Author: Sean Brady
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Drug decriminalization pilot ends
The provincial government has ended its three-year pilot project that saw personal possession of illicit drugs decriminalized. The problems with the pilot became apparent quickly, drawing criticism from advocates and the political opposition alike, with many pointing out the missing pieces. Provincial data collected from 2014 to October 2025 shows nearly 19,000 deaths due to…
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Councillors call out mayor over risks from motion
Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson’s motion to bar family members of councillors from working for the city has failed. Council addressed Hamer-Jackson’s motion at the Feb. 3 regular council meeting, with councillors concerned over the risks it presented. The motion would have prohibited the hiring or employment of immediate family members of councillors while the councillor is…
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Defamation lawsuit dismissed
Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson’s defamation lawsuit against Coun. Katie Neustaeter has been thrown out by a B.C. Supreme Court judge. Neustaeter had filed to have the case dismissed under the Protection of Public Participation Act (PPPA), which is intended to protect discourse in the public interest. The written ruling, given on Jan. 30 by Justice…
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Milobar sets sights on leadership of BC Conservative Party
Former Kamloops mayor and Kamloops Centre MLA Peter Milobar has entered the leadership race for the Conservative Party of British Columbia. Milobar told the Chronicle he wants the party to focus on serious issues like health care, crime and safety, affordability, and education. As part of the rules for the contest, candidates must agree not…
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Council continues to restrict public input
Public input ban extended as council cites mayor as reason City council has voted 7-2 in favour of extending the suspension of public input until the end of this council’s term. Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and Coun. Nancy Bepple were the two votes against the extension. Coun. Mike O’Reilly said things have been running “very smoothly”…
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NOMADS — a newly-formed volunteer-driven group — held a Christmas Dinner December 23 at Odd Fellows Hall near the former location of The Loop on Tranquille Road. Photo via FacebookSocial advocate arrested at city hall
Glenn Hilke was arrested in front of city hall on Monday, Dec. 19. The longtime social advocate said he was handcuffed, placed in the back of a police vehicle, strip-searched, and jailed before being released without charge. Hilke, as part of a new volunteer-driven group called NOMADS, had set up a drop-in centre in front…
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More work needed on 2026 city budget
Higher rec fees for outsiders? The city is considering raising fees for recreation facilities for those living outside of Kamloops. Sport, recreation, and wellness manager Sherri Holmes told council the city is looking into higher fees for non-residents, but noted that it’s not yet clear how the program would be administered. “We also want to…
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Province petition to destroy report successful
A petition to the courts by B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma for the return and destruction of a confidential report previously kept by Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has seen success, following a hearing earlier in November. The mayor turned the report over after the province’s petition was filed, but for months prior ignored requests by…
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Coun. Kelly Hall, chair of the Build Kamloops select committee. Sean Brady photoKamloops Centre for the Arts breaks ground on Seymour Street
The ground has been broken for the Kamloops Centre for the Arts. Nearly two decades in the making, construction of the performing arts centre will soon begin downtown at 393 Seymour St. The project includes an 1,100-seat theatre, a 450-seat theatre, a lobby, cafe and gallery, and a two-level underground parkade with 158 spaces. Construction…
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Photo provided by the City of KamloopsChildcare, utility rates, and more discussed at council
Pair of Bass motions approved Two motions from Coun. Dale Bass have been approved, concerning affordable childcare and extreme heat emergencies. The approved childcare motion will see the city call upon the province to increase funding for the hiring of early childhood educators, support existing $10/day daycares, increase the number of $10/day daycares, build new…