Join us in supporting our veterans as they march through downtown Kamloops this Remembrance Day. The parade will depart from Riverside Park at 11:30 a.m. on November 11, traveling along Lorne St, 1st Ave, and east on Victoria St. to the 500 block. Let’s proudly honor our veterans. Lest we forget.
Despite some weather-related delays, the City of Kamloops reports its Lansdowne sewer replacement project remains on track for completion by mid-November. The final phase began October 21st, with work between 4th and 5th Avenues expected to wrap up soon. The temporary downtown bus loop relocation to St. Paul Street will remain until Lansdowne work concludes November 15, restoring the usual transit exchange. We’ll celebrate the reopening through our media channels and push hard through the holidays and into 2025.
As a proud member of the Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC), KCBIA joins in urging the new NDP government to address critical issues impacting public safety and the viability of small and medium-sized businesses. Recent surveys, including one conducted with NSBIA, KCBIA, and the Kamloops Chamber, highlighted pressing concerns around mental health, addiction, and homelessness in our business districts. We’re advocating for targeted solutions, such as expanded access to wraparound services and intensive treatment, along with a review of the five-day mandatory sick leave policy, an enhanced Small Business Rebate Program, and a dedicated Small Business Ministry. A concerning 39% of businesses report they cannot sustain operations beyond two years without changes.
In collaboration with the Kamloops Business Council, we’re planning to present solutions and support for key issues impacting our businesses directly to the newly elected government. This month, the Kamloops BIAs will meet with response leaders from the Kamloops RCMP and the City’s Community Services to discuss public safety concerns. In December, we’ll bring these topics to the City from an economic health perspective. Additionally, the KCBIA remains engaged with the Access Hub Leadership Group and is hopeful a new shelter to support vulnerable community members will open on Kamloops North Shore before winter.
The KCBIA’s application for up to $250,000 annually in public realm funding is under review by the City of Kamloops. This funding could enable projects such as pedestrian plazas, urban furniture, and public art installations, with the exciting addition of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts. We are committed to enhancing downtown lighting for the holiday season but are exploring alternative, sustainable solutions to address vandalism issues.
Join the Chamber and the City of Kamloops for a three-part Procurement School Webinar Series in November. Gain insights on navigating contract opportunities, competitive bidding, and responding to RFPs and tenders.