http://www.kamloopsairport.com/sitecm/i/destination%20excellence%20logo918163320.jpg?Width=350

http://www.kamloopsairport.com/sitecm/i/kamloops%20airport%20rendering%20se-764kb.jpg
Phase One Upgrades to Check-In and Security Areas -

Construction crews have already begun Phase One of the Terminal Building improvements which will help departing passengers move through the check-in and security processes more efficiently and improve comfort in the waiting area. Upgrades include:

- increased capacity for check-ins

- additional security screening checkpoint

- secure waiting area expansion to 200 seats

- new washroom facilities

- wireless Internet service in secure waiting area

Phase Two - New Arrivals and Baggage Claim Areas

In Phase Two, crews will begin upgrades to the arrivals, baggage claim and customs areas that will allow arriving passengers to access services and exit the airport more quickly, including:

- increased room and capacity in baggage claim area

- new baggage carousel

- new car rental area
Phase 3 - Improved Customs and Immigration Service Area

Phase 3 will see the development of a secure and permanent Customs and Immigration area so that out-of-country travelers can continue to enjoy friendly, efficient and professional services.

Improvements to Runway and Navigation Aids

While construction crews work towards their aggressive Terminal Building completion timeline, paving crews have begun pouring the 2,000ft runway extension that provides a total of 8,000ft - allowing better access for transcontinental jet service. Installation of state-of-the-art navigation aids will increase scheduled service reliability from the existing 94% to a remarkable 98%.

for downtown parking i vote we copy new westminster and build a parkade above the rail lines.

new west is in the process of tearing theirs down i think though.

Is that thing really being torn down? Every time I see it it looks dilapidated but occupied. It does add some interest to Front Street though also I can't imagine many people wanting to walk down there after dark with that thing.
That would be awesome for Kamloops though; add some parking and cover up the eyesore of a railway downtown.

yup. perfect spot for parking for the downtown core, interior savings centre and riverside park.

Social Council Opposed Casino Move as well as Arjun Sing

THE NEW LAKE CITY CASINO BUILDING APPROVED LAST NIGHT BY CITY COUNCIL MAY HAVE EXTREME CONSEQUENCES FOR LANSDOWNE STREET. THAT'S THE OPINION OF THE CITY'S SOCIAL PLANNING COUNCIL, WHO RECOMMENDED AGAINST APPROVAL. CHAIRMAN RAY JOLICOEUR SAYS THE CASINO, THE THRISTY DOG AND THE RELOCATED CACTUS JACK'S MAY ALL EMPTY ONTO THE STREET AT THE SAME TIME OF NIGHT. JOLICOEUR SAYS THE COUNCIL WAS ALSO CONCERNED ABOUT THE SOCIAL IMPACTS OF AN INCREASE IN GAMBLING.

* surprise mr. Sing apposed the casino. So ... how many projects does that make now?

Wow, these people are rediculous. Do they not know that this already happens. ALL the bars downtown close at the same time and Cactus Jack's will be located half a block closer than its current location. But yes, now people will riot in the streets. Get some common sense. They call themselves The Social Council.
How many more people will the Casino employ? How many more tourists will this bring to the city? I can't imagine voting a project down that turns a parking lot, into what sounds like a very cool building.
If Argun Singh thinks he is voting against this project for the better of the city, than he is dumber than I thought.

Not sure if this have been posted previously.


Rendering of the Culos tower at Summitt and McGill.


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/chollas/ListingImage.jpg


Being called "Landmark One"

Wow, these people are rediculous. Do they not know that this already happens. ALL the bars downtown close at the same time and Cactus Jack's will be located half a block closer than its current location. But yes, now people will riot in the streets. Get some common sense. They call themselves The Social Council.
How many more people will the Casino employ? How many more tourists will this bring to the city? I can't imagine voting a project down that turns a parking lot, into what sounds like a very cool building.
If Argun Singh thinks he is voting against this project for the better of the city, than he is dumber than I thought.

The issues are real, and so are the advantages. I am not against the casino, but think it should be left until after the election. It should be an issue in the election.

Not sure if this have been posted previously.


Rendering of the Culos tower at Summitt and McGill.


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/chollas/ListingImage.jpg


Being called "Landmark One"


Where'd da color?

oh wow, that looks really good, can't wait till they start on the big tower. the foundation is already done for the 4 story one behind the tower.

i see they are already selling apartments in the paper for that landmark one project. units start at $249,000 and come with 6 piece kitchen, gas fire place, granit counter tops and more.
sounds inticing to me.

this is great, as the first render was sub par for sure next to this one.

SAGE BRUSH MOTEL COMES DOWN!!!!

http://sagebrush.kamloops.com/front.jpg

Kamloops to get NEW Best Western Hotel

http://www.nalabamadevelopment.com/images/best_hotel.jpg
Might be like this !!!

HOUSING STARTS
SEPTEMBER WAS A BIG MONTH FOR HOUSING STARTS IN KAMLOOPS. 143 NEW STARTS WERE RECORDED, INCLUDING 114 MULTI-FAMILY UNITS. THAT'S COMPARED TO 59 TOTAL STARTS LAST SEPTEMBER. CANADIAN MORTGAGE AND HOUSING MARKET ANALYST PAUL FABRI SAYS IT'S A CASE OF SUPPLY MEETING DEMAND. MANY OF THE CONDOS AND APARTMENT COMPLEXES THAT HAVE BEEN UNDER DISCUSIION ARE NOW BEING BUILT. AND FABRI SAYS THOSE HAVE BOOSTED NUMBERS. YEAR-TO-DATE, KAMLOOPS HOUSING STARTS ARE STILL DOWN 5-PERCENT. AND FABRI SAYS NUMBERS WILL CONTINUE TO MODERATE HEADING INTO 2009.

HOUSING STARTS
SEPTEMBER WAS A BIG MONTH FOR HOUSING STARTS IN KAMLOOPS. 143 NEW STARTS WERE RECORDED, INCLUDING 114 MULTI-FAMILY UNITS. THAT'S COMPARED TO 59 TOTAL STARTS LAST SEPTEMBER. CANADIAN MORTGAGE AND HOUSING MARKET ANALYST PAUL FABRI SAYS IT'S A CASE OF SUPPLY MEETING DEMAND. MANY OF THE CONDOS AND APARTMENT COMPLEXES THAT HAVE BEEN UNDER DISCUSIION ARE NOW BEING BUILT. AND FABRI SAYS THOSE HAVE BOOSTED NUMBERS. YEAR-TO-DATE, KAMLOOPS HOUSING STARTS ARE STILL DOWN 5-PERCENT. AND FABRI SAYS NUMBERS WILL CONTINUE TO MODERATE HEADING INTO 2009.

The city should do something to boost the numbers, especially apartment/rental units. Kamloops has a very low vacancy rate, and it will hurt us economically. It will also exasperate the homeless issue.

I drove past that sagebrush hotel and there is nothing left. Looks so different with nothing on that lot. So glad that the crapiest hotel on that block is the one being torn down.

Not sure if this have been posted previously.


Rendering of the Culos tower at Summitt and McGill.


http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b309/chollas/ListingImage.jpg


Being called "Landmark One"
UGLY! Looks like park place in Kelowna.

But hey, atleast kamloops is building another high rise. That's exciting.

It better not be beige. Bad enough we have to look at brown grass and brown hills all year long, maybe some color would be nice. The new TRU Residences is an eyesore.

i sure hope its not beige either. good chance it wont be, and yeah that kev guy is right about it looking like park place in kelowna, only our building is taller and will probably not be the same color scheme.

SAGE BRUSH MOTEL COMES DOWN!!!!

http://sagebrush.kamloops.com/front.jpg

Kamloops to get NEW Best Western Hotel

http://www.nalabamadevelopment.com/images/best_hotel.jpg
Might be like this !!!

yeah i aw them tearing it down 2 days ago.
don't we already have a best western?

Wow Kamloops has changed since i was last living in West Van.. its beatuiful

Yes we allready have one, but this will have a different owner. We have lots of the same hotels in town already, this is just like that. Kamloops is very Nice wand yes we are growing quite well !!

speaking of the same hotels did anyone else notice we have a travelodge across from another travelodge?

Credit crunch skips Kamloops construction— so far


The experts are calling it a credit crunch.

Big banks around the globe are taking a closer look at who they lend money to, and that scrutiny could eventually lead to the kibosh of major development projects.

But the panic in the world market hasn’t exactly led to alarm in Kamloops.

Doug Wittal, president of the Canadian Home Builders Association-Central Interior, said the members he’s talked to are still getting financing for their projects.

“We’re not being held back,” he said.

