Kamloops City Council has decided to postpone public approval processes for three major infrastructure projects until Canada Post confirms uninterrupted mail service, following months of labour disruptions.

The decision, made at a Council meeting on December 9, affects loan authorization bylaws for the Kamloops Police Services Building, 965 McMaster Way, and Tranquille Phase III projects. A fourth project, the Kamloops Centre for Water Quality Intake Upgrade, no longer requires a bylaw as funding will come from the existing water utility.

The move comes after months of uncertainty caused by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers strike, which had disrupted mail delivery during the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) planning. While Canada Post and CUPW reached an agreement in principle on November 21, the collective agreement has not yet been finalized, leaving the timeline for reliable mail service uncertain.

Council had two options: delay the AAP until mail service is confirmed, or amend City policy to remove the mail-in submission option for elector response forms. Administration recommended postponement to ensure residents have a familiar and accessible method to participate. Council voted in favour of the delay, with Councillor Newsteader and Mayor Hamer-Jackson opposed.

During the discussion, some councillors raised concerns about using the AAP for such large borrowing projects, with Mayor Hamer-Jackson noting past AAPs involved significant borrowing and questioning whether public engagement would be sufficient for these new projects. Councillor Newsteader reiterated opposition to the process, citing unresolved public questions about the projects.

Council’s decision allows staff to “steady the course” and revisit the issue in the future if circumstances change, including the potential for further postal disruptions. The City plans to bring the AAP forward for approval once Canada Post confirms consistent mail service, ensuring residents can submit their responses without disruption.