LOCAL

Kamloops Prepares Four Reverse Referendums on $188M in Major Projects

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1 year ago

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The City of Kamloops is preparing to initiate four separate Alternative Approval Processes (AAPs), also known as reverse referendums, this fall to authorize borrowing for a series of major infrastructure projects. Together, these initiatives could total more than $188 million in new debt if all move forward. City officials say the projects address critical needs in policing, water and sewer infrastructure, and municipal operations.

The largest of the proposed borrowings ($96.2 million) would fund a new RCMP detachment building. The existing facility has been described as outdated and undersized for current policing demands, and the replacement would include modern facilities designed to accommodate growth in both staff and the broader community. The project is expected to be a multi-year build, with the city emphasizing the need for an operational hub that meets today’s safety and technology standards.

The second-largest proposal, $57 million for water treatment upgrades, would overhaul aging infrastructure to improve water quality, increase system reliability, and expand capacity for future population growth. City engineers have flagged the project as essential to ensuring Kamloops can meet provincial water standards and respond effectively to drought conditions or contamination risks.

Another $22.5 million is earmarked for sewer improvements along Tranquille Road, a key corridor in the city’s North Shore area. The upgrades are intended to replace aging pipes, reduce the risk of service disruptions, and accommodate new residential and commercial developments expected in the area over the coming decade.

Finally, the city is seeking $13.1 million for the purchase of property on McMaster Way. The acquisition would provide additional space for public works operations, including equipment storage and staging areas for future infrastructure projects. City staff say the property is strategically located and will help improve operational efficiency.

If approved by council in September, each project will proceed through the AAP process, allowing residents 30 days to register formal opposition. Under provincial rules, if fewer than 10% of eligible voters sign and submit opposition forms during that period, the city may proceed with the borrowing without holding a full referendum. If the 10% threshold is met, a binding public vote would be required.

City officials argue that moving ahead with these projects now will lock in lower borrowing costs before interest rates rise further and prevent more expensive emergency fixes down the road. However, some residents have expressed concern about the cumulative debt load and the use of the reverse referendum process for decisions involving such large sums of public money.

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LOCAL

How West Kelowna Residents Can Explore Heartfulness Meditation and Community Peace

West Kelowna hosts the 4th Peace Ambassador Celebration on Sept. 20 at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Join local leaders for discussions and meditation.

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15 minutes ago

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September 20, 2026

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Community Leaders Gather for Annual Peace Celebration

West Kelowna will play host to an afternoon focused on personal and collective harmony as the fourth annual Peace Ambassador Community Celebration convenes on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., takes place in the Orchard Conference Centre at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 2569 Dobbin Road.

Presided over by West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, the gathering features a panel discussion designed to highlight how peace functions within the local region. Featured speakers include Chaplain Don Richmond of West Kelowna Fire Rescue and the West Kelowna Warriors Hockey Club, Professor Manik Dhir of Okanagan College, shadow finance MLA Gavin Dew of Kelowna-Mission, Dr. Arvind Ravindran, who serves as Country Coordinator for Heartfulness Institute Canada, and Jen Zielinski, Bureau Chief for Black Press Media’s B.C. Interior Division and Yukon.

Invest in Peace Focuses on Individual Experience

Organizers stated in a press release that the central theme, “Invest in Peace,” emphasizes that peace can be cultivated individually and shared across the community. The initiative provides an inclusive space for participants from diverse backgrounds to connect and foster harmony across the Central Okanagan.

Beyond general discussions, attendees will participate in reflection and meditation techniques. The press release noted: “The program will move beyond conversation to personal experience, introducing participants to the heartfulness approach to inner peace, reflection and meditation, based on the belief that lasting community peace begins with the individual.”

Admission to the celebration is free, and attendees can reserve their seats in advance through Eventbrite.

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COMMUNITY

Unveiling event offers residents a first look at Kelowna’s future waterfront swim venue

Kelowna residents are invited to City Park on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. to view the unveiled design for the city’s future waterfront swim venue.

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19 minutes ago

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September 20, 2026

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Waterfront design reveal scheduled for Sept. 20

Residents are invited to gather at the northwest corner of City Park on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. for the unveiling of the design for Kelowna’s future swim venue.

According to a press release, the special gathering will mark a key milestone for the long-planned project, bringing together supporters, community partners, and local residents to view the initial design and learn about upcoming steps for the new waterfront destination.

Part of broader City Park upgrades

The planned swim venue is one component of the broader City Park Improvement Plan. The overall initiative encompasses several enhancements to the area, including upgraded lighting, enhanced water access, a new boardwalk, and a relocated dog beach.

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LOCAL

Why a Downtown Kelowna Assault Investigation Closed Without Charges

Kelowna RCMP have closed an investigation into an Aug. 9 downtown Water Street fight after the victim, who suffered serious injuries, decided not to press charges.

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2 days ago

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September 18, 2026

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RCMP Conclude Downtown Incident

An investigation into an August incident in downtown Kelowna has been closed after the injured party chose not to press charges. Kelowna RCMP officers have now concluded their file on the matter.

Late-Night Altercation on Water Street

The incident occurred around 2:05 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, in the 1600-block of Water Street. Patrolling officers observed a group engaged in a heated argument. Before police could step in, the dispute turned physical when one man struck another, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain serious injuries.

Suspect Arrested and Police Investigation Completed

Paramedics treated the injured man at the scene before transferring him to the hospital for further medical care. Police arrested the suspect on site, subsequently releasing them with conditions and a scheduled court date. Although RCMP gathered video surveillance, witness statements, and documentation to prepare a report for Crown Counsel, the victim ultimately decided against pursuing charges. What caused the initial argument and physical fight remains unknown.

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