While he maintained Kamloops is still a vibrant city, it doesn’t mean builders in town aren’t aware of what’s going on around the world.

Wittal was quick to point out the renovation *— along with commercial and industrial — side of the construction industry is still strong.

“We still need to be painting not a doom and gloom picture,” Wittal said.

“Everyone’s reacting for no reason. We’re fine in B.C.”

While most analysts say it’s impossible for Kamloops or the region to be insulated from market troubles abroad, some of the lending practices of local banks have made a difference.

Domenic Vinci, the senior vice-president and chief operating officer of Interior Savings Credit Union, said his financial institution didn’t get involved in “ninja mortgages” like in the U.S., where banks didn’t properly scrutinize individuals.

“We want to make sure we know who we’re lending to,” he said.

Even with the recent turmoil in the banking industry, Vinci said Interior Savings hasn’t changed its practices when it comes to loans.

“We’re a conservative organization and we review each application based on its own merits,” he said.

By conservative, Vinci explained, it means looking closely at who they lend to — from knowing who the developer is to their experience in the community and industry expertise.

Paul Fabri, a market analyst with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, said he hasn’t heard of any specific situation where a major development has been denied credit because of recent world events, but added it’s no secret credit has tightened up at different levels.

He also said it would be difficult to speculate what impact current credit issues will have on builders in the future.

As for the City of Kamloops, its capital projects are funded through a different system called the Municipality Finance Authority.

The authority was set up years ago to provide preferred-rate funding to municipalities that borrow money.

Its funding is solely available to cities and government agencies and, as it turns out, offers a cheaper lending rate than banks, saving the taxpayers money.

Seniors complex boosts building permits

A seniors complex in Aberdeen likely saved what would have been another down month for residential-building permits in Kamloops.

Residential permits were up to 92 in September, nearly double the 48 from the year previous, but that’s thanks to one 72-unit seniors apartment complex on Hugh Allen Drive.

Single-family units were down to 15 for the month, compared to 36 the previous year, but that’s a big jump from the lone permit issued in August.

In fact, the number of building permits has been in a slow decline most of the year.

Kundan Bubbar, chief building inspector for the city, suggested market forces — like the housing crisis in the U.S. — are having an effect on Kamloops.

“This year, the first few months we were doing fine, but since the news started happening [in the U.S.], people started taking precautions here,” he said.

Bubbar said it’s not unusual to see a dip in the numbers for a short time and then climb back after a couple of years.

He also pointed out the last four to five years have been scorching hot for permits in the city.

And the slowdown isn’t restricted to the River City, according to Paul Fabri, a market analyst with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

“It’s not just in Kamloops. It’s in most markets in B.C.,” he said.

Fabri said there are several reasons for the drop in housing starts, from slower economic and employment growth in the province to a consumer confidence that has slid over the last few months.

Fabri noted a slowdown in the market was forecast for 2008, a trend that will likely continue into next year.

Yet it’s not all sombre news in Kamloops as the value of the permits issued for the year are meeting the city’s projection of $185 million for the year.

So far, the value of permits issued is $162.5 million for the year.

visit www.kamloopsairport.com/photoshoot1. for update.

if the previous address fails try this one
www.kamloopsairport.com

Milobar said on the radio that he would raise taxes more.

Kennedy pledges low property-taxes (http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_thompson_nicola/kamloopsthisweek/business/31127699.html)

By Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week

Published: October 16, 2008 3:00 PM
Updated: October 16, 2008 3:45 PM

Using the unfinished North Shore Spirit Square as his backdrop, mayoral candidate Murphy Kennedy released his full election platform yesterday with less than one month before residents go to the polls.

Kennedy’s platform, a 26-page document, details a number of initiatives he will undertake if elected.

Kennedy argued the North Shore Spirit Square is an example of the real lack of concern for that part of Kamloops and said he was committed to making North Shore issues a top priority.

“Platitudes are not sufficient in a civic election. I believe in concrete policies, programs and ideas,” Kennedy said.

To start, Kennedy is promising to keep property taxes below the inflation rate for his three-year term, while eliminating what he called “outrageously large, budgeted surpluses.”

The city’s five-year plan has estimated an operating budget surplus of $26 million during the next three years.

Kennedy’s plan calls for limiting property-tax increases to one per cent in 2009, 1.5 per cent in 2010 and two per cent in 2011.

He would also move to pay off the city’s debt, which stands at roughly $100 million, by making a payment of $14.5 million in 2009 and $27 million over three years.

His platform also seeks to tackle the affordable-housing crunch in the city with a three-point plan.

As mayor, Kennedy would push for more secondary suites by waiving the requirement to rezone property to multi-family zoning necessary to have a legal suite.

He’s offering a new reduced tax rate for multi-family dwellings to entice homeowners with illegal suites to come forward, along with the implementation of a rental-unit licence program.

In order to rent any space, a landlord would have to pay an initial licence fee, in the range of $500 to $1,000, that would certify each unit as meeting a pre-set standard.

“It will ensure that all residential units in Kamloops meet suitable livability standards,” Kennedy said.

He is also pledging electoral reform by promising to put a citizens’ electoral-reform committee together once elected.

The committee would examine possible alternatives to the current system, including a ward system and term limits for city council.

Other aspects of Kennedy’s platform include increasing the budget of Venture Kamloops by $250,000 to attract business to Kamloops and fully funding the city’s voluntary water-metering program.

Hmmm...since my partner and I are in the hotel biz, perhaps the BW needs a GM...this may be our chance to move...;)

This is a good idea, we need more parking downtown.

Michele Young. Kamloops Daily News. Kamloops, B.C.: Oct 10, 2008. pg. A.5

Just how fast that happens, though, depends on the man.

Challenger Murphy Kennedy issued a press release Thursday calling for the new parkade to begin construction in 2009, especially in light of council's recent approval of a rezoning for the bigger downtown casino.

He said he turned to City documents that list the parkade as being slated as a level-two priority to be built in 2012.

"That seems way too far off to deal with the traffic we have now. We're trying to get as much coming through here, the Tournament Capital of Canada, we're trying to get some big shows into Sport Mart Place, hockey games, we have a lot going on in this town that people come in for and want to park close to," he said.

He suggested the City dip into reserves as much as it can to prevent borrowing the $6 million estimated for the project.

Asked about finding other ways of funding the parkade, Kennedy said he hasn't looked into a private-public partnership, but wouldn't be opposed to it.

What he doesn't want is for the taxpayers to go into debt for the parkade if it's at all possible to prevent that.

He noted the City's 2008 to 2012 financial plan lists a loan of $6 million in 2012.

"What I'd like to do is borrow as little as possible and use up, where possible, the reserve monies for capital projects," he said. "What I would do is I would strongly recommend we get at this right away. Put it into 2009 and get it done."

Kennedy's only mayoral competitor, Coun. Peter Milobar, said council voted last week to expedite the parkade after a study is completed. It's underway now.

"We're in the midst of a study. There's obviously very few sites that have the area to locate a parkade. We're in that process right now," he said.

"We're working through the process. We're well aware the issue needs to be addressed. We're identifying sites and looking into feasibilities in terms of whether they will be too far from amenities."

Milobar pointed out that council committed with last week's casino rezoning to move the project forward. No deadline was set and there are still lots of aspects that need to be explored, he said.

Hopefully it will have a design that resembles an office building or residential...I have seen many parkades that are quite attractive.

What's everyone else's opinion on the civic election?
I would guess Rhino would support Kennedy's lower tax plan vs. Milobar's twice as much plan???

hoping kennedy wins.

i think they should get creative with the parkade. if its a public-private partnership the parkade should be underground with housing above.

Kennedy lays out his vision for city

One of the men who wants to be the city’s next mayor unveiled his 26-page vision Thursday, but his biggest competitor disputed several of his points.

Murphy Kennedy stood in the parking lot at the intersection of Yew and McKenzie Avenues in the morning chill, set up a podium and gave two reporters the highlights of his platform.

One of Kennedy’s main election planks is to keep taxes at one, 1.5 and two per cent for 2009 to 2011, respectively.

He criticized council’s last three tax boosts, which he said added up to more than six per cent in the past three years — which he said was more than the rate of inflation.

A look back on the 2005 to 2007 tax increases shows the overall tax jumps totalled 4.5 per cent, but that figure included residential, commercial and industrial taxation. The residential side alone came in at 6.5 per cent.

Kennedy used Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation inflation numbers. The Bank of Canada totals inflation at 7.53 per cent for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 — higher than his six-per-cent estimate.

Kennedy noted the City’s part of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District taxation has jumped by 30 per cent since his competitor, Coun. Peter Milobar, became chairman two years ago.

