COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS – Film industry update; Iron Mask development nixed

From the Regular Meeting of Council on January 13, 2026
Source: City of Kamloops

Delegations
Thompson-Nicola Film Commission
Terri Hadwin, Film Commissioner for the Thompson-Nicola Film Commission, provided Council with an update on the commission’s activities. The Film Commission’s mission is to bring film and digital media production to the Thompson-Nicola region, boosting the local economy through spending and showcasing our area. For three consecutive years, Kamloops has been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Top 10 Small Cities to Live and Work as a Moviemaker. Within the province, the film industry rivals forestry as a key economic driver.

Legislative Assembly of B.C.
Peter Milobar, MLA Kamloops Centre, and Ward Stamer, MLA Kamloops-North Thompson, provided Council with an update on activities in the provincial legislature and their advocacy efforts as members of the official opposition. MLA Stamer highlighted recent discussions on key issues, including regional wildfire mitigation, and reaffirmed his commitment to close collaboration and ongoing communication with the City. MLA Milobar spoke of his advocacy in support of local social agencies and health care in the city, as well as the need to replace the Red Bridge and the advancement of construction plans for the Royal Inland Hospital cancer centre.

Watch the full delegation presentations in the meeting recording on YouTube.

Consideration of Bylaws
New Co-Operative Rental Housing Development
Council adopted Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 64-6, 2025, ensuring the provision of affordable rental housing within a new six-storey, 53-unit housing development at the intersection of Tranquille Road and Aspen Street in North Kamloops. Since the units will be designated as affordable housing, the development has reduced parking requirements of one stall for every two units, plus 10% for designated visitor parking.

View the full report from the December 9, 2025, regular Council meeting.

New Rental Housing Development for Seniors
Council adopted Housing Agreement Bylaw No. 64-7, 2025, providing a 10-year tax exemption for increased assessed value on the development of a six-story, 90-unit rental housing building at the intersection of Glenwood Drive and Oriole Road. The development qualifies for a tax exemption since it will be built within the Purpose-Built Rental Revitalization Tax Exemption Area. The building will be an independent-living seniors’ rental community designed specifically for residents aged 55 and older.

View the full report from the regular Council meeting on December 9, 2025.

Updates to Fire Prevention and Public Safety Policies
Council adopted Fire Prevention and Public Safety Bylaw No. 10-44, 2025, with updates that support Kamloops Fire Rescue’s service operations and more accurately reflect the city’s fire prevention and public safety needs. Council also adopted Building Amplification System Bylaw No. 10-45, 2025, which addresses the challenges of in-building radio communications for Kamloops Fire Rescue in certain types of newer construction and large-area buildings. These new bylaws introduced policy changes that require minor updates to the following additional bylaws, and Council Policy No. GGA-26, Boarded Structures Policy, was rescinded, as it is no longer needed.

Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 44-19, 2025

Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 43-26, 2025

Delegation of Bylaw Enforcement Authority Amendment Bylaw No. 3-47, 2025

View the full report from the regular Council meeting on December 9, 2025.

Note: Consideration of bylaws reconvened after the 7 p.m. public hearing

Proposed Neighbourhood Development in Iron Mask
Council defeated Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 68-1, 2025, which would have amended KAMPLAN: City of Kamloops Official Community Plan to allow the development of 36.3 ha of land located north of the Trans-Canada Highway, between the Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre and the future arena multiplex. The mixed-use neighbourhood was proposed to consist of approximately 1,350 residential units, neighbourhood commercial buildings, an industrial park, a neighbourhood park, and greenways connecting to the adjacent Kenna Cartwright Nature Park.

View the full report from the December 9, 2025, regular Council meeting.

Unfinished Business
Council authorized rescheduling the open Committee of the Whole Meeting scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day.

Reports to Council
Capital Projects Update
Matt Kachel, the City’s Infrastructure Delivery Divisional Manager, provided Council with an update on the outcomes of the capital construction program over the past two years, detailing completed projects, key milestones, and their impact on local infrastructure. The report outlined strategies used by the Infrastructure Delivery team, such as strong project management, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative techniques, to demonstrate effective project execution and support future planning.

Over the past two years, the City’s Infrastructure Delivery Division has started or completed approximately $327 million in capital construction, spanning 63 individual projects. The majority of these initiatives were delivered within or below the designated budgets. While a few projects exceeded initial projections, overall expenditures remained approximately 5% under budget.

View the full report.
View the presentation within the Council meeting slide deck.
Contact for further information:
Matt Kachel | mkachel@kamloops.ca

Public Engagement Opportunities
Council received an update on upcoming community engagement opportunities, as listed below.

Featured Engagement Opportunities
Pay Parking Management: The City of Kamloops is seeking residents’ assistance in selecting a new provider for pay parking services. Residents are invited to attend two demonstration sessions to try out the shortlisted pay parking machine options and provide feedback. Input will help determine the preferred system.
Jan. 13, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m., in the Kia Lounge at the Sandman Centre.
Jan. 14, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m., in the Sports Centre Lounge at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre

Tranquille Road Sanitary Main and Road Enhancement Project | Phase 3: As construction is set to resume on the Tranquille Road project this spring, residents are invited to attend an information session regarding construction impacts.
Jan. 22, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m., in the Sports Centre Lounge at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.
Follow the project for updates at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/TranquillePhase3.

Budget 2026: Staff and Council have been working on the provisional budget and gathering more information to produce a final budget that works for residents. A budget update will be presented on:

Jan. 26, 2026, 6 p.m. in the Sports Centre Lounge at the McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.
Learn more at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/Budget2026.

Kamloops Centre for the Arts: The City is hosting a construction-focused information session where impacted residents and businesses will learn more about the Kamloops Centre for the Arts project timeline and sequencing, project benefits and impacts, and ask questions of the project team.
January 29, 5:30–7:30 pm, DoubleTree by Hilton, 339 St. Paul Street.
Follow the project for updates at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/KCA.
Follow On Let’s Talk Website
Subscribe to ongoing projects to be notified when engagement opportunities arise:
Build Kamloops
Capital Projects
Parks Plan

Community Collaboration Activities
Bring your skates and helmets for an afternoon of winter family fun to celebrate the Riverside Park Outdoor Skating Facility grand opening! The event will include a ribbon cutting, food trucks, hot chocolate, and special guests.
Jan. 17, 2–5 p.m., at Riverside Park, 100 Lorne Street.