The City of Kamloops operates under a municipal council–manager system of government, which is the standard form of local government for municipalities in British Columbia under the Community Charter. An elected Council—made up of a Mayor and eight Councillors—collectively sets the community’s strategic direction by creating policies, passing bylaws, approving the City’s budget, and determining service levels. The City’s Administration team, led by the Chief Administrative Officer, are responsible for carrying out Council’s decisions and managing day-to-day operations.

Elections are held every four years in October, and the next election is on October 17, 2026.

A strong local government depends on a clear understanding of roles. Mayor and Council decide what should be done, and the Chief Administrative Officer and City staff decide how to do it and carry out the work. Understanding this helps residents know where to take questions, concerns, and ideas.

More specifically, City Council:

• makes the “rules” for the community (policies and bylaws)
• establishes service levels (e.g. how frequently fields get mowed)
• sets the budget and priorities (what the City spends money on and why)
• represents the interests of residents
• provides overall leadership and vision

City staff are responsible for doing the work. This includes the Chief Administrative Officer and all City staff. Their role is to:

• carry out Council’s decisions
• manage day-to-day operations and deliver services (roads, water, parks, permits, etc.)
• provide professional advice and recommendations to Council
• oversee staff and municipal departments

Council sets direction but does not manage staff or day-to-day operations. Staff carry out the work and do not make final policy decisions. Council works through the Chief Administrative Officer—Council’s only direct employee—who manages all City staff. The Mayor and Councillors cannot direct staff. They can support residents by forwarding concerns to the appropriate department or explaining how to report an issue, but they do not get involved in operational decisions.

This separation of roles helps prevent political interference in day-to-day operations, ensures services are delivered in a professional and consistent way, and keeps decision making transparent and accountable.

For example, Council might suggest that garbage needs to be collected every week. This would be a change in service level. City staff would be responsible for figuring out how to make it happen and explaining what it would mean for the community, the City’s budget, and staffing. City staff would report back to Council with a plan and the expected impacts, and Council would make the final decision on whether to move ahead.

Key Takeaway: No individual member of Council, including the Mayor, can act alone or direct staff. Council decisions are made collectively, and City staff carry them out through the Chief Administrative Officer.

The City of Kamloops is responsible for many services that affect daily life, and it has the authority to make decisions and enforce local laws. However, not all local services are managed by the City. Health care, social services, education, and the justice system are examples of local services that are funded and managed by other levels of government. The City is responsible for maintaining most streets, but the highways and many of our bridges (including the former Red Bridge) are owned and maintained by the Province.

Here is a more detailed listing of the services managed by our different levels of government.

A key part of Council’s role is advocating to other levels of government on behalf of residents. To do this effectively, Council needs a strong understanding of local issues, which level of government is responsible, how Kamloops fits into the broader regional and provincial context, what funding or programs already exist, and where there are opportunities to create meaningful change. Advocacy takes time and relies on building relationships and ongoing communication.

Municipalities are often most effective when they work together or partner with other groups, including First Nations, to strengthen their voice. Organizations like the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the Southern Interior Local Government Association help support this shared approach.

While Council sets the direction for the City’s advocacy efforts, Administration plays a key role in researching issues, building partnerships, drafting communications, and arranging meetings on Council’s behalf.

The City of Kamloops Council Access Portal is a website where residents can find information about Council business in one place. It includes the current Council meeting calendar; committee appointments; meeting agendas and minutes; a document centre with bylaws, policies, and public notices; and links to meeting live streams.

Information about the current Council’s vision and strategic plan can be found at Kamloops.ca/CityCouncil.

In British Columbia, the Mayor has the same voting power as a Councillor. The Mayor’s role is to provide leadership to Council, preside over Council meetings, and recommend measures that support the community. The Mayor shares information with Council, reflects on and carries out the will of Council, represents the municipality at official functions, and provides general direction City Administration, on behalf of Council, regarding the implementation of Council policies and decisions. The Mayor may also establish standing committees.