“There’s a lot of taxation going on here.”

Milobar, however, challenged Kennedy’s points.

“You don’t go in and say you’re going to create an artificial tax rate by draining your savings. It’s not viable in the long term. You should be, as an elected official, looking at a 20-year window with your decisions, not three years,” he said of the proposed tax rates.

And the TNRD tax numbers are just wrong, he added.

“He’s correct in all the areas but the City of Kamloops, property taxes went up in the 30 per cent range because of the solid-waste costs. But we are not part of that,” he said.

The City’s portion of TNRD’s taxation was far less than 30 per cent because it doesn’t pay into the solid-waste collection, he said.

The City’s surplus was another controversial item. Kennedy said he read the City’s 2008 to 2011 five-year financial plan and estimated there’s $26 million slated to go from taxation to surplus.

He suggested spending some of that to reduce the City’s debt, and put more into one-time and short-term projects for infrastructure, capital expenses, transit and community development.

“There’s such a thing as a rainy day fund, but this is like a category-five hurricane fund,” he said.

“All budgets are a ballpark, but all budgets need to be questioned.”

Again, Milobar challenged him.

He said he spoke to City financial staff and neither they, nor he, could figure out where Kennedy got the $26 million number from, unless he added each year’s annual surplus total together instead of the annual amounts going in.

The City’s current surplus includes $8.2 million in the general fund, $6.3 million for the water utility and $6.9 million for the sewer.

The five-year plan projection sees the general reserve increased by $2 million, but the water and sewer reserves are each drawn down by about $2 million, Milobar said. That demonstrates the reserves aren’t being built up without purpose, he said.

And they are needed, especially since the City has millions of dollars in infrastructure above and below the ground, the two-term councillor said.

Milobar pointed to the recent sinking at the Summit Drive and McGill Road intersection that was unexpected. Fixing it cost $1 million that wasn’t in the budget — and that’s what reserves are for, he said.

Kennedy has twice made appointments to meet with City finance staff, but had to cancel because of schedule conflicts.

He said he chose the site of the Spirit Square on the North Shore because, as an incomplete project, it demonstrated what he called City council’s lack of real concern for that part of town.

“North Kamloops has been offered platitudes in the press but very little in concrete initiatives,” said Kennedy, himself a North Shore resident.

Mayor Terry Lake said the

project is still on the books but was delayed because of some design changes that had to be made.

“That had to go through the province. Any time you make changes, it takes time,” he said, adding the groundbreaking should take place later this month.

My question is, What are Milobar's plans and why the secret?

hoping kennedy wins.

i think they should get creative with the parkade. if its a public-private partnership the parkade should be underground with housing above.

I hear their looking for volunteers, you should help out. Even dropping flyers around your house helps them. I'm too busy working, but I emailed the campaign manager and he said they need lots of help. I might go help on election day, it's a Saturday.

Do you want me to PM you his email?

sorry. far too busy with work myself.

That New Airline that was discussed earlier now has a new name. The NewAir group has announced that they will now be known as Enerjet. No mention about possible destinations but it appears, they have changed their focus. They plan on starting up as a Charter Airline instead of having scheduled service.

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v344/185/96/717495087/n717495087_4547163_712.jpg
http://www.enerjet.ca

http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v344/185/96/717495087/n717495087_4547106_4368.jpghttp://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v344/185/96/717495087/n717495087_4547108_4799.jpg

wow that looks great!!!

so I have been told that the days inn will be torn down next year and in its place will be a new power centre like Walmart or the Winners shopping area.

CACTUS JACKS PUBLIC HEARING http://www.clubvibes.com/images/listings/logos/36293.gif
CITY COUNCIL HAS SENT A PROPOSAL TO ALMOST DOUBLE THE SIZE OF A RELOCATED CACTUS JACKS BAR TO PUBLIC HEARING. BUT, RESPONDING TO CONCERNS FROM RCMP ABOUT THE PROPOSED 650 CUSTOMER CAPACITY, COUNCIL LIMITED THE NUMBER TO 450 FOR NOW -- SAYING IF ALL GOES WELL THEY WILL RE-CONSIDER THE 650 REQUEST AT A LATER DATE. COUNCIL ALSO MADE A FEW OTHER AMENDMENTS -- REQUIRING THE BAR TO ADD AN 80-PERSON WAITING AREA TO KEEP LINE UPS FROM SPILLING ONTO THE STREET. AND THEY ARE INCREASING THE SO-CALLED "BAR FLUSH" TIME FROM HALF AN HOUR TO A FULL HOUR TO ALLOW PATRONS TO CLEAR THE BAR MORE SLOWLY. CACTUS JACKS IS PROPOSING TO RELOCATE TO THE CORNER OF 5TH AND LANSDOWNE DOWNTOWN.

so I have been told that the days inn will be torn down next year and in its place will be a new power centre like Walmart or the Winners shopping area.

Really?
That's a bad location for a power centre, not for the power centre but for everyone else. First it is too close to the current box store area. Next it will kill the Aberdeen Mall and downtown. Isn't that Milobar's place?

CACTUS JACKS PUBLIC HEARING http://www.clubvibes.com/images/listings/logos/36293.gif
CITY COUNCIL HAS SENT A PROPOSAL TO ALMOST DOUBLE THE SIZE OF A RELOCATED CACTUS JACKS BAR TO PUBLIC HEARING. BUT, RESPONDING TO CONCERNS FROM RCMP ABOUT THE PROPOSED 650 CUSTOMER CAPACITY, COUNCIL LIMITED THE NUMBER TO 450 FOR NOW -- SAYING IF ALL GOES WELL THEY WILL RE-CONSIDER THE 650 REQUEST AT A LATER DATE. COUNCIL ALSO MADE A FEW OTHER AMENDMENTS -- REQUIRING THE BAR TO ADD AN 80-PERSON WAITING AREA TO KEEP LINE UPS FROM SPILLING ONTO THE STREET. AND THEY ARE INCREASING THE SO-CALLED "BAR FLUSH" TIME FROM HALF AN HOUR TO A FULL HOUR TO ALLOW PATRONS TO CLEAR THE BAR MORE SLOWLY. CACTUS JACKS IS PROPOSING TO RELOCATE TO THE CORNER OF 5TH AND LANSDOWNE DOWNTOWN.

I say let it go, full capacity, no inside lineup. With the casino expanding, CJs moving and the Dog, it would have a huge impact in that area. It could end up being a nightclub/entertainment zone.

True... but to me, the location is a good one. Easy access and visible from the highway makes location an attractive choice for another shopping power centre. But I wonder if there's enough land for a development of substantial size??

So let the speculation begin... what other retail outlets can Kamloops attract? The obvious choices are Old Navy, The Gap, Home Outfitters, etc. But maybe anchored by a Best Buy Store? Or maybe Lowes Canada? Another building materials store for Aberdeen? LOL. More fastfood outlets are likely too, such as Burger King.


Really?
That's a bad location for a power centre, not for the power centre but for everyone else. First it is too close to the current box store area. Next it will kill the Aberdeen Mall and downtown. Isn't that Milobar's place?

it's a terrible idea to have any more big box shopping centres.

sahali is the least pleasant part of our city to drive in, walk in, shop in and look at. it's all because of big box shopping centres.

more to the point half of it we dont even need.

superstore, safeway AND save on foods? staples AND office depot? zellers AND wal mart? and these new plaza style centres like the summit shopping centre and landsdowne village are garbage as well.

i'll take walking downtown streets or shopping in an indoor mall over crossing parking lots ANY day.

Staples is in Aberdeen, not very close to Office Depot at all. And these are places people actually shop at. Grocery stores are a necessity. Save on, Superstore and Safeway serve an area of about 25,000 people. So, why wouldn't they build them all there. Its right in the center of South Kamloops. Aberdeen and Sahali are the fastest growing neighborhoods in the city so it only makes sense.

Staples is in Aberdeen, not very close to Office Depot at all. And these are places people actually shop at. Grocery stores are a necessity. Save on, Superstore and Safeway serve an area of about 25,000 people. So, why wouldn't they build them all there. Its right in the center of South Kamloops. Aberdeen and Sahali are the fastest growing neighborhoods in the city so it only makes sense.

It makes sense, if you want to hollow out the city, even more.
The fact is this type of development was abandoned in the 90s by most cities.
These cities have seen the errors of there ways and have moved to developing a more resident friendly environment. Density, pedestrian and transit friendly. This is neither.

25,000 or not i dont think it is needed to have 3 large grocery stores in a 1 block radius.

mind you i also think it outrageous that there are no neighbourhood stores in sahali/aberdeen.

i do wonder how much traffic could be eliminated with 2 or 3 well placed corner stores.

