The City of Kamloops will be implementing some new restrictions on roadside memorials due to safety concerns and issues with construction.

Environmental Services Manager Glenn Farrow says the new policy mirrors similar policies already in place in other communities and with provincial agencies and identifies rules around the installation and maintenance of roadside memorials in Kamloops.

He explains it comes as there have been “gaps” identified in the policy around these memorials – over the past few years.

“This is really highlighted to us in two specific projects on Tranquille Road and Singh Street, through that we were required to move those memorials to accommodate construction,” he said.

“In both of these scenarios we were thankfully able to connect with the families that were essentially responsible for the memorials for future replacement, that was a positive result in connecting with them, however, that might not be the case in future scenarios.”

Asked if there would be restrictions around the type of memorial on the roadside, Farrow explained there wouldn’t be any around the style.

“It’s a very personable item in a lot of cases, so with that, how much do we want to dictate goes to the curb. At this point, it is quite open to what could be a roadside (memorial).

Farrow says city staff will attempt to contact people responsible for the roadside memorials before any removal, noting that the hope is to replace the memorial after construction in such a way that it does not impact the road.