Category: Opinion

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,…

Budget comparison not a fair example Dear Editor April’s issue of the Mayor wanting to halt capital projects and Nancy Bepple’s argument that the $133.00 over five years to taxpayers is a bargain.  The examples she noted of Riverside Coliseum in 1988 and McArthur Island upgrades of 2003 in costs to the taxpayer made that argument sound…

Hello Pete. Consider this unsolicited — but I hope you’ll find it useful. I’ve been watching your leadership campaign for the BC Conservative Party with genuine interest, and I want to share a few honest thoughts. First, I’m proud of you. Our families go back a long way. Our fathers built their medical careers as…

What if every current member of Kamloops City council was turfed in this year’s civic election? It would be unprecedented. But it’s a prospect being promoted on social media these days under the slogan, “No incumbents 2026!” While the attempt to turn dissatisfaction with the council into some sort of movement is new, the disaffection…

As of the Chronicle’s publication date in March, it’s the Noble Pig with two and Match Eatery with one. BC Conservative Leadership candidates Yuri Fulmer and Caroline Elliott hosted meet and greets at the Pig and Iain Black hosted his at Match. I’m sure that the vast majority of the other six contenders will host…

Now that we’re getting into the thick of election year, you’re probably glued each week to the live streaming of City council meetings. No? How about the archived video of the meetings that you can watch any time? The Tuesday afternoon meetings, as well as some of the committee meetings, can be quite informative and…

Alt-right publication spotted in Kamloops Dear Editor, I write today with a concern over a disturbing trend I am seeing in Kamloops. A number of establishments have been distributing an alt-right MAGA newspaper called Druthers, which contains racist filth. I saw a stack on offer at a Canada Post location recently and was thrown out when I brought up the racist…

Since the 2022 civic election, Kamloopsians have watched the dysfunction on our city council with understandable concern and anger. Most right-thinking people might look at what is currently happening and close the door on ever becoming a candidate. Friends, this would be a mistake. The turmoil at city hall is likely an anomaly, a one…

Another key piece of Kamloops heritage is in danger of being lost. This is a familiar story because the roll call of city heritage buildings has steadily diminished over the years to the point where we have little left. Heritage homes and public buildings are torn down to make room for apartment towers, subdivisions, and…