What do you mean neighborhood stores? Aberdeen has the Aberdeen Food Market (Brians Superfoods) Upper Sa Hali also has 7-11, used to have the Hasty Market which was replaced by an RBC, and Aberdeen and Sa hali have 9 gas stations serving the area.


And Quimby, what cities are those? Because I see it everywhere in Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack...

And Quimby, what cities are those? Because I see it everywhere in Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton, Burnaby, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack...

I wouldn't call any of those cities models for new urbanism or sustainability.

okay then..quimby.. give us some examples of your model cities?

What do you mean neighborhood stores? Aberdeen has the Aberdeen Food Market (Brians Superfoods) Upper Sa Hali also has 7-11, used to have the Hasty Market which was replaced by an RBC, and Aberdeen and Sa hali have 9 gas stations serving the area.


You have the wrong idea.

Upper Sahali, the Springhill Dr area and most of Aberdeen have no local convenience store. Springhill used to, but now it is an acupuncture clinic. You need to get in a car and drive. Examples from North Kamloops are Parkcrest Store, Halston Market, Tranquille Market, Brock Market, Hasty Mart, General Grants, and towards Westsyde there is Oak Hills grocery.

Those compliment some well placed 7/11's. The 7/11 on Summit in Upper Sahali isn't truly "upper" Sahali though. The vast majority of residents in the neighbourhood are not within walking distance.

I used to live right close to that sev and used it frequently, but if I ever had to drive to it, I just went to the Superstore instead and saved a tonne of money.

okay then..quimby.. give us some examples of your model cities?

The list is too long to place on here, but hit these links.

http://www.vtpi.org/tdm/tdm24.htm

http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&safe=off&rlz=1B3RNFA_enCA240CA264&q=examples+of+new+urbanism+and+sustainability&btnG=Search&meta=cr%3DcountryCA

Sandman takes step ahead


A new Sandman Inn Hotel in Aberdeen has taken another step in becoming a reality.

City council has given the go-ahead for a public hearing on a rezoning and development permit application by Northland Properties, a group headed by businessman Tom Gaglardi, slated for November.

The application is for a 213-room hotel across from Costco that will include a restaurant, banquet facilities and close to 70,000 square feet of retail space.

The application also includes a request for an amendment to increase the maximum building height from three to five storeys.

In August, Gaglardi announced plans to also construct a 4.5-star Signature Sandman hotel and conference centre across from Riverside Park and Interior Savings Centre.

That project is expected to cost $25 million. It will be the third Sandman Hotel in Kamloops.

Seniors seek voice

With nearly one-fifth of the people living in Kamloops seniors, it was only a matter of time before the demographic looked for greater representation at city hall.

Members of the Kamloops Health Coalition visited city hall to ask council to make Kamloops more “senior friendly.”

And one of the suggestions was for the city strike up a seniors’ advisory committee.

The group said the committee could be responsible for collecting input from seniors and offering advice on various projects.

It would act in a similar way to the city’s social planning council.

City council is warm to the idea, but wants an opportunity for a workshop to hash out the details and potential mandate.

Coun. Tina Lange said she would be thrilled to be a part of the committee.

“If we can take advice on heritage buildings, certainly we can take advice on heritage people, as well,” she said.

However, Coun. Arjun Singh said the city needs to be cautious moving forward on a seniors committee.

Singh said seniors tend to be well-represented and he would advocate instead for a committee for at-risk youth, arguing youth are less able to “get into the system.”

another low rise eh?? coulda seen that a mile away. oh well, i guess with the way the economy is we are lucky to even have developement like that happen.
so i noticed theres a new crane up in kamloops today. its up in the hills behind forresters, its nothing huge, just one that is capeable of building a 6 or 7 story building. anyone know what its for?

it's a terrible idea to have any more big box shopping centres.

sahali is the least pleasant part of our city to drive in, walk in, shop in and look at. it's all because of big box shopping centres.

more to the point half of it we dont even need.

superstore, safeway AND save on foods? staples AND office depot? zellers AND wal mart? and these new plaza style centres like the summit shopping centre and landsdowne village are garbage as well.

i'll take walking downtown streets or shopping in an indoor mall over crossing parking lots ANY day.

i have been living in kamloops for a little over a year..when i moved here i was happy,,but then reality set in and i noticed many things lacking in this growing city..first,,venture kamloops is marketing kamloops to lower mainland residents move here,,how great it is here, jobs, the outdoors, top notch sports facilities etc..but we get here and right away this is what newcombers notice or what tourists notice..and this is real..there is nothing fun for local or tourist kids to do here,,why no water slides??people dont always wanna go to riverside park or mcarthur island,,those parks are well known in the lower mainland as pedophile parks!!!the go kart track is pathetic here,,not very asthetically pleasing at all..kamloops in general is known to be an ugly city..even though its in community in blooms??!!not that pretty..kamloops has horrible shopping..i say bring on more retail..yes old navy,yes gap,,yes more grocery stores..where is i.g.a. here??where is price smart foods??if you build it they will come/shop!!the more shopping the better..bring on some fun stuff for kids,,water slide parks,,more water spray parks!!beautify the yellowhead to sun peaks!!really i cant believe this is not done yet??simple to get together with the k.i.b and maybe plant butterfly bushes along highway to sunpeaks on track side just to beautify the drive to heffley..sunpeaks promoted as such a great resort..well to tourists the drive there is just ugly,,and entrance to rocky mountain rail tours,,ugly..the north shore has major potential..i can go on and on and on..i actually do love living here,,but cant understand why it hasnt grown more than it is and isnt spruced up more on some of the outlying areas towards sunpeaks and dallas and at all entry points??more growth more development,,not saying to be the coast or kelowna but growth is good,,there is top notch sport facilities here and it is now a university town,but really there is room for major improvement i cant wait for the civic election cause the way i see it so far this council is slow at passing any good developments in this city and caters to the geriatric community here and not all the new young families that have moved here that they have promoted to in the river of citys publication!!i will only vote for a candidate for mayor who wants growth and same for council members.i have been reading these blogs and threads here since i moved here and have been happy to read of new things coming and happening here and have learnt more about kamloops reading these threads than the local paper!!well were development and growth is concerned anyways..bye bye..

Well adding retail giants will not make the city any better. It never does.

I wouldn't call any of those cities models for new urbanism or sustainability.

Kamloops has a LONG way to go before it even THINKS about being a city model for new urbanism and sustainability. I live in Aberdeen and I am all for the new power center, and I don't really care what other people have to say, because it will not affect them in any way, but it will affect me. Besides, what do you expect them to do with that spot? Since a hotel is out of the question, a power center is really all I can think of, and its not like Aberdeen is riddled with them. We only have one, and I wouldn't get too worked up about it.

Well adding retail giants will not make the city any better. It never does.

It'll put us on the map at least.

Well adding retail giants will not make the city any better. It never does.

And No one said it will make it better, but Kamloops is a sad, sad city when it comes to retail. For a city coming on 100,000 (in the next decade) It has nothing to offer.

It'll put us on the map at least.

Which map is that?

I have yet to see a map that Kamloops isn't on.

And No one said it will make it better, but Kamloops is a sad, sad city when it comes to retail. For a city coming on 100,000 (in the next decade) It has nothing to offer.

There's lots of good retail outlets on Victoria St.
Brand names are for wannabes.

Kamloops has a LONG way to go before it even THINKS about being a city model for new urbanism and sustainability. I live in Aberdeen and I am all for the new power center, and I don't really care what other people have to say, because it will not affect them in any way, but it will affect me. Besides, what do you expect them to do with that spot? Since a hotel is out of the question, a power center is really all I can think of, and its not like Aberdeen is riddled with them. We only have one, and I wouldn't get too worked up about it.

It effects everyone else, it effects the small business and their employees, the places the employees shop at, etc. Kamloops does not need another power centre, period. It would do more harm then good.

I disagree... Kamloops is totally underserved when it comes to retail shopping... a lot of people still commute to Kelowna and Vancouver just to shop. The opposite is rare. We also can afford to have a few more quality restaurants... especially ethnic restaurants.

Just not chains, because that is faux quality.

Just not chains, because that is faux quality.

I would agree with "Not Just Chains" and not "Just Not Chains". :lol:

I don't have a problem with the independent stores but their prices need to be competitive and their selection has to be diverse. I am not into supporting a business just because they are locally owned... that attitude is prevelant in many small towns. Their business hours need to be convinient to the consumer, the prices need to be competitive, etc. They have to earn my business.

