Category: Opinion

Over coffee recently with a strong candidate running for city council, this candidate shared his opinion that the next council term will be a “clean up on Aisle 6” term, trying to bring stability and civility back into council chambers after a uniquely chaotic four years for our civic leadership. Despite the dysfunction, as I’ve…

Bringing two-way traffic back to Seymour Street has been a dream for at least a couple of decades. Every few years, traffic planners present a new report to City council that includes it as an option. Each time, they’re sent on their way with a “thank-you very much.” And nothing is done. In 1979, turning…

Samaritans help local woman Dear Editor: On June 30 at 7:30 p.m., I was in a car accident in the intersection of Tranquille Rd, Fortune Dr., and 8th St. I was alone and terrified when the two cars hit and my car was instantly full of smoke. I thought it was on fire. Right away there…

The East Kamloops water main break — which cut off water to a large swath of the city — is arguably the most serious failure of municipal service delivery Kamloops has seen in a very long time. Council often gets criticized for problems that largely belong to other orders of government — the housing and…

‘A lot of people have asked me to run.’ No doubt you’ve heard that one several times in recent weeks from former politicians, incumbents and newcomers. What is their definition of “a lot”?  To some people, three is a lot. Often, the person making the claim is someone who has decided not to run, or maybe…

Guaranteed liveable income can resolve homelessness Dear Editor, Arjun Singh’s op-ed in your June publication raised the issue about homelessness and the view that the community will never end the problem. He is right, of course. The community did not create homelessness. In fact, back in the ‘60s we expected it would go away. But…

How do you like parking in downtown Kamloops these days? You’ve probably noticed you’re paying more than you used to. As of June 1, and as part of a long-term plan, both on-street rates and fines have increased substantially. The rate for the first two hours is now $1.50 per hour, which doubles to $3…

Council lunches should support multiple caterers Dear Editor: First of all, I enjoy reading the Chronicle! Always some interesting articles and comments. Re: Free meals for City Council, I’m not necessarily opposed, but I do think the catering should be spread around to help varied Kamloops restaurants and caterers. It shouldn’t just support friends of…

In late 2005, I was sworn in as a city councilor alongside a great group of Kamloopsians. After the installation ceremony, the city threw us a reception — quite a lavish one, actually. I wasn’t expecting it. I wrote about it on my civic affairs blog, admitting I was taken aback, but ultimately glad that…

Going somewhere else does one of two things. A) it gives us ideas about how things could be done better back home, or B) it makes us realize how good things are back home. Having just returned from a trip to eastern Europe, I’m thinking very much in terms of option (B). Hungary, for example,…