REID ALL ABOUT IT – A new candidate; the Red Bridge; more financial woes

An occasional glimpse into the mayoral life of Reid Hamer-Jackson.

A NEW CANDIDATE in this year’s civic election will be introduced by the mayor tomorrow (June 3, 2026) at 11:30 a.m. at the downtown 7-Eleven across from Crossroads. He hasn’t revealed a name but says this new council hopeful “supports my goals and I support their goals.” Hamer-Jackson also supports the candidacy of healthcare worker Cindy Sonne.

… The mayor is getting hopeful that mass timber construction will be considered as provincial transportation officials move toward a design decision on a replacement for the Red Bridge. He’s been sharing correspondence between the Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure — including minister Mike Farnworth — and bridge consultant Randy Ludwar. In one email, Ludwar estimates a new bridge could be built for around $70 million plus escalation and associated soft costs. He writes that mass timber bridges offer municipalities “an opportunity to reduce embodied carbon, accelerate construction timelines, support regional manufacturing and forestry economies, and advance resilient prefabricated infrastructure systems.” Hamer-Jackson has copied the correspondence to City councillors and some of the local media.

… Hamer-Jackson has sent another lengthy letter to City councillors objecting to sanctions that have been placed on him, this time asking that their extension be considered in an open meeting. He requests that “the citizens of Kamloops be permitted to see and hear the full discussion, reasoning, concerns, explanations, and positions advanced by all parties regarding further restrictions on their elected Mayor.” He adds, “What continues to be deeply concerning throughout this entire process is that despite repeated requests, I have still not been provided with the actual evidence, statements, communications, or particulars that allegedly support these accusations.”

… Castanet reports that a B.C. Supreme Court judge has given Hamer-Jackson three months to repay more than $450,000 to Beem Credit Union before his Tru Market Auto property on Victoria Street West is sold through foreclosure. Beem alleges he has defaulted on a business loan.  Hamer-Jackson has been trying to sell the property for quite some time and says the sanctions placed on him by City council have put him in financial difficulties.