Planning for downtown Kamloops builds on a history of community conversations. Downtown Kamloops has long been guided by a shared vision of being the civic, cultural, and economic heart of the city. This vision was refined through the 2019 Downtown Plan, which included policies and design directions for development, public spaces, mobility, and economic vitality. The plan identified several major Big Moves—catalyst projects and key redevelopment sites intended to shape the future of the downtown core. Other municipal plans, including the Recreation Master Plan (2019), You Are Here Kamloops Cultural Strategic Plan (2024), KAMPLAN: City of Kamloops Official Community Plan (2025), and Active Transportation Plan Update (2025), continue to influence how downtown Kamloops evolves.

Since 2019, downtown Kamloops has experienced significant change. The COVID‑19 pandemic reshaped how people live, work, travel, and use public spaces, reinforcing the importance of flexible streets, local destinations, and active transportation. The rise of micromobility, such as e‑bikes and e‑scooters, is changing how people move through the city. Major investments, including Build Kamloops projects like the Kamloops Centre for the Arts and new high‑density housing at City Gardens and the Columbia Precinct, are bringing new energy, residents, and visitors to the downtown core.

Reimagine Downtown! focuses on a specific area—Victoria Street, Seymour Street, and St. Paul Street from 1st Avenue to 8th Avenue. The engagement seeks to understand how well existing plans reflect where we are today, and where we want to go next. Ideas from the Downtown Plan (2019) are being revisited to explore their relevance, confirm guiding principles, and consider how proposed ideas can be realistically implemented.

Engagement with residents, business and property owners, and visitors supports the creation of streetscapes and public realm design that addresses community needs. Feedback received will help identify where refinements to existing plans are needed and ensure Downtown Kamloops looks, moves, and functions as a vibrant, connected, and welcoming urban centre for everyone.

Some of the themes to be explored in the project include:

• enhancing the pedestrian experience and supporting adjacent businesses;
• continuing to support vehicle access, parking, loading, and circulation;
• integrating cycling, micromobility, and other active transportation modes;
• enhancing street character through attractive paving, furnishings, plantings, and lighting;
• incorporating opportunities for gateways, public art, and other placemaking elements;
• supporting community activity, such as markets, block parties, and festivals; and
• aligning with projects and initiatives within the downtown core, including the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, Build Kamloops’ first flagship construction project.

The outcome of this process will be a final concept and multi-year revitalization plan to guide phased streetscape upgrades and public open spaces for our downtown.