In British Columbia, the Mayor has limited individual decision-making power. Most decisions are made by Council as a group. Key responsibilities, such as appointing department heads, preparing the budget, and overseeing day-to-day operations, are handled by the City’s Chief Administrative Officer. This system focuses on shared decision-making, teamwork, and making sure no one person has too much power.

A Councillor is an elected member of Council who works with the Mayor to govern the City, as set out in the Community Charter. Councillors consider the needs and well-being of the community; help develop and review municipal policies, programs, and services; and participate in Council, committee, and other meetings.

Councillors do not make decisions on their own. Instead, they make decisions through Council as a whole by discussing issues and voting on bylaws and resolutions. Councillors may also be assigned additional duties by Council, such as serving on committees or acting as a liaison. All councillors must carry out their duties in accordance with provincial law, City bylaws, and Council policies.

As Council makes decisions as a group, no single member—including the Mayor—can make decisions or direct staff. Council only has authority when the group is meeting and voting together. Once a decision is made, all members of Council are expected to respect and support it.

The Deputy Mayor steps in to perform the Mayor’s duties as needed when the Mayor is unavailable or otherwise unable to serve. Council approves an annual Deputy Mayor schedule, available on the Council Access Portal.

Council members spend a lot of time learning about the issues that will be asked to decide on, including reading detailed reports produced by City staff. Listening, asking questions, and discussing issues in Council meetings are key parts of their role.

In addition to formal Council meetings, Council members connect with community partners, including School District No. 73 and the Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc Council. They also represent the City in other capacities, including, but not limited to, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, the Kamloops Airport Authority Society, the Southern Interior Local Government Association, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Advocating to other levels of government is an important part of Council’s role. When an issue affecting Kamloops is outside of what the City has authority over, Council pushes the provincial or federal government to take action, change policies, or provide funding. This work requires clearly explaining local needs and building a strong case to help influence decisions.

Each new Council typically develops a strategic plan to guide the City’s priorities over its four-year term. The Council Strategic Plan 2023-2026 is available here.

Junior Council is a group of local high school students in grades 10–12 who provide input to the City on matters impacting youth. Students are selected based on their leadership potential and commitment to community service. They serve for at least one school year, from September to June. During their term, they attend Junior Council meetings in Council Chambers, receive administrative reports, and deliberate and vote on key issues. Their recommendations are shared with Council to help include youth perspectives in decision making. Each local high school has its own process for selecting representatives to serve on Junior Council. Interested students should ask their school at the beginning of the school year.

Mayor and Councillor compensation is set out in Council Policy No. GGL-3, Council - Remuneration, Travel Expenses, Insurance, and Communications Allowance. The policy looks at what similar municipalities pay their Mayors to establish the Mayor’s salary. The Councillors are then paid a set percentage of the Mayor’s salary.

The exact amount that each member of Council makes in a given year, including claimed expenses, is listed in the annual Statement of Financial Information Report on the City’s website here.

Local governments have limited authority and cannot “just do whatever they want”. Council’s authority comes from two main pieces of legislation: the Community Charter and the Local Government Act. The City’s Council Procedure Bylaw and Code of Conduct Bylaw provide additional direction for Council proceedings and conduct.

The Community Charter, which came into effect in 2003, is a provincial law that sets the basic rules for how municipalities in British Columbia operate. It recognizes Council as a democratically elected government and outlines what it is responsible for. This includes managing services, passing bylaws, setting property taxes, overseeing finances, and exercising emergency powers. It also emphasizes accountability, transparency, and co-operation with the Province. The Community Charter applies to all municipalities in British Columbia except the City of Vancouver, which is governed under separate legislation.

The Local Government Act, which came into effect in 1997, is a provincial law that sets out the rules for how local governments operate in areas not covered by the Community Charter. This includes rules for local government elections, processes for public approval of certain decisions (elector approval processes), land use planning and regulations, and other processes required by law. The Local Government Act establishes the rules for official community plans, zoning and development controls, and referendums (also known as assent voting).

