Kamloops Councillor Stephen Karpuk is seeking another four years on city council.

Standing near the former Red Bridge site Friday morning, Karpuk officially announced he will run for re-election in the Oct. 17 municipal election, saying he remains motivated by unfinished projects and a desire to continue serving the community.

“I am announcing today that I am going to seek re-election in this upcoming October 17, 2026 election,” Karpuk said. “I just want to say thank you to the community. It got me here.”

First elected in 2022, Karpuk said the decision to run again came after months of reflection on both the accomplishments and challenges of the current council term.

Looking back on the current term

Karpuk pointed to several major projects completed or advanced during the past four years, including the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, expansion of the Cottonwoods Community Centre, new and upgraded spray parks, recreation investments and the city’s curbside organics collection program.

He also highlighted work at the Kamloops Airport, where he has been involved in planning and redevelopment efforts aimed at supporting future growth.

“We’ve done a lot in the last three-and-a-half years, but there’s still work to be done,” he said.

The councillor acknowledged there were times when he was unsure whether he would seek another term, describing the role as demanding and often scrutinized by the public.

“I wasn’t really certain,” Karpuk said. “It’s a pretty tough job. You’re under the gun a lot and a lot of things happen.”

He credited family, friends and fellow elected officials for encouraging him to continue.

Red Bridge among top priorities

If re-elected, Karpuk said one of his biggest priorities will be replacing the Red Bridge.

The former bridge, which connected Kamloops and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, was dismantled in 2024 after sustaining significant structural damage. Karpuk said restoring a river crossing remains critical for the region.

“There’s only one option,” he said. “There is a bridge that is needed.”

He also pointed to efforts to establish a community forest partnership involving the City of Kamloops, Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Thompson Rivers University and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District. Karpuk said the initiative could support wildfire mitigation, recreation and economic development opportunities.

Other priorities include continuing economic development work connected to the airport and positioning Kamloops to benefit from future federal investments, including those tied to national defence.

Responding to criticism of council

Karpuk also defended the record of the current council, which has often faced criticism for public disputes and political infighting.

While acknowledging tensions have occasionally dominated headlines, he argued those issues have overshadowed the work council has accomplished.

“We’ve got our work done too, but the distraction has carried the narrative,” Karpuk said.

He added that residents who take a closer look at council’s decisions and achievements will see a group that has largely worked together to move major projects forward.

Public safety expected to dominate campaign

Karpuk said issues surrounding public safety, homelessness, mental health and addiction are likely to be key topics during the election campaign.

While many of those issues fall under provincial and federal jurisdiction, he said municipalities have an important role to play in advocating for solutions and ensuring local concerns are heard.

He reiterated his support for involuntary care for individuals facing severe addiction and mental health challenges and said local governments must continue pressing senior levels of government for action.

“We have to be strategic, we have to be intentional and we also have to know where our lane is,” Karpuk said.

Election field taking shape

With the municipal election campaign beginning to take shape, Karpuk joins a growing field of candidates seeking seats around the council table. Other declared or prospective candidates include Rob Bertrand, Cindy Sonne, Nevin Webster and Joe Mauro, along with incumbent councillors Bill Sarai, Dale Bass and Nancy Bepple, who have indicated they intend to run again.

The newly formed Pivot Kamloops slate has also entered the race, featuring mayoral candidate Nelly Dever and council candidates Dennis Giesbrecht, Katherine Blair-Wunderlich and Randy Sunderman.

Asked whether he plans to endorse a candidate for mayor, Karpuk said he does not.

Instead, he said he intends to work collaboratively with whoever voters elect in October.

“You look around the horseshoe and that’s who you’ve got to work with,” he said. “That’s the public that makes that choice.”

Municipal elections across British Columbia will be held on Oct. 17, 2026.