Downtown Kamloops Shines at Chamber Business Excellence Awards
Downtown Kamloops was well represented at the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards on October 23 at TRU’s Grand Hall. The gala celebrated the creativity, determination, and heart of Kamloops’ entrepreneurial community, drawing hundreds of business and community leaders. Several downtown businesses took home top honours: Tina Peters of Peters & Company was named Business Person of the Year; Far + Wide earned both Retailer of the Year and Small Business of the Year; Fly Fitness Aerial Studio won Emerging Business of the Year; and Brianna Shelton of Crooked Crown Boutique received Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees for showcasing the strength and spirit of Kamloops’ local enterprise.
Community Safety Remains Top Priority for Downtown Kamloops
Community safety continues to be the number one priority for KCBIA members, and recent updates from the City of Kamloops reflect the importance of ongoing collaboration to protect the vitality of our business core. The City’s Protective Services report shows a 22% increase in Criminal Code calls in the third quarter of 2025, with notable rises along Victoria Street and Tranquille Road. These trends reinforce the need for coordinated action between the RCMP, Community Services, social agencies, and business partners to address the challenges of crime and disorder. On a positive note, graffiti incidents have declined compared to last year, thanks to the efforts of the Clean Team and RCMP. Preventative programs like BGC Kamloops’ Guns and Gangs Alternatives Initiative and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc’s Full Circle Youth Program are also in place to better support at-risk youth. The KCBIA continues to advocate for stronger investments in community safety, as well as in the interconnected issues of homelessness, mental health, and addiction.
BIABC Welcomes Federal Bail Reform to Support Safer Communities
The Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia, representing more than 80 business districts across the province, including the KCBIA has welcomed the federal government’s new bail reform legislation as a positive step toward safer communities and stronger support for small businesses. The reforms aim to keep violent and repeat offenders off the streets by tightening bail conditions, strengthening sentencing, and imposing tougher penalties for organized retail theft. While this can be considered progress, a coordinated effort across all levels of government is still needed, combining federal reform, provincial programs for chronic offenders, improved crime reporting, and focused local enforcement.
Balancing Community and Compassion: Winter Shelter Reopens
The Kamloops Yacht Club is once again serving as a temporary winter shelter, offering 20 beds to support vulnerable residents through the cold season. Operated by The Mustard Seed Kamloops and funded through BC Housing, this initiative is part of the city’s cold-weather response. The KCBIA recognizes The Mustard Seed’s ongoing commitment to this service, while emphasizing the importance of effective community interface management to minimize impacts on nearby businesses, residents, and public spaces.
Building Readiness: Setting Businesses Up for Success
Recent challenges in opening, renovating, or relocating businesses downtown highlight the importance of understanding building codes and safety standards. Before signing a lease, prospective tenants should work closely with property owners and City staff to confirm compliance requirements and clearly define who is responsible for any necessary upgrades. Early collaboration and open communication can prevent costly surprises, protect investments, and help ensure new ventures open smoothly, keeping our downtown business community strong and thriving.