As municipal leaders from across British Columbia prepare to convene in Victoria for the Union of BC Municipalities annual convention from September 22 to 26, Kamloops city councillors are gearing up to advocate strongly for key issues affecting their community.

Kamloops Councillors Bill Sarai and Stephen Karpuk highlighted housing, public safety, and infrastructure challenges — including the ongoing saga of the Red Bridge rebuild — as top of mind.

Housing and Infrastructure Funding: A Pressing Challenge

Both councillors pointed to the ongoing housing crisis and the related infrastructure demands as critical issues they plan to press at UBCM.

“We’re getting mandated to build more housing units, especially putting multiple units on single-family lots, but we have no funding to upgrade our infrastructure,” said Councillor Sarai. “It’s not as simple as allowing six houses on one lot. Each comes with multiple washrooms, EV chargers, and increased water and sewer demand. We can’t just say, ‘build away’ and deal with infrastructure later. That cost shouldn’t fall to the municipality or taxpayers.”

Councillor Karpuk agreed, underscoring the city’s efforts to meet provincial housing targets but questioning the metrics used to measure success. “We’ve approved almost everything that’s come through in the last three years,” he said, “but the province’s focus on occupancy doesn’t reflect the realities of financing and market demand.”

Karpuk also noted a slowdown in population growth, which presents further challenges to the city’s revenue base and vibrancy. “It’s a dynamic situation. We hope to have receptive ears in Victoria to hear that housing needs have changed and that infrastructure support is essential.”

Both councillors emphasized the importance of advocacy as an ongoing effort, not a one-time push. Karpuk referenced Kelowna’s paid lobbyist for federal and provincial funds, adding Kamloops is building its own capacity to keep pressing for support.

Public Safety and Bail Reform High on the Agenda

Public safety remains a critical concern for Kamloops, particularly with the contentious issue of “catch and release” bail practices for repeat offenders.

“Bail reform is a key issue for all communities,” said Councillor Karpuk. “We need the province to be a partner in changing how we deal with criminality on our streets — deciding who should be kept behind bars rather than repeatedly out causing problems.”

Councillor Sarai stressed the importance of meeting with ministers responsible for public safety and the Attorney General to address these concerns on behalf of Kamloops citizens.

The Red Bridge Rebuild: Slow Progress Frustrates Council

One year after the Red Bridge was destroyed by fire, councillors remain concerned about the pace of the replacement process.

“This is a provincially owned asset,” noted Councillor Karpuk. “The province has promised to rebuild it, but where it lands on their priority list is still unclear. We don’t even know where the new bridge will be located, though it may well be back in the same spot.”

Councillor Sarai echoed frustration at the slow progress. “We had bridges washed out by floods rebuilt in six weeks, but this rebuild is dragging on. It can’t be that difficult — we just need a safe crossing for vehicles and pedestrians.”

In light of last year’s fire, the city is taking steps to ensure municipal representation is available during the UBCM convention in case of emergencies. Deputy Mayor Kelly Hall is staying behind in Kamloops as a precaution.

Looking Ahead: Building Relationships and Driving Change

While councillors recognize the challenges ahead, both remain optimistic about the value of UBCM meetings in advancing Kamloops’ priorities.

“I’ve come home from past UBCMs feeling heard and encouraged when someone takes our concerns seriously,” said Sarai. “It can be frustrating when ministers change and relationships have to be rebuilt, but this is part of the process.”

Karpuk emphasized the need for continued advocacy and strategic partnerships across municipalities to amplify their voices on shared challenges like housing, infrastructure, and public safety.

As Kamloops prepares to send a strong delegation to Victoria next week, councillors will be focused on pressing the provincial government for the funding and policy changes needed to keep their city safe, vibrant, and growing.

Deputy mayor for September Kelly Hall is the only member of council that will not be travelling to Victoria. That is because in 2024, when the Red Bridge burned down, all nine members were in Vancouver for the UBCM convention. Karpuk, who was deputy mayor at the time, rushed back to Kamloops to deal with the crisis.

Hall is staying behind in case a catastrophic event were to occur, a municipal government representative is available.