Kamloops city councillors explored the idea of introducing a car share program in the city during a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, though no formal motion was made. The discussion, led by Councillor Bepple, was framed as a “pre-discussion” ahead of a potential notice of motion to come at a future council meeting.

Councillor Bepple highlighted the potential benefits of a car share program, saying it could reduce development costs, give residents transportation options beyond private vehicles, and support the city’s climate action goals. “Car shares give clarity to builders, give clarity to car share companies, and give options to people who may not want to have a private vehicle or can’t afford one,” Bepple said.

Bepple also emphasized that other communities in British Columbia have already implemented car share policies and that Kamloops is “far behind” in this area. The councillor said she has consulted with home builders, local businesses, and community groups who expressed interest in seeing such a program established in Kamloops.

Other councillors raised questions about timing, public interest, and governance. Councillor Karpuk noted that she had not seen significant public momentum or companies coming forward to propose a car share program, and questioned whether the city should prioritize it before the end of the council term. In contrast, Councillor Bass said there is a constituency in Kamloops that has supported car share initiatives for years, particularly following the passage of the city’s Climate Action Plan.

CAO McCorkle explained the purpose of the discussion, saying the Committee of the Whole session allows councillors to “spitball ideas” and gauge interest before committing staff resources to research and formal reporting for a notice of motion. Mayor Hamer-Jackson clarified that the process would allow councillors to review the idea, investigate feasibility, and then formally present it for debate at a subsequent council meeting.

Councillor Newsteader described the discussion as a useful opportunity to explore ideas without immediately sending staff on “chases” for information before there is clear council appetite. Councillor O’Reilly and others expressed interest in seeing examples from communities of similar size, such as Chilliwack, to better understand how a car share program could work locally.

No official motion on car share was made during the meeting. Councillor Bepple indicated she would bring the proposal forward again, along with additional information for council to consider.