In Kamloops, there is strong desire and momentum to increase the supply of housing; in particular to provide and preserve attainable housing opportunities for those with low to moderate incomes, including seniors.

On July 25, 2023, Kamloops City Council approved the incorporation of the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation, a key step in filling this housing gap. The launch of the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation was partially funded through the Demonstrations Initiative, administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the National Housing Strategy.

The City of Kamloops is now seeking to develop a Board of passionate Directors with a diverse mix of experiences, skills, and backgrounds.

Why a Community Land Trust in Kamloops?

In many cities around the world, housing prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult or impossible for many people to afford a home or rental unit. One solution to preserving attainable housing is the creation of a community land trust as an alternative model of housing development where land is held in trust for the community and cannot be sold at market rates. The community land trust would not be affiliated with any social agencies, nor will it provide supportive housing.

A community land trust can prioritize the long-term housing needs of the community and seek proposals to develop land to meet a specific need. With land costs and large profits removed from the development cost, the result is low-cost, attainable market housing.

Note: The project Kamloops Community Land Trust (CLT) Creation for Affordable Housing received funding from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the National Housing Strategy Demonstrations Initiative. The views expressed are the personal views of the author and CMHC accepts no responsibility for them.

Join the Board

The City of Kamloops is seeking applications for up to six board members to serve a two-year term. The objective of this board will be to establish a sustainable operating model, including strategies and policies for acquiring and developing land.

The City of Kamloops acknowledges that the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation is still in its infancy. The structure and governance of the Community Land Trust may evolve to meet the needs and objectives of the community.

Members of the Board of Directors are responsible for providing overall direction to the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation and play a crucial role in guiding and overseeing the organization to achieve its mission of promoting attainable housing and sustainable community development.

Here are the key responsibilities of this position:

  • Governance and Leadership
    • Participate actively in board meetings, offering insights and making informed decisions.
    • Provide leadership and contribute to the development and execution of the Land Trust's strategic plan.
    • Ensure the organization operates in accordance with its bylaws and legal requirements.
  • Mission and Vision Alignment
    • Understand and support the Land Trust's mission, vision, and values.
    • Work towards the achievement of the Land Trust's goals in providing attainable housing and promoting community development.
  • Financial Oversight
    • Review and approve the organization's budget, ensuring it aligns with the strategic goals.
    • Monitor the financial health of the Land Trust and make decisions to ensure fiscal responsibility.
    • Participate in fundraising efforts and donor relations to secure resources for the organization.
  • Risk Management
    • Identify and mitigate risks that may impact the Land Trust's operations or mission.
    • Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including land use and zoning regulations.
  • Community Engagement
    • Act as an ambassador for the Land Trust, fostering positive relationships with community members, stakeholders, and partners.
    • Seek input from the community and represent their interests in board discussions and decisions.
  • Policy Advocacy
    • Advocate for policies that support attainable housing and the Land Trust's mission at local, regional, and national levels.
    • Stay informed about relevant policy issues and trends that may impact the Land Trust and its community.
  • Staff and Board Development
    • Participate in the recruitment and orientation of the appropriate team (executive director and staff).
    • Hold the team and board accountable for achieving organizational goals.
    • Encourage ongoing education and professional development for staff and board members.
  • Evaluation and Accountability
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of the Land Trust’s programs and initiatives.
  • Conflict of Interest Management
    • Disclose any potential conflicts of interest and adhere to conflict of interest policies.
    • Act in the best interests of the Land Trust rather than personal interests.
  • Legal and Ethical Oversight
    • Ensure the Land Trust operates ethically and in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
    • Uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency in all aspects of the Land Trust's operations.

As this will be the first board term, members may be expected to have an initial time commitment of 6-10 hours per month. This may change as the Community Land Trust moves forward.

Directors are expected to serve an initial two year term.

City of Kamloops is looking for board members who have experience in some of the following areas:

  • Nonprofit or Board Governance Experience
  • Financial Management (including bookkeeping, accounting, or auditing)
  • Community Organizing, Communications, and Advocacy
  • Real Estate and Land Use Expertise
  • Housing Development and/or Operations

Preferred candidates should also have an understanding of the following topics and how they intersect with housing development in Kamloops:

  • Attainable Housing Issues
  • Accessibility
  • Indigenous Reconciliation
  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

To ensure representation of the Kamloops community, interested applicants with a range of experiences are encouraged to apply.

The City of Kamloops is seeking representation from equity-seeking groups as described in the Canadian Human Rights Act, which is described as communities that experience collective barriers in participating in society, based on factors that include race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and disability.

Please note this Board of Directors position is a voluntary, unpaid role dedicated to contributing time and expertise in support of the Land Trust's mission.

Applicants are required to submit the Application Form found at the end of this document by 4:00 pm on Thursday, February 29, 2024.


The City of Kamloops is collecting information under section 26(c) and (e) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (British Columbia) for the purpose of selecting interim board members for the Kamloops Community Land Trust Foundation. By clicking submit on this form, you acknowledge and consent to the collection and use of your information by the City of Kamloops for this purpose.

Feedback may be included in City reports for the purposes of evaluation and analysis. Such reports may be accessible to the public via the City's website; however, the City will endeavour to protect personally identifiable information contained within the feedback submissions in accordance with the Province of British Columbia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Questions about the collection, use, and disclosure of this information should be directed to Kristen Rodrigue, Acting Communications Manager, at 250-828-3803 or krodrigue@kamloops.ca.

Applications will be reviewed between March 1 and March 15, 2024. The suitability of the candidate will be determined based on the criteria outlined in the section titled “Description of Qualifications”.

Applicants may be required to complete a one-hour interview to determine their suitability for the position.

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