Your City Council wants to hear from you!
In October 2023, City Council began hosting monthly neighbourhood events to listen to residents' opinions and concerns and collect input on how they can best advance their strategic plan during their term.
Council has adopted a bold strategic plan, outlining their strategic priorities to make Kamloops a safe, vibrant, and resilient community. These priorities—Safety and Security, Governance and Service Excellence, Livability and Sustainability, and Economic Health—include areas of focus and key performance indicators that will guide Council's decision making. Council wanted to hear residents' feedback on the plan; what's working well, and where Council should focus more effort.
Council also acknowledged the importance of advocacy in meeting the needs of the community and asked residents what those needs are that should be brought forward to other levels of government.
The last in this series of in-person events was held in April 2024 and Council is now providing an opportunity for all residents to review the feedback collected during these events, add anything that may be missing, and "up vote" the items that are most important to you within each strategic priority. Have your say below!
What We Heard
After seven Community + Council Conversations events, the team compiled all of the feedback and created themes for each of the strategic pillars. This is what we heard:
Advocacy
The City of Kamloops clearly and strongly advocates for Kamloops to other organizations and levels of government.
15 May, 2024
Beverly says:
For social supports, healthcare access, and trades in community. Work to retain TRU graduates and entice new workers from out of town.
14 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Address concerns regarding the power grid being able to support EV initiatives.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Rail safety and emergency preparedness.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Improvements to recycling systems and services.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
More daycare and childcare funding.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
More law enforcement and stricter penalties with a court system to fix catch and release.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Drug rehabilitation, sober living supports and decriminalization.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Broaden Venture Kamloops mandate to focus on retention of existing businesses.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Increased service for BC Ambulance to allow Kamloops Fire Rescue to respond to fire-related calls instead of medical calls.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Improved transit reliability and service.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Increase availability and affordability of housing for seniors and younger generations.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
More schools and better planning to keep classrooms within capacity, as well as within neighbourhoods.
Safety & Security
The City of Kamloops takes action to ensure all residents feel safe and secure in our community.
Safety | Housing | Social Supports | Emergency Preparedness and Response | Built Environment
30 May, 2024
JaLa says:
Please look at a CVSE joint effort to add a by-law banning semitrailers from the left lane on the highways in Kamloops unless unsafe.
17 May, 2024
trickta says:
safety and security of living in one's own home, knowing they are safe from City overspending and over-taxing. accountability of government
15 May, 2024
Beverly says:
Decrease policing in community and increasing housing first/ social programs.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Prioritize sidewalks, especially in school zones.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Emergency planning and egress routes.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Expanding the Community Services program to a 24/7 operation.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Enforcement of existing bylaws regarding parking, traffic enforcement, social issues, and snow removal, and improve the response process.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Better connectivity through increased transit and active transportation connections.
2 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Traffic and pedestrian/cyclist safety, expanding active transportation facilities, traffic calming methods, and enforcement.
Governance & Service Excellence
The City of Kamloops has strong, accountable governance and makes fact-based decisions.
Asset Management | Truth and Reconciliation | Community Engagement | Fiscal Responsibility | Service Excellence | Governance
30 May, 2024
JaLa says:
Service Excellence should be based on constituent satisfaction only. Unhappy city=less productive=less $$$. Pat us on the back instead.
15 May, 2024
Beverly says:
Stricter codes of conduct for city council, to ensure they work as cohesive team. Penalties for mayor/council that violate this.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Increase communication to residents regarding tax increases, and what their tax dollars are going towards.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Prioritize fiscal responsibility, debt reduction, and consultation with residents before adding new debt.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Invest in infrastructure to be resilient to climate-related events (flood, fire, drought).
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Prioritize public engagement opportunities.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Transparent and frequent reporting on City plans, funding, grants, reserves and opportunities for engagement.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Focus on strategic alignment and planning regarding major City projects and investments with a diligent focus on prudent, strategic spending
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Transparent communication on City plans and strategies, including closing the loop/reporting back.
Livability & Sustainability
The City of Kamloops fosters a high quality of life for an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable community.
Recreation and Culture | Healthy Community | Inclusivity | Climate Action | Mobility
30 May, 2024
JaLa says:
Allow us to be happier by living different lifestyles. By-laws need to suit the 5+areas.Zone5=rural(4dogs,goat,etc) vs Zone3=urban(1dog,etc)
27 May, 2024
Barb Jackson says:
Financially Support the Community Climate Action Plan!
23 May, 2024
Eileen says:
Cold climate Heat pumps and electric stoves and fireplaces in new builds. Reduce all methane gas in new buildings and remodels
17 May, 2024
trickta says:
livability within our means, living without overspending. excessive debt and taxes are not sustainable. zero EV chargers in last 5 years????
15 May, 2024
Beverly says:
Implementation of and commitment to CCAP. Retain climate action levy funding to previous increase.
13 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Investigate the negative effects of 5G towers and smart meters.
13 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Investigate/create more local policies versus global policies regarding climate change.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Preserve eco-systems and prioritize green space, trails, and trees.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Review the availability and operations hours of public washrooms.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Actively engage the community on the Build Kamloops program and investigate opportunities for mixed-use facilities and densification.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Investigate options for water restrictions, especially for growing food.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
More recreation opportunities through increased programming and hours at Westsyde pool.
The City of Kamloops cultivates a positive business environment to support a vibrant and resilient economy.
Business Development | Economic Strength | Partnerships | Growth Management
30 May, 2024
JaLa says:
Promote Loops culture! Car shows DT, Kamloopa Powwow, etc. Where's 'Rayleigh Day' or 'BHVFest' Flea Markets to show the area's lifestyles???
15 May, 2024
Beverly says:
Reprioritize tax revenue to allocate to long term planning and climate resilience. Downgrade RCMP, rather than adding new positions.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Streamline business licensing to make it more accessible and efficient.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Significant concerns with the rising costs of doing business, from taxes, to Build Kamloops, to the cost of security and property crime.
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Connect big picture growth with intentional planning and partnerships (ie: multi-functional spaces)
7 May, 2024
CityofKamloops says:
Reduce/remove barriers to secondary housing (building permits, rezoning applications).