The City of Kamloops announces that David Trawin is no longer employed with the City, effective June 30, 2025. This follows an extended leave of absence that began in March 2024.

David Trawin’s distinguished career with the City spanned over two decades. Starting in 2003 as Director of Development and Engineering Services, he was appointed Chief Administrative Officer in May 2012. Councillor Mike O’Reilly reflected on David’s legacy:
“David has led the city through many different things, both good and bad, whether it be a Memorial Cup or COVID-19. He was there and led our organization, led our city, and led our 900-plus staff. For that, we greatly thank David for his service to the City of Kamloops.”

During his tenure as CAO, David guided the organization through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and spearheaded many progressive initiatives. These included the City’s first corporate strategic plan and important work in Truth and Reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion. He was also a strong advocate for mental health awareness and efforts to reduce stigma in the workplace.

Despite his many contributions, David’s departure was not on his own terms. The City’s statement cites “conditions that rendered his continued service with the City untenable,” pointing specifically to “repeated conduct by Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson that adversely affected David on both a personal and professional level.”

Councillor O’Reilly confirmed this context: “The reason that David Trawin ended his employment with the City of Kamloops is the fact that Mayor Hamer-Jackson made his continued employment with the city unsustainable and untenable, and he negatively or adversely impacted him on both a professional and personal level.”

David’s exit marks an unceremonious end to a long career dedicated to Kamloops, which O’Reilly acknowledges was not the path David would have chosen: “I don’t think David would have chosen to end his tenure with the City of Kamloops this way, but nonetheless, that’s where we’re at today.”

Protecting Staff and Workplace Culture

The City emphasized its commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for all employees. Over the past two years, in response to ongoing concerns about the Mayor’s behaviour toward staff, Council has enacted multiple protective measures. These include protocols limiting direct contact between the Mayor and certain staff, protections against retaliation, and procedures to allow employees to disengage from inappropriate communications. Additionally, the Mayor’s office was relocated to further support a respectful workplace.

Councillor O’Reilly stressed the City’s legal and moral obligations:
“The City of Kamloops has a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for our staff, and we are committed to doing that. We are doing everything we can to make sure that our staff can come to work and feel safe where they are, and we will continue to protect our staff.”

Regarding possible legal matters, O’Reilly declined to comment on specifics but noted that HR and legal teams are involved in such situations. He added that discussions around the impact of this story on future recruitment and retention have taken place: “That provides clarity—to our staff, residents, corporation, and anyone considering work for the City of Kamloops. CAO Byron McCorkle has an unprecedented reputation for being a visionary and really doing big and bold things in Kamloops, and we look forward to working with him.”

Byron McCorkell will continue to serve as CAO. Council and staff are grateful for Byron’s ongoing leadership and dedication.

On financial aspects related to David Trawin’s departure, O’Reilly stated: “Legally I can’t speak to specifics, but during the SOFR report we discussed that a significant portion of the CAO’s salary has been reimbursed to the City of Kamloops by a third party. That’s something we can’t legally talk about, but a large portion has been reimbursed.”

Looking Ahead

The City extends its sincere thanks to David Trawin for his years of dedicated service and leadership, wishing him the best in his future endeavors. Out of respect for his privacy, no further details will be shared.

Council and staff express gratitude for Byron McCorkle’s ongoing leadership as CAO and remain committed to fostering a workplace culture grounded in dignity, accountability, and mutual respect — ensuring Kamloops remains a place where employees can thrive.