The City of Kamloops and Thompson Rivers University have renewed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was first signed two years ago, on August 23, 2018.

The two parties say the MOU builds upon recent successes, incorporates minor adjustments for approval of shared projects, and continues the ongoing strong partnership. Progress they say has been made on educational programming, community-focused research, and innovation in planning.

“TRU was pleased to be a member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Economic Recovery,” TRU President Brett Fairbairn said. “Universities have historically played an important role in supporting communities. This will continue, and in a much stronger way as we plan for a social and economic recovery.”

In a release, both parties note partnerships are more important than ever as Kamloops and region rebuilds from the pandemic.

“As we heard through the task force, Kamloops businesses and residents are struggling through this pandemic. We know through partnerships such as this that the City will recover and grow back even stronger,” added Mayor Ken Christian.

“Since 2018, we have shown the community that a strong relationship between the City of Kamloops and TRU is a good thing for both the institution and community. This updated MOU will not only strengthen this relationship, but also ensure that it continues to grow.”

The pair go on to say the MOU identifies some areas that can help increase the efficiency of the relationship while expanding on projects that the City and TRU will work on together like the overdose crisis. TRU will be leading a cultural mapping of the opioid crisis in Kamloops, supported by the Social and Community Development team at the City.

“Thompson Rivers University is home to a rich amount of research and knowledge that can significantly benefit the community of Kamloops,” added Fairbairn. “There is much more to be achieved by working in partnership and this MOU helps us continue to do just that.”

This amended MOU will remain in place until 2023 at which time it will be revisited.

Happy to renew this commitment to work with TRU pic.twitter.com/jD4X4gTknG

— Ken Christian (@ken_kchristian) October 7, 2020