Moment of Silence
Council held a moment of silence to honour Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding, Private Hayden Lykkemark, and Sergeant Morgan Wong, who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright on October 17.
Delegations
Kamloops Heritage Railway Society
Members of the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society provided an update on the historic 2141 locomotive and the society. A major milestone in the locomotive's return-to-service journey occurred on September 30, when the train's firebox was lit for the first time in almost seven years. As the society continues working to get the locomotive back on the tracks, its long-term goal is a safe, memorable heritage rail experience with sustainable revenue generation.
Consideration of Bylaws
2027 Water and Sewer Utility Rates Adopted
Council adopted Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 44-24, 2026, which amends water and sewer utility rates for commercial and residential users, effective January 1, 2027. Notable changes to the water utility include adjustments to water allotment and variable consumption charges, with new residential changes as follows:
| Water Allotment | Jan–Mar | Apr–Jun | Jul–Sep | Oct–Dec | Annual Charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | 45,000 L | 90,000 L | 90,000 L | 45,000 L | $215 |
| NEW - effective January 1, 2027 | 30,000 L | 60,000 L | 60,000 L | 30,000 L | $200 |
| New - effective January 1, 2027 | First 30,000 L | 30,000–60,000 L | 60,000–150,000 L | 150,000–270,000 L | 270,000 L + |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan–Mar Oct–Dec |
n/a | $1.00/ 1,000 L |
$1.25/ 1,000 L |
$1.75/ 1,000 L |
$2.50/ 1,000 L |
| Apr–Jun Jul–Sep |
n/a | n/a | $1.00/ 1,000 L |
$1.75/ 1,000 L |
$2.25/ 1,000 L |
Sanitary Sewer Amendment Bylaw No. 32-86, 2026, was also adopted to change the start date for base charges from at installation to at water meter permit.
Read the full July 28, 2026, Committee of the Whole report here.
Housing Agreement for Affordable Housing on Glenfair Drive
Council adopted Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 64-16, 2026, for a six-storey, 80-unit affordable housing development for seniors at 1118 Glenfair Drive. The project is the first of four phases in the Glenfair seniors housing redevelopment, which is projected to provide nearly 350 new affordable homes for seniors at full build-out. The project is eligible for the purpose-built rental housing revitalization tax exemption.
Read the full October 6, 2026, report here.
Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation Annual General Meeting
Council recessed its regular meeting and, in its capacity as the sole member of the Kamloops Community Land Trust Society, resolved to waive the statutory 14-day notice entitlement for an annual general meeting, as per section 79 of the Societies Act, and called for the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation's Annual General Meeting.
Administrative Reports
Kamloops Heritage Railway Funding Agreement Adjustment
Dušan Magdolen, the Cultural Services and Events Manager, provided Council with a request to amend the 2026 funding payment schedule for the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society. No additional funding was requested, as the payment is part of the society’s existing 2026 funding allocation, and the proposed amendment does not remove the society’s obligation or the City’s expectation that the 2141 steam locomotive be returned to operational status.
Council authorized staff to amend the 2026 payment schedule in the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society funding agreement to release the outstanding 50% operating grant payment before the 2141 steam locomotive becomes operational and receives all required approvals and licences.
View the full report.
View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.
Contact for further information:
Dušan Magdolen | dmagdolen@kamloops.ca
Free Downtown Weekend On-Street Parking
Following a report from Birtin Baidya, one of the City's Indigenous and External Relations Liaisons, Council authorized Administration to offer free downtown on-street parking on Saturdays from November 21 to December 26, 2026.
View the full report.
View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.
Contact for further information:
Birtin Baidya | bbaidya@kamloops.ca
Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre Engagement Findings and Optimization Plan
Sherri Holmes, the City's Sports, Recreation, and Wellness Manager, provided Council with the findings from community engagement conducted in June and July 2026 on the Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre. This engagement began following the 2026 budget process, when Council directed staff to complete a comprehensive operational review of the Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre, including a community engagement component, to identify opportunities to optimize facility use and improve cost recovery. The online survey received 1,654 contributions from 1,597 contributors. In-person engagement opportunities generated approximately 160 interactions and included distributing approximately 180 information cards.
Building from the operational review and community engagement feedback, staff have developed a plan to optimize facility use through service enhancements, programming opportunities, and operational improvements that reflect community priorities and support the facility's long-term sustainability. This will include practical changes to better align facility operations with user demand, such as reallocating underutilized operating hours to higher-demand periods such as evenings and weekends, and aligning the opening time for the fitness centre and pool. Other actions include adding more swimming lessons; expanding private lessons; offering Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross courses; and providing additional water safety education opportunities. In addition, staff will work with local organizations to explore opportunities to further expand programming in fall 2027.
View the full memo.
View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.
Contact for further information:
Sherri Holmes | sholmes@kamloops.ca
Kamloops Fire Rescue Community Risk Assessment and 10-Year Strategic Plan 2026–2036
Kenneth Uzeloc, the City's Protective Services Director/Fire Chief, provided Council with:
- an update on the Kamloops Fire Rescue Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover and Kamloops Fire Rescue 10-year Strategic Plan 2026–2036
- a forward-facing view of the initiatives that Kamloops Fire Rescue is undertaking to ensure municipal fire services will remain effective, efficient, and sustainable in the future
The Community Risk Assessment provides a foundation for understanding the specific risks and hazards, opportunities, and expectations within the City of Kamloops and informs how emergency services are planned, delivered, evaluated, and continuously improved.
