Regular Council Meeting–March 4, 2025

City Hall front exterior

Delegations

Rocky Mountain Rangers Regiment

Amedeo Vecchio, Lieutenant Colonel and Former Commanding Officer, and Stephen Tulabing, Warrant Officer, of the Rocky Mountain Rangers Regiment provided Council with an update on the Regiment's activities and information on "Ranger Week 2025", which will take place from March 31 to April 5 at various locations within the City of Kamloops.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Regiment receiving the Freedom of the City of Kamloops. Planned events will showcase the Rocky Mountain Rangers Regiment's serving members, Cadets, partners, and the Regimental Association in the community.  

In response, Council passed a motion to send a letter of thanks committing a Council presence at the Regiment's upcoming gala during Ranger Week.

View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.

Kamloops North Shore Business Improvement Association

Arthur Loring, President, and Joshua Knaak, Past President of the Kamloops North Shore Business Improvement Association, presented Council with the organization's 2024 Annual Report and five-year operations plan. 2024 was a year of significant momentum within the North Shore: several anticipated building projects broke ground, lower interest rates helped spur some developments, the organization hosted four more amazing community events and connected thousands of times with members and affiliates across the community.

In response, Council authorized the payment of the North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) levy of $364,788.33 in 50% increments.

View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.

Consideration of Bylaws

Updated Building Regulations and Fees

Council adopted Building Regulations Bylaw No. 11-84, 2025 modernizing and enhancing construction protocols in alignment with provincial and municipal standards to support a safer, more sustainable, and resilient community. This update represents a substantial shift in the City’s construction regulations, focusing on the city's long-term vitality by supporting safety, resilience, and efficiency in all building activities. It will create clarity and consistency by outlining the process in the bylaw rather than the policies that have been developed over the years.

Council also adopted Development and Land Use Application Fees Bylaw No. 51-4, 2025 to reflect the new fees charged for items regulated under the Building Regulations Bylaw.

New 54-Unit Supportive Housing Development 

Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 55-69 to permit a future multi-unit residential development at the corner off Fortune Drive and Leigh Road in the North Kamloops neighbourhood. BC Housing is proposing a four-storey, 54-unit development for the site that will provide homes for people who have experienced homelessness and need 24/7 support to maintain their housing. The next step for the project is for BC Housing to secure a housing operator, which will determine the model of care to be provided on site.

View the Full Report from the February 4, 2025, regular Council meeting.

New Multi-Unit Development in Pineview 

Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 55-81 to permit a future multi-unit residential development at 1920 Copperhead Drive. The proposed development would include a 60-unit apartment building and 120 townhouse units.

View the Full Report from the December 10, 2024, regular Council meeting.

Reports to Council

RCMP 2024 Year End Report

Superintendent Jeff Pelley, Officer in Charge of the Kamloops RCMP, provided Council with the Kamloops RCMP 2024 year-end report. Through strategic enforcement and enhanced partnerships, the Kamloops RCMP continues to make progress in creating a safer environment for all residents.

Community violence remains a priority, with targeted enforcement efforts aimed at known offenders and high-risk areas. In total, crime offences were down 19% in Kamloops with major reductions in business break and enters and vehicle-related theft. Person offences (assault, robbery, etc.) and mental health-related files also declined in 2024 while Integrated Crisis Response Team (Car 40) interventions increased to 2,073.

Traffic safety initiatives have been advanced as part of the RCMP's enforcement strategy, with increased visibility and targeted campaigns aimed at reducing impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving. These efforts have contributed to a measurable decline in traffic-related incidents and improved public awareness of road safety.

The RCMP's commitment to crime prevention has been enhanced through strengthened partnerships with local organizations, schools, and Indigenous communities. Collaborative initiatives have focused on youth engagement, mental health support, and outreach programs designed to address root causes of crime.

The implementation of body-worn cameras in the past month has been well-received. The technology enhances transparency, accountability, and officer safety while reinforcing public trust in our service.

View the full report.
View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.
Contact for further information:
Sarah Johnson | sjohnson@Kamloops.ca

Notices of Motion

Councilor O'Reilly presented a Notice of Motion: Usage of riverfront properties for shelters or transitional housing, which is up for consideration at the next regular Council meeting on April 8, 2025.

Council Reports

In response to a report from Councillor Karpuk, and a request from Councillor O'Reilly, Council passed a motion to support Councillor O'Reilly as the Council Liaison to the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society. Council further passed a motion to invite Kamloops' two MLAs, Peter Milobar and Ward Stamer, to present at a subsequent regular Council meeting about the new provincial budget as well as provincial actions being taken to protect regional businesses in response to the tariffs with the United States.