Together, the Community Charter and the Local Government Act give municipalities the authority to make local decisions while making sure those decisions are accountable, transparent, and include opportunities for public input.

Under the Community Charter, Council has the broad authority and discretion to make decisions in the public interest. This includes creating policies to guide decision making and how services are delivered, as long as they follow provincial law. Over time, Council has adopted a range of bylaws and policies to guide both Council and Administration. These include detailed policies on alternative approval processes, Council wages, and the handling of confidential personal records, among others.

Council policies and bylaws can be adopted, amended, rescinded, or repealed as part of Council’s general powers during regular Council meetings.

Good Governance Has Clear Principles:

• Transparency: Decisions and processes are open and accessible.
• Accountability: Officials are responsible for their actions.
• Integrity: Decisions are made ethically.
• Respect: People treat each other professionally.
• Role Clarity: Council governs; staff administer.

When these principles are followed, residents benefit from stable, reliable, and fair local government.

A conflict of interest happens when a Council member’s personal interests—such as financial gain, relationships, or other private benefits—could affect, or appear to affect, their ability to make fair and impartial decisions.

For example, a Councillor has a conflict of interest if they are involved in making a decision on a contract that could benefit their own business or a family member’s business. Even if they act fairly, the situation can still be considered a conflict if it looks like their judgment might be affected.

To maintain trust and transparency, people in public roles are required to declare the conflict and step away from discussions or decisions related to it.

A conflict of interest is when personal interests could interfere with a Council member’s ability to make fair decisions.

Council meetings are usually open to the public. Agendas are posted in advance, and decisions are recorded so people can see how decision are made. Council can only meet privately for specific reasons set out in the Community Charter, such as legal, personnel, or confidential contract matters. In these cases, information cannot be shared publicly without harming individuals, the City, or its legal/financial interests. Common reasons for closed (or “in-camera”) meetings:

• Personal privacy - If the discussion involves identifiable people—like hiring, termination, complaints, or discipline—privacy laws require these conversations to be kept confidential.
• Legal matters - When the City is dealing with legal action, potential legal action, or seeking legal advice, discussions are kept private to protect the City. Sharing publicly could weaken the City’s case.
• Land and negotiations - Topics like buying/selling land or negotiating contracts are often confidential. If details were shared publicly, it could affect prices or negotiations.
• Labour relations - Discussions about union negotiations or employee contracts are kept private to avoid affecting bargaining power.
• Security concerns – Some safety or security matters (e.g. infrastructure vulnerabilities) are kept confidential to prevent misuse.

Council members work part-time and often have other full-time jobs. Council and City staff receive a high number of emails, calls, and service requests. While they do their best to respond as quickly as possible, many questions take time and may require research, coordination between departments, or consultation with legislation or policies. Patience and understanding help ensure staff provide accurate and complete information, and that all residents receive a fair and informed response. Respecting time and process helps the City work more efficiently and provide better service overall.

At the most basic level, the public influences policy by electing people who will represent their interests. Every four years, there is an opportunity to vote. Between elections, residents can contact their elected officials at any time to share their opinions and suggest specific actions. While Council listens to residents, they must make decisions that are best for the whole community—not just for individuals.

The City regularly asks residents for input on important projects and plans. Provincial law also requires opportunities for public input when Council is considering certain bylaws, such as changes to the Council Procedure Bylaw or the Official Community Plan (KAMPLAN). People can provide feedback in different ways, including Council meetings, public hearings, special engagement events, or online through the City’s engagement website, Letstalk.Kamloops.ca.

The City also regularly conducts third-party Citizen Satisfaction Surveys to understand how residents feel about City policies and service levels.

In some circumstances, Council may decide to seek public input through a referendum or an alternative approval process.

You can find more information on how to connect with Council and City staff, requesting to speak as a delegation at a Council meeting, or requesting Council attendance at an event on Kamloops.ca here.

A referendum is a public vote where people vote yes or no on an issue, and the result is decided by the majority of votes cast. The downside of a referendum is that you only count if you vote. In Kamloops, turnout in referendums has historically been low, giving a lot of power to those who participate.