Building on this assessment, the 10-year Strategic Plan identifies key priorities and goals to guide Kamloops Fire Rescue over the coming years and support the delivery of effective and sustainable emergency services to the community. The 10-Year Strategic Plan is organized around five pillars: A Sustainable Fire Service, Our People, Community Risk Reduction, Emergency Response, and Partnerships and Relationships. Each pillar includes specific strategies, actions, performance measures, and timelines to support accountability and ongoing progress.
Together, these documents provide a framework for aligning Kamloops Fire Rescue’s services, resources, and long-term planning with the community’s evolving needs, risks, and expectations.
View the full memo.
View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.
Contact for further information:
Kenneth Uzeloc | 250-828-3736
BC Municipal Safety Association's Health and Safety Stewardship Award
Jen Fretz, the City's Deputy Chief Administrative Officer/Civic Operations Director, shared that the Civic Operations Joint Occupational Health and Safety Subcommittee received the Health and Safety Stewardship of the Year Award at the 2026 BC Municipal Safety Association's Health and Safety and Public Works Association of BC's joint annual conference. This award is presented annually to any local government joint occupational health and safety committee or member who has made significant contributions to improving the health and safety of the work group they support.
Key initiatives and innovations of the Civic Operations Joint Occupational Health and Safety Subcommittee included its Glove Campaign, which has led to a 15% reduction in hand and finger injuries, proactive incident prevention measures, introduction and engagement strategies, and an enhanced hazard identification program. The subcommittee exemplifies excellence in health and safety stewardship through its leadership, innovation, and commitment to protecting employees and has successfully fostered a culture of safety, engagement, and continuous improvement across the organization.
Contact for further information:
Jen Fretz | 250-828-3461
Council Strategic Plan Update
Byron McCorkell, the City's Chief Administrative Officer, provided Council with an update on progress made on Council Strategic Plan actions since the last update in July 2026, as of September 30, 2026. Highlights include Council's ongoing advocacy on regional fuel prices; increased registration for Voyent Alert!, the City's emergency alert service; the implementation of ePermitting in the Building and Engineering Development Division; and the expansion of payment being taken at different City facilities around the community.
View the full memo.
View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.
Contact for further information:
Byron McCorkell | 250-828-3498
Community Engagement Activities
Council received an update on upcoming community engagement opportunities, as listed below.
Featured Engagement Opportunities
- Kamloops Arena Multiplex Ceremonial Groundbreaking: Build Kamloops will mark a significant milestone with the ceremonial groundbreaking of the arena multiplex project.
- Thursday, October 29, 2026, 9:30–11:00 am
- Arena Multiplex Site, 2070 Hillside Drive
- LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/ArenaMultiplex
- Have Your Say Day: This new community engagement event brings together a variety of projects and information together under one roof. Have Your Say Day is planned as an ongoing event series, with three events anticipated each year to align with key City projects and engagement opportunities. Each Have Your Say Day will feature new projects and engagement opportunities while also providing updates on initiatives you've previously learned about.
- Saturday, November 14, 2026, 11:00 am–3:00 pm
- Sandman Centre, 300 Lorne Street
- Free public skating hours: 12:00–2:30 pm
- Project spotlight presentation - Residential Parking Permit Program
- LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/HaveYourSayDay
- Water and Sewer Rate Changes: The City is reviewing water and sewer rates for 2027 and has adopted changes to both utility rates and the water rate structure. A project page at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/UtilityRates explains the recommended changes, why the City considered them, and what they could mean for residents’ utility bills.
Community Collaboration Activities
- The Kamloops Airport Authority Society is looking for community-minded individuals interested in serving on its Board of Directors to help shape the future of air travel in our region. The application deadline is November 20, 2026. Learn more at Kamloops.ca/KAAS.
Follow On Let's Talk Website
Subscribe to ongoing projects to be notified when engagement opportunities arise:
- Lets Learn
- Reimagine Downtown!
- Build Kamloops
- Responsible Liquor Consumption Pilot Project
- Capital Projects
Committee Reports
In response to recommendations from the September 29, 2026, Committee of the Whole meeting, Council directed staff to engage with the community on potential policies to support car-share initiatives and incorporate the feedback into ongoing staff work.
View the related September 29, 2026, memo here.
Council also directed staff to organize a future Committee of the Whole workshop to explore educational opportunities related to youth homelessness.
Public Hearing
The regular Council meeting reconvened following the 7:00 pm public hearing, and Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 55-124, 2026, to rezone 3010 Westsyde Road on a site-specific basis to permit retail cannabis sales. Council also authorized a resolution of support for a new retail cannabis sales licence (No. CAN00029) to be forwarded to the BC Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
Read the full October 6, 2026, report here.
Thank You!
The City of Kamloops would like to thank outgoing Council members Mayor Hamer-Jackson, Councillor Bass, Councillor Bepple, Councillor Karpuk, and Councillor Sarai for their service over the last four years.
Outgoing Mayor Hamer-Jackson and Councillor Middleton were absent.
