The City of Kamloops has taken a major step toward future-proofing its civic infrastructure, purchasing nearly 10 acres of industrial land for $16.6 million to support long-term operational growth.
The 9.77-acre site at 965 McMaster Way, adjacent to the City’s existing Civic Operations Yard, will accommodate 25 to 50 years of future growth for municipal operations. City officials say the acquisition offers a rare opportunity to centralize services, increase efficiency, and prepare for the demands of a growing population.
“As our community grows, our operations expand to serve new residents and keep our city running,” said Joe Luison, Acting Civic Operations Director. “This means additional equipment and materials—and all of that requires space. Securing this land ensures we’re ready for decades of growth.”
The property is currently zoned for industrial use and is considered ideal for development. While the full site won’t be used immediately, 7 acres will continue to be leased to Westcan Transport Limited Partnership, generating $277,172 per year in revenue to help offset borrowing costs.
The remaining 2.77 acres will undergo immediate upgrades, including expanded parking and laydown areas to support ongoing operations. Future phases of development will be planned over the next two decades as current facilities reach capacity.
Deputy Mayor Bill Sarai emphasized the long-term vision behind the move. “This is an investment in the future of Kamloops and our residents,” Sarai said. “We’re planning with purpose—making decisions today that support the growth of our community for generations to come.”
The $16.625 million purchase was initially funded through short-term internal reserves. This fall, the City will seek electoral approval to convert the financing to long-term debt using the alternative approval process (AAP)—a move designed to spread costs over time and avoid a significant immediate tax burden. An additional $125,000 for initial site work is also included in the AAP request.
If approved, the estimated annual debt servicing cost of $1.04 million will be partially offset by lease revenue and has already been included in the City’s 2025 budget.
“This is like taking out a mortgage on a home—it’s a long-term investment paid over time,” said Sarai. “We’re balancing financial responsibility with the needs of a growing city.”
If the AAP is unsuccessful, City staff will return to Council with alternative financing options.