Having said that.. I rarely shop downtown.. most of my shopping is done at chain stores and I make no apologies for it. Bring in more chain stores to Kamloops... so more Power Centres suits me just fine. I'm looking forward to hear more what's going on at the old Day's Inn Site.

Red Robin is all over the lower main land and in Edmonton too. Its not bad at all!
http://food.cjonline.com/files/food/redrobin.jpg

Kind of a cross between Dennys and Montana's.

http://www.redrobin.com/

So any idea, which building at the Summit Shopping Center could likely be Red Robin??? I am betting, it is the smaller building by Pizza Hut. They have set aside some parking spots between that building and the main building and it could possibly be parking for a restaurant.

The bigger building by Homesense looks like a multiple store building. I believe the new Iris Optical is going in there.

http://www.iris.ca/iris07/storeimages/667outside.jpg

Which map is that?

I have yet to see a map that Kamloops isn't on.

It's a saying. I know Kamloops is on maps, I wasn't born yesterday. You don't have to get all technical about it. I dont wanna start an argument. We have different opinions. You shop downtown, I dont care. Kamloops has plenty of local stores ppl shop at. Ex, Orange; B&B Board shop, Jardines. Another power center wont kill any of those. Stop living in a small town atmosphere. If Kamloops wants to grow, it needs to do what its gotta do. If you dont want another power center, then move. It is going to happen whether you want it to or not, so just accept it.

True! They are a reality, BUT...they can be designed better.

It's a saying. I know Kamloops is on maps, I wasn't born yesterday. You don't have to get all technical about it. I dont wanna start an argument. We have different opinions. You shop downtown, I dont care. Kamloops has plenty of local stores ppl shop at. Ex, Orange; B&B Board shop, Jardines. Another power center wont kill any of those. Stop living in a small town atmosphere. If Kamloops wants to grow, it needs to do what its gotta do. If you dont want another power center, then move. It is going to happen whether you want it to or not, so just accept it.

You don't attract people to move or visit because of power centres.
I have never heard anyone say, " I would love to move/visit Kamloops for the Wal-Mart", and I never will.

I see that YKA might soon be home to a new BREAD GARDEN - URBAN CAFE. They are looking for a new franchisee to take over the restaurant as well as a licensed lounge at the airport.

This will be the first location in the BC Interior according to the Bread G?arden website.

http://www.bgfranchising.com/_img/photos/contact-us-1.jpghttp://www.bgfranchising.com/_img/photos/cafe-locations-2.jpghttp://www.bgfranchising.com/_img/photos/cafe-locations-1.jpghttp://www.bgfranchising.com/_img/photos/our-menu-catering-1.jpghttp://www.bgfranchising.com/_img/photos/our-team-2.jpg

holy cow,,didnt anybody read my post about kamloops???guess what when we were enticed to move here with all those lovely venture kamloops brochures sent down to the lower mainland i said,,is there a walmart?????come on i couldnt have said it better,,people are living in a small town atmosphere here still..kamloops has major potential..if you build it they will come here to move and they will shop here at the big box stores and at smalll local stores..this city has soooo much work to do to get rid of its bad view of it from the rest of the lowermainland and the interior,growth is good,,always,,and yes more restaurants would be great,but definetly more ethnic would be good..

holy cow,,didnt anybody read my post about kamloops???guess what when we were enticed to move here with all those lovely venture kamloops brochures sent down to the lower mainland i said,,is there a walmart?????come on i couldnt have said it better,,people are living in a small town atmosphere here still..kamloops has major potential..if you build it they will come here to move and they will shop here at the big box stores and at smalll local stores..this city has soooo much work to do to get rid of its bad view of it from the rest of the lowermainland and the interior,growth is good,,always,,and yes more restaurants would be great,but definetly more ethnic would be good..

You've obviously been missing the global financial meltdown due to unsustainable growth. Smart growth is good, but developing a power centre when it will detrimental to the city isn't smart. It's not a small town mentality, it is building a proper city mentality. Why make the same mistakes, other cities are trying to correct?

you have your head in the sand! i am very aware of everything going on locally and globally! I spent $30,000 to move my family here away from the rest of my family and friends because of the hoopla being sent out by venture kamloops as to how good it is here,ok my husband does have a great job here, but you just dont get it, kamloops is known to be a dump of a city because the shopping is horrible, and more importantly there is nothing to do here!!!nothing, this is a desert climate and no water slide park??go figure,, is there only two or three water spray parks at city owned parks??i think so,,i would never take my kids to mcarthur island or riverside,, it is known to be a pedophile hang out,, this town needs a great place for our local kids to have fun a water slide park with a great mini golf place and ice cream parlour all located in one park kinda like osoyoos or penticton, all though i know penticton is shut down. the pathetic little mini golf thing next to the highway is so 1970's. there should be options for locals and tourists, the shopping is bad, victoria st is pretty great shops and restaurants but thats it, prices are high there, and in this global economic meltdown dollars are not going to be spent there. but then look at the rest of old downtown kamloops seymour street is ugly no boulevard tree planting, again i can go on and on and on..i live in this city i do like it,just needs help, my dollars are going into this local economy now so you cant blame me that i would like more options as to where i can spend my money and my free time..

Well, I wouldn't want to see Kamloops become a carbon copy of lower mainland or Kelowna sprawl. Chain stores don't make a city, differences and lifestyle amenities make a city.

As for McArthur and Riverside Parks, you need to get over your paranoia and quit bubble wrapping your kids.

i dont want a carbon copy of kelowna or the lower mainland just more options, i know im not the only one who desires this for kamloops, as for bubble wrapping my kids, i dont, but its pretty pathetic when other communities not even close to here say this about those two parks, and again it goes back to the fact that people in other communities do not have a good opinion of kamloops!! and if you dont believe that then you are definetly in denial, i have travelled extensively around the world and have seen many different places beautiful and not so beautiful, i am not some person who has grown up in a small town been stuck there or has not seen the world. I cant wait for kamloops to grow up and stop being known as some barren wasteland that is no more than just a stop on the highway to fuel up for gas.

Perceptions change.
Five years ago, whom would have though people would be moving to Saskatchewan.
There not moving for the retail or mild winters, either.

Its sad when even Vernon has more big box stores than Kamloops.

I'm sorry but Big Box Stores do make a city. They create lots of jobs, AND they even attract people. You may not think so, but I used to drive to Kelowna to go to Home Depot until we got one. And I am sure people from Merritt drive to Kamloops to go to Home Depot, Costco, Winners, etc. BIG BOX STORES are good, sure they take up space:ohno: and create parking lots and traffic, but thats what comes with building a city. .If you keep building houses and apartments and shit like that, in place of retail and grocery, do you think people will move into those buildings? No. Not if they dont have easy access to stores.

Perceptions change.
Five years ago, whom would have though people would be moving to Saskatchewan.
There not moving for the retail or mild winters, either.
No, they're moving because that is where the money is. Or maybe because they found a better job there. Or maybe family is there. You don't know why people move. Its just a way of life. In a couple years, I'm moving to the coast.

Honestly, Kamloops has not grown that much where we can start turning down development. Any development is good development in my opinion. Kamloops needs it.

Perceptions change.
Five years ago, whom would have though people would be moving to Saskatchewan.
There not moving for the retail or mild winters, either.

No, they're moving for the $5000-$10000 homes and acreages.

I'm sorry but Big Box Stores do make a city. They create lots of jobs, AND they even attract people. You may not think so, but I used to drive to Kelowna to go to Home Depot until we got one. And I am sure people from Merritt drive to Kamloops to go to Home Depot, Costco, Winners, etc. BIG BOX STORES are good, sure they take up space:ohno: and create parking lots and traffic, but thats what comes with building a city. .If you keep building houses and apartments and shit like that, in place of retail and grocery, do you think people will move into those buildings? No. Not if they dont have easy access to stores.

Actually they end up destroying cities and towns, it's called the Wal-Mart effect and its well documented. For every job a box store creates, four higher wage jobs are lost.

Honestly, Kamloops has not grown that much where we can start turning down development. Any development is good development in my opinion. Kamloops needs it.

On the other hand, Kamloops hasn't made the same mistakes other cities have in the past, and is a great position to avoid them.

No, they're moving for the $5000-$10000 homes and acreages.

Average price for a home is not much less then here, and is going up; we are going down.

You might be lucky to get a 800 sq ft shack in NC Regina for five times that much.

...

Big-box retailers are popular, and the retail landscape in cities the size of Kamloops is lacking without them. For instance, if I am in search of home decor items, excluding big box retailers, where in Kamloops would I shop? Thanks to Homesense, Pier 1, Micahels, and even Walmart (not small versions like we have here), I have some options. There may be an independent store I could visit, but it would have a small inventory, and high prices. In Toronto, I never have to rely on a big-box retailer because there are numerous smaller, independent retailers I would rely on.

