Kamloops City Council has released its long-awaited strategic plan that outlines their top priorities for the rest of their term in office.

The plan has 20 areas of focus that are organized under four strategic priorities – Safety and Security, Governance and Service Excellence, Livability and Sustainability, and Economic Health.

In a news release, City Councillors say they also outlined advocacy as a fifth priority as they say there is a need for “a strong, coordinated voice” when looking to other levels of government to address Kamloops’ needs that fall outside of municipal jurisdiction.

“Each of us was elected based on our commitment to Kamloops residents, and this plan is a reflection of what we heard during our campaigns and since,” Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson said in the news release.

“This Council is dedicated to taking bold action to tackle important community issues and serve the residents who chose us.”

The City says this Strategic Plan supports existing strategies including KAMPLAN, the Official Community Plan as well as the Recreation Master Plan, the Transportation Master Plan, and the Community Climate Action Plan.

They say key performance indicators have been outlined in each of the areas of focus, listed below, as a way to measure progress. Depending on the direction from Council, City staff will develop an action plan to help reach those targets.

“We recognize that many of our goals are feasible to attain within a four-year term; however, we want to know that our decisions and actions are moving the needle in the right direction,” Hamer-Jackson added.

Speaking on the NL Morning News, Councillor Margot Middleton said she thinks Kamloopsians will be impressed with the plan.

“I think so, particularly with our ‘Build Kamloops’ plan and we’ve been doing some video work so we’ve got a little flash to go along with it and hopefully the community will pay attention and like what they see,” she said.

“We want to get some shovels in the ground on projects that have been talked about for many years and are very much needed in our city so I’m really looking forward to Build Kamloops and actually get moving with it and get some stuff solidified, in place and some timelines.”

The full Council Strategic Plan and those and key performance indicators can be found here.

Council’s Strategic Priorities and Areas of Focus

Safety and Security: The City of Kamloops takes action to ensure all residents feel safe and secure in our community.

• Safety
• Housing
• Social Supports
• Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Built Environment

Governance and Service Excellence: The City of Kamloops has strong, accountable governance and makes fact-based decisions.

• Asset Management
• Truth and Reconciliation
• Community Engagement
• Fiscal Responsibility
• Service Excellence
• Governance

Livability and Sustainability: The City of Kamloops fosters a high quality of life for an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable community.

• Recreation and Culture
• Healthy Community
• Inclusivity
• Climate Action
• Mobility

Economic Health: The City of Kamloops cultivates a positive business environment to support a vibrant and resilient economy.

• Business Development
• Economic Strength
• Partnerships
• Growth Management