase 3: Targeted Engagement - April to May 2025
  • Phase 4: Public Engagement - May to June 2025
  • Phase 5: Draft Plan - March to August 2025
  • Phase 6: Final Engagement on Draft Plan - September to October 2025
  • Phase 7: Final Approvals and Plan Adoption - October to December 2025 

The updated Official Community Plan will build upon the 2018 plan’s community vision and values, helping the City plan for population growth and housing development needed to accommodate that growth over the next 20 years.

Clean the Beach Event 2025

Ashley Ekelund, the City's Social and Community Development Supervisor, provided Council with information regarding the second annual Clean the Beach event. The event will occur on Sunday, April 13, 2025 11:00 am–2:00 pm.

There will be a kick-off event at Riverside Park, which will include safe cleanup instructions, provision of required cleanup equipment and personal protective equipment, directions to the cleanup locations, educational tables and materials, and live music. There will also be a wrap-up event at Riverside Park, including a thank-you meal.

The Clean Team will conduct a sweep of the beaches before the event starts to reduce the exposure to sharps and drug paraphernalia. The Community Services Officers Outreach Response team will also be present at the event to assist as needed.  

Community Engagement Activities

Council received an update on upcoming community engagement opportunities, as listed below.

Featured Engagement Opportunities

  • Let’s Talk Communications: The City is asking residents how they would prefer to hear about City initiatives, programs, services, and news.   
    • Take the survey online at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Communications until May 30, 2025.
  • Volunteer Appreciation BBQ: In recognition of the volunteers who build, maintain, and grow our community, the City is hosting the annual Volunteer Appreciation BBQ. 
    • April 17, 2025, 11:30 am–1:30 pm, at Sandman Centre, 300 Lorne Street
  • Tranquille Road Sanitary Sewer Main and Road Upgrade Project: With construction on Phase 3 of the Tranquille Road Sanitary project set to start in June, the City will host another open house for residents to ask questions of staff. 
    • May 15, 2025, 5:30–7:30 pm, Sports Action Lounge, McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, 1665 Island Parkway
    • Follow the project at Tranquille Road Sanitary Main and Road Enhancement Project | Phase 3

Follow On Let's Talk Website

Subscribe to ongoing projects to be notified when engagement opportunities arise:   

Community Collaboration Activities

  • The City of Kamloops has once again been awarded the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for its annual financial report. This achievement marks the fourth year in a row that the City has been recognized with this award.
  • The Kamloops Museum and Archives, in partnership with the Kamloops Film Society, is excited to present Wide Angle, a new exhibition opening on April 11, 2025. Residents are invited to a free opening reception on Friday, April 11, 2025, 5:00–7:00 pm. The evening will include brief opening remarks, light food and refreshments, and live music.
  • Clean the Beach is a family-friendly gathering inviting residents to come together in a collective effort to clean our riverbanks. This year’s event will take place on April 13, 2025, 11:00 am–2:00 pm, at the east end of Riverside Park.  
  • A banquet recognizing this year’s recipients for the Exemplary Service Awards will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
  • The City Auction will return for 2025! The auction starts on April 24, 2025, at 9:00 am, and will close on April 27, 2025, at 4:00 pm. There will be opportunities to view the items April 24–27, 2025, 10:00 am–6:00 pm at McArthur Island Curling Rink. Details for the auction are online at TeamAuctions.com/Upcoming-Auctions/25DJ-City-of-KamloopsAnnual-Sale-957.
  • The City will be hosting the Emergency Services Day at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre south side parking lot on Saturday, May 10, 2025,10:00 am–2:00 pm. Emergency Services Day is a national awareness initiative and an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you are prepared to protect yourself, your family, and your community during an emergency. This year, the theme is Be Prepared. Know Your Risks. Applications are open for exhibitors interested in hosting a booth at the event.
  • The Spring Home Show took place April 5–6 and included educational booths for Utilities, Bear Smart, Transportation, Sustainability, Building, and Solid Waste

Notices of Motion

Committee Reports

 In response to recommendations from the March 11, 2025, Committee of the Whole meeting, Council authorized moving forward with draft Council Policy GGL-32, Public Input Participation, without any amendments. The draft will come back Council for approval at a future regular Council meeting. 

Councillor Reports

  • In response to a report from Councillor Bass, Council authorized prioritizing a made-in-Canada procurement policy when possible.
  • In response to a report from Councillor Neustaeter, Council authorized sending a follow-up letter to the Hon. Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, noting the increased jail duty role and responsibilities that our Community Services Officers will soon be taking on with no additional support from the Province. The letter will urge immediate funding for a sobering and assessment centre or an explanation of the Province's plan to reduce our liability and the risk to life and safety in the absence of such a centre.

Correspondence

  • Council reviewed correspondence received from the Kruger Kamloops Mill and authorized inviting a delegation from the mill to present its air report at a future regular Council meeting.
  • Council reviewed correspondence received from the Union of BC Municipalities and advised Administration to submit proposed revised wording to the Southern Interior Local Government Association for consideration at its 2025 convention.