STATEMENTS – City withdraws appeal, so does Kamloops Citizens United
NOTE: The City of Kamloops and Kamloops Citizens United have both issued news releases on the Alternative Approval Process legal case. Here’s the full text of both:
News release from City of Kamloops, March 24, 2025
Build Kamloops Definitively Moves Forward
Kamloops, BC — Build Kamloops is moving forward after months of delay following a legal challenge. Late last week, the petitioner who filed the legal challenge against the Build Kamloops Alternative Approval Processes decided to withdraw their appeal of Justice Grove’s decision in favour of the City. In the spirit of collaboration and in the interest of moving forward, the City has also withdrawn its appeal for costs.
“Justice Grove’s decision reflects our commitment to ensuring the Build Kamloops program progresses without further delay, prioritizing the best interests of taxpayers and the future of our community. We believe that by resolving this matter, we can maintain momentum on projects that are vital to the growth and well-being of Kamloops,” commented Councillor Kelly Hall, chair of the Build Kamloops Council Select Committee.
In September, the City obtained elector approval for two borrowing bylaws that will fund the construction of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, the design and construction of an arena multiplex, and the advancement of other recreational facilities, including a curling and racquet sport complex, an aquatic centre, and an indoor fieldhouse. One resident filed a challenge regarding the alternative approval processes within the 30-day limitation period, compelling the City to mount a legal defence to be tested in a court of law. The judge ruled favourably for the City in February, however, the petitioner declared their intent to pursue an appeal, posing further delays.
“We know it’s been a long road, but the challenges are now behind us, and we’re ready to move forward. With construction hopefully beginning in 2025, we’re thrilled to finally bring these projects to life — for our artists, athletes, families, and the entire community,” said past chair of the Build Kamloops Committee, Councillor Mike O’Reilly.
Stay involved and follow the progress at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/BuildKamloops.
The future of Kamloops is here, and we’re ready to build it together!
News release from Kamloops Citizens United, March 21, 2025
March 21, 2025
After careful consideration and consultation with legal and political experts, we have decided against appealing Justice Groves’s ruling on the AAP legislation. Instead, we will redirect our efforts to the political arena, where this issue truly belongs.
Pursuing legal action against city council’s decisions imposes unnecessary financial strain on taxpayers, shifting the burden of accountability onto them. This underscores the urgent need for reform and a more transparent approach.
Even if we were to challenge the decision in court, the ultimate resolution would demand a political solution. Investing in a costly legal battle with uncertain outcomes detracts from addressing the broader issues at hand.
Our priority is to hold city council accountable and ensure that future policies align with the needs and expectations of Kamloops residents. This requires mobilizing the community, building coalitions, and preparing for meaningful change in the next election.
Kamloops requires robust healthcare, education, affordable housing, infrastructure development, safety, and employment opportunities to thrive—not vanity projects that serve ideological agendas. Current policies have neglected core community needs, including support for seniors, low-income families, and economic growth.
It is time to refocus efforts on fostering sustainable development and restoring pride in our city. Community engagement is essential for driving real change. We encourage everyone to join KCU in taking proactive steps to shaping the future of our city. Together, we can build a more vibrant and inclusive community, ensuring that decisions reflect the collective will of its residents. The fight for meaningful progress continues, and your involvement will make all the difference.
Let us work together for a stronger Kamloops.
Kathrine Wunderlich
ArmchairMayor.ca 
I really like Kathrine Wunderlich‘s response. She is the kind of people we need more of on council!
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It is impossible to have pride in this city. Look around. Kamloops used to be a nice place, but now it’s filled with criminals and other dredges of society.
I read yesterday that CMHA is actively trying to get the lease extended at the Chaos Store across from the car dealership in Sahali. Mr. Achoba stated they are 100% full 100% of the time.
That means whatever they’ve been doing for the last 8 years in this town is not working. If anything they were doing was improving things, you would see numbers drop. Pity the business owner that dares open a shop to find BC Housing has torpedoed the neighbourhood with a wet shelter with the blessing of a malleable and eager council.
CMHA executives retain handsome salaries while the Chaos Store extracts a steep toll on neighbouring businesses, with never ending tax dollars being siphoned away while their clientele desecrate the cemetery across the street.
Kamloops is in a very bad state. And we’re taxed to the nines for the privilege of living in this little manufactured shop of horrors.
On more positive news, were you all aware that the PAC will solve the doctor shortage in Kamloops?
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Don’t sugarcoat it Bruce, tell us how you really feel
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I don’t see a problem with what Bruce has written. I actually find his comment quite interesting and I side with him.
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Disagree with the cities withdrawal. They’ve caused a lot of unnecessary time and energy not to mention cost they should have been penalized.
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“In my view, a petitioner who brought before the court a reasonable concern and acted throughout the litigation in a reasonable manner when acting against a large government organization such as the City of Kamloops should not bear the costs of that large municipality,” stated Justice Joel Groves in his decision. You want the city to appeal that?
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