City of Kamloops Seeks Public Approval for Long-Term Borrowing

Release Date

Kamloops, BC—Kamloops City Council has directed the City to fund two Council-approved projects using long-term borrowing. As required by provincial legislation, the City must receive public approval of the proposed loan authorization bylaws and has elected to do so using the alternative approval process.    

The two proposed loan authorization bylaws are:

  • 965 McMaster Way Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 57-4, 2025
    This bylaw would authorize up to $16.75 million to purchase and improve a 9.77-ac. industrial property at 965 McMaster Way. Located next to the City’s Civic Operations Yard, the site will support long-term operational needs, including space for equipment, materials, and service delivery such as snow removal, waste collection, and parks maintenance. A portion of the property will continue to be leased, generating revenue to help offset borrowing costs.
     
  • Tranquille Phase III Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 57-5, 2025
    This bylaw would authorize up to $9 million for the design and construction of Phase III of the Tranquille Road Sanitary Main and Road Enhancement Project. In addition to sanitary upgrades, this project includes drainage infrastructure, sidewalks, a multi-use pathway, and lighting.

As Kamloops continues to grow, demand for municipal services increases. These projects are intended to support that growth by expanding infrastructure capacity and improving long-term service delivery.

How the Alternative Approval Process Works
The alternative approval process begins on April 20, 2026, and ends at 4:00 pm on May 29, 2026.

Eligible electors can submit Elector Response Forms if they oppose long-term borrowing for either project. If at least 10% of eligible electors (8,527 people) submit forms in opposition to either bylaw by the May 29 deadline, the City cannot proceed with the long-term borrowing without holding a referendum. Council could provide direction on an alternate funding source for these projects, such as reserve funding or taxation. If fewer than 10% of electors submit Elector Response Forms, the bylaws will be adopted by Council and the borrowing may proceed.

Resident and non-resident electors may submit Elector Response Forms if they meet the eligibility criteria outlined on the forms, which are available online at Kamloops.ca/AAP or in person at City Hall, 7 Victoria Street West, Monday to Friday (8:00 am to 4:00 pm, excluding holidays).

Elector Response Forms must be received by 4:00 pm on May 29, 2026.

For more details on the proposed borrowing bylaws, eligibility criteria, and the alternative approval processes, please visit Kamloops.ca/AAP.

Background
Council introduced loan authorization bylaws related to four separate projects in August 2025. The alternative approval processes for all four projects were delayed by Council due to Canadian Union of Postal Workers labour action. Two of those bylaws are now moving forward through the alternative approval process following Council direction on April 14, 2026. The remaining projects are either on hold (Kamloops Police Services Building) or will be funded through other means (Kamloops Centre for Water Quality Intake Upgrade).