LETTERS – ‘Safety limits restrict public access to City council meetings’

In the past, standing-room only crowds were allowed in City council chambers, as in this meeting from several years ago (Image: Mel Rothenburger).

In the ongoing back and forth between Kamloops Citizens United and City Hall about lack of space for the public at a recent public hearing, Deputy Mayor for January Kelly Hall has responded again, and so has corporate officer Maria Mazzotta:

From: Kelly Hall <khall@kamloops.ca>
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2026 2:51 PM
To: KCU Info ; Councillors
Subject: Re: Public hearing

Thank you for your email . I’m sorry you feel that I did not answer your questions. We all must move forward with the understanding that at times we will have to disagree.  This is one of those moments.

Hope your weekend is well . We had a fabulous opening to Riverside Skating facility. If you’re a skater get out and enjoy what ever in Kamloops is celebrating.

Thank DM K Hall

Kathrine and Coley – I’m responding on behalf of City Administration.

Unfortunately, there are occupancy and safety limits that must be adhered to; people standing in aisles or sitting on stairs does not comply and is not safe if an emergency occurred and evacuation was required. The City is bound to the same code requirements as any other occupancy.

As to overflow, we do not have any additional area in which to place people on a regular basis that could be used for the public and which is not part of staff work areas already used for staff operations. This is why we are looking at another location for Council Chambers that can accommodate a larger public presence.

Until that occurs, we are restricted by what we have unless Council chooses to move Chambers to another venue going forward. We are not aware of a requirement that forces a City to move their facilities due to an increase in attendance; it would be more of a gesture or part of a growth discussion.

As noted in the BC Ombudsperson’s 2026 update to their Open Meetings Guide, “Local governments should consider other ways of hearing from the public. It is important for local governments to apply an equity lens in considering whether their meetings are truly accessible – in other words, to consider on an ongoing basis who in their community is, and is not, able to attend and participate in open meetings and to address any identified barriers. Barriers can be addressed in many ways: for example, through technology, changes to the meeting space or flexibility in the application of participation rules.”

As is standard for opportunities for Council to receive formal input from members of the public, the range of options for the public to be heard at the Jan 13 Public Hearing was articulated on the notice for that hearing, and this notice was published in accordance with the City’s Public Notice Bylaw well in advance of the hearing.

As we note you’ve copied Minister Boyle, as always we welcome any additional guidance the Province may wish to provide.

Regarding the other matter you emailed me about on the weekend, I am consulting with City staff who may have knowledge of such matters.

Kukwstsétsemc/Thank you,

Maria

Maria Mazzotta, MPA (she/her)
Corporate Officer | City of Kamloops