It is a matter of choice. Pushing a shopping cart through Costco or Home Depot is not my cup of tea, but obviously many people find that appealing. My idea of shopping (having fun doing so) involves strolling along a street visiting smaller stores (bakery, butcher, etc). Relying on a vehicle is something I avoid.

Agreed that Kamloops does need the big box stores we have, even if there are some large redundancies. But for example, do we need a BestBuy? Nope, we already got one. It's called Futureshop and they both sell the exact same items at the exact same prices. (The stores are in fact the same, clones of one another and both owned by BestBuy).

Riverside and McAurther being pedo-parks is just intense nonsense and paranoia. If you look for something hard enough you will find the evidence for it anywhere. This notion has no basis in reality at all.

I'd like to agree though that there is indeed very little to do here. If you have the time and resources and money, outdoor adventuring is limitless. But let's face the facts:

- No waterslide park
- Wildlife Park is not a zoo and never will be
- No marina
- Very bad minigolf
- Poor shopping selection (non-big-box)

edit: Also agreed on Kamloops being a barren wasteland.

wow , I would have thought to hear such ANTI Kamloops crap more in the Kelowna thread. but some points you make are good. We have almost no identity in Kamloops. We are always competing with someone we cannot beat. We jack our prices up in stores more then anyone else (GAS) in B.C. and we bitch that know one wants to move here. I believe the city could do more to encorage rental construction but they dont do that.

Never thought I'd say this but I'm totally with Quimby, Kamloops does need to grow and develop but does that really necessitate bringing in more big-box retailers to undersell the locals and once their competition is gone again jack up prices? We need to develop; definitely, but it needs to be locally driven. If someone wants to shop at a generic retail chain selling low quality, poorly designed, slave labour produced merchandise for the benefit of its American owners then let them drive to Kelowna or Vancouver. Kamloops is far from being a model of urban planning, but for decades that model of urban planning has been drive miles to get to a big box retailer, consume, drive miles back home, repeat. Kamloops can avoid going down that destructive path, the city is big enough to be able to turn away development that is harmful to the community as a whole, and no, not all development is good.

TOURISM NUMBERS GOOD
NEW NUMBERS FROM TOURISM KAMLOOPS SHOW HOTEL REVENUES WERE UP THIS SUMMER. A 15 PER CENT INCREASE WAS REPORTED IN JUNE, WITH A 14 PER CENT BOOST IN JULY. TOURISM KAMLOOPS CEO LEE MORRIS ATTRIBUTES THE LIFT TO A FEW DIFFERENT FACTORS, INCLUDING STRONG COPRPORATE TRAVEL OF A GOOD RETURN ON GOLF PACKAGE PROMOTION FOR THE REGION. MORRIS ALSO CREDITS A NEW MARKETING STRATEGY AROUND RISING GAS PRICES. IT INFORMED PEOPLE ABOUT SHORTER GETAWAYS THEY COULD TAKE ON A SINGLE TANK OF GAS

Did anyone else notice Murphy Kennedy shit the bed, and fired his campaign manager?

Did anyone else notice Murphy Kennedy shit the bed, and fired his campaign manager?

Yeah, but it's not that big of a deal. Kennedy must have gotten tired of being a public face for somebody else's agenda. Seeing as you have gone from idol worship of Kennedy to using profanity to describe him can we assume that you are none other than the recently ousted Chad Moats?

Yeah, but it's not that big of a deal. Kennedy must have gotten tired of being a public face for somebody else's agenda. Seeing as you have gone from idol worship of Kennedy to using profanity to describe him can we assume that you are none other than the recently ousted Chad Moats?

Now if that was the case, wouldn't I have been going on about it since last week and not big box stores?

No, I just caught up on reading KTW online, and saw it.

What do you mean someone else's agenda? I got no vibe it wasn't his stuff.

As for Murphy, his policies are great and I will idol worship them. But firing a campaign manager with 3 weeks left is shitting the bed.

worked pretty well getting his name/face all over the media again though.

Maybe it was planned???

The expansion is taking shape, photos taken on 13th Oct while visiting YKA
Arrival
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2996509873_3ee1147a64.jpg?v=0
Arrival addition
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2996507657_49c4933eab.jpg?v=0
http://http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2996508267_067c6a8e8d.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3058/2996508267_067c6a8e8d.jpg?v=0

Check In #1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3185/2996302919_1f16de07b3.jpg?v=0

Check In #2
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/2996302463_e044c990b2.jpg?v=0

Departure now
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/2996510793_e57144ac06.jpg?v=0

from the YKA website /media
new layout
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/2997447848_f42abbfe83.jpg?v=0
original plan for the terminal 2005
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2997869193_d877f6d400.jpg?v=0

I am trying to learn to post the images full size.

well , nice work on the pics thank you !!!! ( this was not a test ) . :)

[/IMG]from the YKA website / media
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2996607717_7f2630a279.jpg?v=0
runway extension completed-without the original plan for extending the taxiway,but adding a loop on the runway end. maybe a cost saving issue.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3050329159_2798cbc5c3.jpg?v=0

Making monumental history Landmark Heights

As the name suggests, Landmark Heights will not only be a prominent feature, but will also be a benchmark in construction that combines style and luxury with location to become a sought-after piece of real estate.

Landmark One — the first of four phases of the $90-million project — is a four-storey building with 36 condo-style homes on the upper three floors and five commercial suites on the ground floor being built at the intersection of Summit Drive and McGill Road. http://redkey.ca/uploadedFiles/images/projects/landmark_one.jpg

Dubbed as the “heart of uptown,” the location is ideal, positioned across from Thompson Rivers University and the Tournament Capital Centre and only a short walk to three major Sahali shopping centres.

Michael Culos, president of Culos Group of Companies, said the building’s central location and close proximity to amenities is a major selling feature. Boasting spectacular views of the Thompson River valley, he said the location is the No. 1 place to live in the city.

Knowing the pressure on the rental market, the Culos Group has tailored a section of the building to meet housing needs for students and staff of TRU looking to own their own home within walking distance of the university.

In addition, there will be a diverse array of shops on site, such as medical and professional offices, restaurants, liquor store and retail shops, which will meet the needs of the residents and allow many to work and live on the same site.

With prices ranging from $249,000 to $499,000, there are a number of models to choose from, like a one-bedroom and den, a two-bedroom and two-bedroom and den.

And, to sweeten the deal, Culos Group offers its high-standard finishing packages that include maple cabinets, granite countertops and six stainless-steel appliances.

Some suites also have hardwood flooring and ceramic tiles.

Construction is underway and owners are expected to be able to turn the key and move into their new home by November 2009.

Phase two will be initiated sometime in the spring of 2009 and consist of about 41 units with both residential buildings having easy-access to underground parking for residents and visitors.

The third phase will be a commercial building and the final phase of the development will be a 21-storey high-rise residential tower.

The tower will have about 200 units and up to 80,000 square feet of commercial space — the centerpiece in the Landmark Heights project.

The tower, which will be the tallest in Kamloops when completed, will be flanked by the commercial building to the east and the two commercial/residential buildings to the west.

An artificial waterfall is also expected to be made part of the landscaping designs as is a sidewalk leading around the outer rim of the entire development.

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/4/6/22/f_mcgill02m_009e1b7.jpg

So when is the tower to be completed? Nov 2009?

Not sure yet, I dont even know if they've announced that...

From November's Western Investor:

Toll free to Kamloops

Lifting tolls on the Coquihalla Highway accelerates
truck traffic and trade through B.C.'s central city



When B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell surprised a meeting of municipal leaders in September with news that the tolls would be lifted on the 22-year-old Coquihalla Highway, the loudest cheers came from Kamloops.

"The tolls are gone for good on the Coquihalla," Campbell told delegates at the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention September 25.

"Thanks Gord!" yelled Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger as the audience of municipal leaders erupted in a standing ovation.

For the city of Kamloops, population 93,000, lifting the tolls is a symbolic endorsement of a freewheeling economy built largely on 18-wheel transport.

Seven years ago, as part of a public and private sector joint venture between the province, the city and local businessman Glen Thompson, the $7.3 million Gateway Truck Travel Centre in Kamloops was opened as a top-flight rest and turnaround centre for long-haul truckers that involved realigning of the Trans Canada Highway. "This is the only centre with right-on, right-off access from Salmon Arm to Merritt," Thompson said.