A referendum works like an election and requires:

• voting places
• hired election staff
• ballots and voting tabulators
• advanced voting and general voting day opportunities
  

This process can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In an alternative approval process, residents can oppose a City proposal by submitting a response form. If enough people object, the proposal does not move forward unless it goes to a referendum. An alternative approval process gives residents more time and more ways to respond. It also costs much less to run than a referendum.

Provincial legislation says that at least 10% of eligible voters must submit a response form to defeat a proposal through an alternative approval process. The Province also sets requirements for how long the process must run and how it must be advertised. In 2025, Council adopted Council Policy No. GGL-33, Alternative Approval Process (AAP), to make the process more transparent and easier for residents to take part in. The City typically uses alternative approval processes for things like long-term borrowing for capital projects.

Public submissions are formal ways for residents, businesses, or organizations to share their input with Council before decisions are made. This input is invited as set out by provincial legislation.

Public submissions can include:

• written submissions (hard copies or emails)
• speaking at meetings (including public hearings or regarding certain permit types)

For topics that invite public submissions, there is a set process, timeline, and standard communication to inform. The best way to stay informed about these opportunities is to sign up for the Statutory Public Notices newsletter, which is sent by email when opportunities are available.

Public submissions help Council understand the community’s views before making decisions. Council reviews all submissions, but they are only one of many factors considered, along with things like regulations, budgets, and long-term plans.

A public hearing is a formal process required by legislation where residents and other interested parties can share their views on certain types of planning and land use bylaws.

In May 2025, Council adopted Council Policy No. GGL-32, Public Input Participation, to set clear expectations for public input at regular Council meetings. The policy is designed to ensure public input is heard and considered in a manner that is respectful, focused on the business before Council, and consistent with the standards expected in public meetings. Establishing guidelines helps balance meaningful public participation with the need to run meetings effectively and maintain a safe and respectful environment.

Due to ongoing concerns about respectful behaviour, Council decided to pause public input until the end of 2025. Council later extended this pause for the rest of its term, which ends in October 2026.

The next election in Kamloops is October 17, 2026. Anyone who has not been disqualified under the law can run as a candidate for Mayor or Councillor.

A candidate for Mayor or Councillor must:

• be 18 years of age or older on general voting day
• be a Canadian citizen
• have lived in British Columbia for at least six months immediately before filing nomination documents
• not be disqualified from voting or running for office under the Local Government Act or any other law

You do not need to live in or own property in Kamloops to run for local government. However, you must be nominated by at least 10 eligible voters who live in Kamloops (or who live in British Columbia and own property in the city). You can only run for one position—either Mayor or Councillor—in the same election.

More information about how to run for office and the rules for campaigning will be available on the City’s website this summer.

There are two groups of people who can vote in Kamloops elections:

1. Resident electors - These are people who live within Kamloops’ municipal boundaries.
2. Non-resident property electors - These are people who live elsewhere in British Columbia but own property within Kamloops’ municipal boundaries.

To vote as a resident elector, you must:

• be 18 years old (or turning 18 on voting day)
• be a Canadian citizen (landed immigrants who are not yet Canadian citizens are not permitted to vote in municipal elections)
• have lived in British Columbia for at least six months
• live within Kamloops’ municipal boundaries
• be allowed by law to vote (not disqualified)

All Kamloops residents who meet these requirements can vote. It does not matter whether you rent or own your home.

To vote as a non-resident property elector (corporations are not entitled to vote), you must:

• be 18 years old (or turning 18 on voting day)
• be a Canadian citizen
• have lived in British Columbia for at least six months
• have owned property within Kamloops’ municipal boundaries for at least 30 days
• be allowed by law to vote (not disqualified)

Non-resident property electors can vote only once, no matter how many properties they own in Kamloops. If a property has more than one registered owner, only one of those individuals can register as a non-resident property elector, with the written consent of the majority of the other owners.

The next election in Kamloops is October 17, 2026. More information about who is running and how to vote will be available in the months leading up to election day.