Downtown Parking: Balancing Fairness and Competitiveness
The KCBIA’s priority is ensuring downtown remains a welcoming and competitive neighbourhood for businesses, residents, and visitors. We understand that parking must pay for parking, and with increased costs for wages, enforcement, technology, and long-term planning, reasonable adjustments to rates and fines are expected. To keep downtown competitive, the City has indicated that paid parking will also be introduced on the North Shore and Valleyview commercial corridors as early as 2026.
We have met with City officials, advocating for a more moderate rate and fine adjustments than those first proposed. While we support measures that encourage proper turnover for on-street parking and discretionary enforcement for violators, the KCBIA only supports enforcement devices in extreme cases of chronic offenders with outstanding fines, and only if introduced in step with the other two business districts. Our focus is on maintaining accessibility, fairness, and confidence in the downtown experience.
Downtown Beautification Projects Underway
Exciting public realm improvements are taking shape in Downtown Kamloops. Just in time for the holiday season, twenty-six trees along Victoria Street, from 2nd to 6th Avenues, are to be professionally lit ahead of the Santa Parade, the Kamloops Christmas Market, and the holiday shopping rush. New street pole banners are in the design stage for our downtown entrance corridors, including east Victoria Street, Seymour Street, Lansdowne Street, and 3rd Avenue. Watch for more exciting beautification initiatives in the months ahead and in 2026.
Last Call: Winter Wonderland Window Campaign
With the holiday shopping season approaching, we are inviting downtown businesses to join our Winter Wonderland Window Campaign, led by local artist Laura Anne. This initiative will bring festive visual appeal to our storefronts, create a unified streetscape for the Santa Claus Parade, and generate buzz throughout the holiday season. Participation is affordable, with rates starting at $75 for small windows and $125 for larger sets.
Stepping Up Advocacy on Public Safety
Through its membership in both the Save Our Streets (SOS) Coalition and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, the KCBIA joined municipalities and business groups across B.C. in urging the provincial government to act on the escalating issues of public disorder. At the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria last month, dozens of mayors and councillors stood on the Legislature steps calling for urgent action to address vandalism, theft, addictions, mental illness, and repeat crime that continue to undermine safety in downtowns and business districts.
The B.C. Chamber of Commerce echoed this call in its own release, stressing that the costs of inaction are being carried by businesses, workers, and communities across the province. Together, chambers, BIAs, and local governments are sending a united message: while municipalities and business owners are stepping up with programs and resources, systemic solutions must come from the provincial level. The KCBIA fully supports this advocacy and will continue to stand with our partners to press for action that restores safe, vibrant streets in Kamloops and beyond.
Comprehensive Restoration Underway at St. Andrew’s on the Square
Restoration of Kamloops’ historic St. Andrew’s on the Square is scheduled for completion in February of 2026. Damaged in a May 2024 fire, the 1887 landmark is seeing upgrades to its roof, siding, electrical systems, HVAC, kitchen, and washrooms, alongside accessibility features such as automatic door openers and a new entry ramp. Heritage details, including restored flooring, trim, and period-appropriate lighting, will preserve the building’s character as it evolves to meet modern needs. The KCBIA thanks the City of Kamloops, the Kamloops Heritage Engagement Group and Kamloops Heritage Society for working to ensure this cornerstone of downtown remains both a vibrant gathering place in our community and a treasured link to the city’s past.