Recently, the truck centre struck a deal with giant diesel-fuel supplier Flying J, which offers fuel about nine cents a litre below conventional market rates.

Today, the 35-acre truck centre complex handles 60,000 freight trucks a year, up 33 per cent since 2006, and has provided the nucleus for large-scale industrial development.

Kamloops is ideally suited as a transport and distribution centre, as the only place in the province where all major highway routes, both CN and CP rail lines and two rivers converge.

B.C. truckers estimate the tolls have cost the industry close to $30 million a year ever since the $848 million Coquihalla opened in the late 1980s.

Thompson, 57, said lifting of the truck toll, which could be as high as $50 for large transports, won't likely boost traffic - since most truckers coming to and from Vancouver were forced to use the multi-lane Coquihalla in any case - but he applauded the move. "Any time you remove a tax, it has to help," he said.

Today, Thompson is more interested in the ongoing development of his 225-acre Gateway industrial park, where such clients as Husky Oil and NRI Distribution have snapped up all but 40 acres of space.

The park took a hit recently when Brandt, a large equipment dealer, put plans on hold for their western Canadian distribution centre at Gateway. The downturn in the forestry sector, and cutbacks at tractor manufacturer John Deere are blamed. Brandt has spent about $750,000 preparing the site for construction, Thompson said, "I can't see them walking away from it."

An acre of land at the Gateway industrial park sells for around $225,000, Thompson said, and he added that developers from Metro Vancouver, where land prices are up to four times as high, have been scouting sites.

All the land, he noted, has cleared environmental regulations and is fully serviced and ready to build on.

Thompson, an accountant and longtime Kamloops resident, said the city no longer relies only on the resource sector for its economic growth. "Once you get close to 100,000 population, there is inherent growth. That mass of people will create demand for goods and services, and housing."

As well, the city has matured into a university town, with the expansion of Thompson Rivers University, and a major resort destination, with a ski resort, 16 golf courses and 120 lakes within a 30-minute drive.

"Kamloops is the undiscovered jewel of the Interior of British Columbia," Thompson said.

Jewel it may be, but undiscovered is a stretch.


Fast growth

Kamloops has seen more than 3,000 new homes built in the past four years in an attempt to keep pace with a 2.5 per cent annual growth rate, notes Michael Eibl, manager, new business development, with Venture Kamloops, the city's economic development arm

Kamloops is the main retail and service area for a region of 140,000 people, Eibl said, adding that the city has seen $120 million in building permits in 2008 so far and is on pace to hit a record $200 million this year.

Kamloops city council is doing its best to facilitate new development, particularly in the downtown.

For example, a municipal property tax holiday is being offered to any developer who will build mixed-use commercial/residential building of more than 100,000 square feet in the 10-block downtown.

The deal is for a five-year exemption of local property taxes. As an example, if someone completed a $3 million project, they would not have to pay $24,000 a year in taxes during the five-year grace period.

"That is fairly healthy incentive," Eibl said, which has already attracted at least two new projects to the core.

Recently, the downtown has secured a new waterfront hotel, a 42,000-square-foot casino expansion, and new office and condominium buildings. There are already 800 businesses in the core, and Eibl said there is an emerging nucleus of environmental and engineering sector companies.

Thompson River University has 10,000 full-time students and recently completed a highrise student residence building. The university has also attracted other developments, including the adjacent University Gateway, which has plans for 80,000 square feet of commercial space and 200 condominiums in a 20-storey tower.


Housing

The average price of a detached house in Kamloops is $359,000, but there are smaller houses close to the city centre in the $250,000 range. The rental vacancy rate is around two per cent. Condominiums sell for just over $200,000 on average.


Airport

The Kamloops Airport, partly run by the city and the Airport Authority, also has expansion plans, both at the terminal and beyond.

Last month, parts of the terminal building were blocked from view by barriers as crews demolished areas that will eventually house new offices and check-in locations.

A 2,000-foot runway extension is also underway, with gravel being compacted for paving that was to complete by this month, as part of the $20 million expansion project.

This December, WestJet will join Air Canada and Horizon Air with regular service from Kamloops, offering flights to Calgary, Vancouver and Prince George.

The airport also controls two industrial sites, each of about 50 acres, which it plans to begin developing next year. The sites, aimed at cargo distributors and aviation-related businesses, will offer land leases, Eibl explained.

On another note, can anyone ask around to discover who is building the new Best Western on the site of the former Sagebrush Motel?

hmmm , I am unable to find info on it anywhere. sorry Peg.

that highrise tower if built, probably wont start construction till spring of 2010 i bet.
with the the way the economy is though, i honestly think that unless the university expands more, that tower may not be be built for over 5 years.

Good news on the Tobiano (http://www.tobianoliving.com/) front. I just heard on the radio that the developer has confirmed a December start for the new 100-slip public marina and it will be ready in time for the 2009 boating season. This is good for the City of Kamloops as viable access to the enormous and beautiful Kamloops Lake will only help grow our city.

I personally think that the City of Kamloops needs to take an aggressive stance on Kamloops Lake development and Tobiano and Tranquille on the Lake will be good starting points.

for sure, it would be nice if there were spots on the lake that had white sand. Thats my biggest issue with the lake is that there ARE NO GOOD beaches.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/8/6550191_b2b4016e01.jpg
http://www.tnrdfilm.com/locThumbs/Kamloops%20Lake%20WEB.jpg
http://www.canadafishingonline.net/kamloops_lake.jpg
http://www.lakesideinn.bc.ca/Lake-07.jpg


At the same time this will look great :
http://www.tobianoliving.com/images/FINAL-MARINA-VILLAGE.jpg
http://www.bcbusinessonline.ca/files/articles/tobiano_2a.jpg

VALLEYVIEW INTERCHANGE MONEY


THE PROVINCE IS DISHING OUT OVER ONE AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS TO HELP MAKE PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS IN VALLEYVIEW SAFER. MLA KEVIN KRUEGER ANNOUNCED 1.65 MILLION DOLLARS IN PROVINCIAL MONEY WILL AID THE CITY IN BUILDING A SAFE FLYOVER AT THE VALLEYVIEW INTERCHANGE. THE PROJECT WILL CONNECT TO THE RIVERS TRAIL SO RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO BIKE ALL THE WAY FROM THE CITY OUT TO VALLEYVIEW. THE CONSTRUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT SPRING WHICH WILL BE 1.1 KILOMETERS OF A SEPARATED PATH FROM VALLEYVIEW DRIVE TO BATTLE STREET.

Construction begins on Fulton Field dike improvements
Work has already begun on a new dike at Fulton Field, but councillors aren’t expected to approve a shifting of funds for the project until later this week.

Council is being asked to amend the 2008 Storm Sewer Capital Budget to include relocating the dike with provincial and federal funding.

Coun. John O’Fee said Sunday the $2 million is funded solely from the 2008-09 Federal-Provincial Flood Protection Program and amending the City’s financial plan bylaw is a simple case of housekeeping.

“The City is not paying for it, but it (Kamloops Airport) is on city land,” said O’Fee.

The current dike — which starts at the Thompson River and extends north to Tranquille Road — sits within the 600 metres of the runway expansion.

The dike is being moved further west in order for the runway to be extended. O’Fee said the City is also taking the opportunity to improve construction.

This includes adding layers of plastic to the dirt to create a better water barrier, he said.

Airport manager Fred Legace said a drainage system is also being added. The original dike was nothing more than raised earth.

“At least this will be properly constructed. The existing ones were not well done,” said Legace.

He said updating the dike is a priority given the importance of the property.

The Kamloops Fire Centre, Provincial Air Tanker Centre and Kamloops Airport all operate on the same, low-lying real estate.

Councillors Pat Wallace and Peter Milobar said the update is a no-brainer. Milobar said the City does

n’t want to see the area flooded. “It’s a crucial piece of infrastructure.”

Wallace said the airport is key to bringing tourist and new residents into Kamloops, and everything must be done to ensure a first-class operation.

The topic will be discussed Tuesday at council.

Construction begins on Fulton Field dike improvements
Work has already begun on a new dike at Fulton Field, but councillors aren’t expected to approve a shifting of funds for the project until later this week.

Council is being asked to amend the 2008 Storm Sewer Capital Budget to include relocating the dike with provincial and federal funding.

Coun. John O’Fee said Sunday the $2 million is funded solely from the 2008-09 Federal-Provincial Flood Protection Program and amending the City’s financial plan bylaw is a simple case of housekeeping.

“The City is not paying for it, but it (Kamloops Airport) is on city land,” said O’Fee.

The current dike — which starts at the Thompson River and extends north to Tranquille Road — sits within the 600 metres of the runway expansion.

The dike is being moved further west in order for the runway to be extended. O’Fee said the City is also taking the opportunity to improve construction.

This includes adding layers of plastic to the dirt to create a better water barrier, he said.

Airport manager Fred Legace said a drainage system is also being added. The original dike was nothing more than raised earth.

“At least this will be properly constructed. The existing ones were not well done,” said Legace.

He said updating the dike is a priority given the importance of the property.

The Kamloops Fire Centre, Provincial Air Tanker Centre and Kamloops Airport all operate on the same, low-lying real estate.

Councillors Pat Wallace and Peter Milobar said the update is a no-brainer. Milobar said the City does

n’t want to see the area flooded. “It’s a crucial piece of infrastructure.”

Wallace said the airport is key to bringing tourist and new residents into Kamloops, and everything must be done to ensure a first-class operation.

The topic will be discussed Tuesday at council.

Considering the realities in the real estate market, wouldn't it be wise not build all these "resorts". The fact that one of the main culprits in the worldwide economic downturn was over supply in housing, should set off some alarm bells????
The build at any cost mentality, being sold as progress, should be looked a very carefully.

I agree with you on this , thats for sure. Its too bad that these projects took SO LONG to come to life , just to be killed so soon.

I attended a seminar yesterday on the new House of Learning building at TRU and the Architect was on hand explaining and showing off his design. It was kinda cool seeing how this was even before the city and TRU staff got to see the designs. This building is definatly going to be an iconic building for the campus. Some of the highlights of the building are going to be a

*Built to LEED gold
*Four storey Atrium with Bio wall (4 storey's of tropical plants in front of the air intake for the entire building, acts like a filter).
*One of a kind 500 seat lecture/presentation hall that will be sunk into the ground on the south side.
*Glass curtain walls surrounding the entire building
*New water features and pond that will surround the entire building

There is alot more to this building but this is what stood out to me. They said it will break ground this spring.

what do you think about this rhino?? hahaha


Neville Log Homes bankrupt
A U.S.-based log home manufacturer that built a multi-million dollar plant here seven years ago was bankrupted by Canadian property taxes and stumpage fees, its owner said Wednesday.

Neville Log Homes Corp., a Canadian arm of Montana-based Neville Log Homes, declared bankruptcy Oct. 23, leaving behind no assets and $2 million in debts.

Two of the largest creditors are the Adams Lake Indian Band, owed $93,000, and Kamloops Indian Band, which is left holding a $77,000 debt. The 74 creditors also include Revenue Canada and WorksafeBC.

Nancy Neville, part of the family that owns Montana-based Neville Log Homes, said civic and provincial officials sold them on the business climate in B.C. before they opened in 2001.

“They were going to do all kinds of wonderful things but they didn’t do anything except tax the hell out of us.”

Neville built its plant in an industrial area on the east side of Kamloops at the bottom of the real estate cycle.

Along with rising assessments during B.C.’s booming property market, Neville said taxes shot up.

“They raised property taxes to over $100,000 a year. . . . Do you know what you’d have to sell just to pay property taxes?”

By contrast, property taxes in Neville’s home in Victor, Montana, are $10,000 for a larger property, she said.

Kamloops Indian Band chief Shane Gottfriedson said it “had no inkling it was coming” but said the bankruptcy is nonetheless unsurprising during the swift economic downturn.

“Look where the economy is going. Small companies and business are really struggling with the collapse of the forest industry.”

The administrator for Adams Lake Indian Band called the loss of a market worth $100,000 a year during tough times “a hard pill to swallow.

“You look at these sales to bring up sagging other markets,” said Albert Quinn.

“It’s hard on our forestry and natural resources department.”

Bankruptcy of Neville Log Homes takes out the last of Kamloops’ once-thriving value-added manufacturing sector.

Other closures and bankruptcies include Kamloops Forest Products, Meeker Timber and Compwood Products.

“We’re running short on sawmillers,” said consultant and forester Chris Ortner.

“It’s not a pretty picture.”

The company built a log show home, valued at more than $1 million, alongside the Trans-Canada Highway.

That home and one-hectare property are on the market but are owned by a separate holding company.

Neville also said stumpage rates to cut public timber are too high considering the plunging housing market in much of North America.

“You take a product that’s no better than firewood and make it value-added and they decide you’re making too much and add another big price.”

The company differed from most B.C. log home companies, marketing what it called its “long-log advantage.”

Its logs were untapered and offered up to 18 metres in length.

Standard log homes use shorter logs that are butted together and typically taper to a smaller diameter end.

The products was aimed at a premium market as well as for resorts, where the Kamloops factory could pump out identical units at a cost saving to conventional custom log homes.

thats really sad to hear actually.

i would think we lost at least a dozen or more good paying jobs. it would have been a lot better for the city if the property taxes were dealt with some other way.

There will not be any lost jobs. The assets of Neville Log Homes Corp. have already been purchased by investors and it's business as usual there. And in reference to your last comment Anon2, we need high property taxes here because it's not cheap for council to write censure letters to China while ignoring the basic needs of the community.

By Jeremy Deutsch - Kamloops This Week

Published: November 11, 2008 5:00 PM

Construction starts on pace to set record this year. Despite all the talk of an economic downturn, construction in the city is on pace for a record year.

Through October, the value of new construction in Kamloops was $194 million versus $180 million for the same period in 2007. If a couple of expected projects come forward before Jan. 1, 2008,it could beat the record of $208 million set a few years back.

Even more surprising, nearly all of that value is coming from private dollars.

“We’re way up over last year in terms of private money,” said David Trawin, director of development and engineering services. Last year, $15 million was considered institutional, or government, dollars but so far for 2008, that total is $3 million.

While industrial, commercial and home-renovation construction are all up from last year, the same can’t be said for single-family units. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation is reporting slumping numbers for housing starts in Kamloops.

The number of single-family starts dropped by 38 per cent in October versus the same month in 2007 to 21 from 34.

For the year, single-family starts are down 24 per cent, to 287 from 377 in 2007.

Trawin explained the trend is for people to do more additions to their houses, rather than buying new single-family dwellings.

The city is also projecting construction value to drop in 2009 and sit at about $120 to $140 million — not quite the pace of the last few years. “We see it going back to normal next year,” Trawin said.

as far as Good paying jobs @ Neville Log Homes . Keep dreaming,

I ran equipment there for 6 monthes and it was a joke. NO over time, no Coffee breaks and sometimes no paycheque. good riddance and Fuck Neville.

Whats with the crane in Upper Aberdeen near the old Folks Home? the building its building is so far, at least 3 floors, and looks like its getting taller. Anyone like to elaborate a little on this?

Whats with the crane in Upper Aberdeen near the old Folks Home? the building its building is so far, at least 3 floors, and looks like its getting taller. Anyone like to elaborate a little on this?


i already asked about that..seems noone knows what it is.
i see it everyday on my way to work, your right it is on its third floor..but its all wood framed..so i don't see it getting any taller than 4 or 5 stories.

I don't see it being any taller than that either. Sad, because that would be a great spot for a n 8 or 9 story tower.

Most would disagree, ie. The people living right across the street.

its just an expantion . 3 stories. Nothing bigger then that.

they brought a crane in for a 3 story wooden structure? now that doesn't make sense to me, seems like a lot of unnecessary extra money.

Yeah... They didn't use a crane to build the Old Folks Home, why need one for a smaller expansion.

Less room now then there was when the job site was originally being done.

Biorefinery ‘presumptuous’

- Kamloops This Week

KIB chief says announcement premature.

The chief of the Kamloops Indian Band (KIB) is calling a proposed agreement that would see the development and construction of an ethanol biorefinery and cogeneration power plant near Kamloops “presumptuous.

“We have an internal process that we have to go through before we can move forward,” Chief Shane Gottfriedson told KTW.

A Raven Biofuels International Corporation press release of Nov. 7 stated the KIB had entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the company that would see the KIB provide a 30-acre site for industrial use near Kamloops.

But Gottfriedson could not provide any details and said no decision has yet been made.

The press release by Raven Biofuels goes on to state the KIB will provide the site, along with bringing access to feedstock resources through its provincial forestry agreement within the Kamloops Timber Supply area.

The company said it has identified an initial annual output of seven-million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol and four million of furfural alcohol and related derivative chemicals.

The estimated capital cost for the initial plant, according to the company, is $33 million, with projected annual revenues of $44 million.

The refinery would employ 30 people directly.

The definitive agreement would include a feasibility study of the project.

Raven Biofuels is an American-based company focused on renewable energy, mainly producing ethanol from waste and biomass.


this is what they look like : http://www.treehugger.com/verenium-cellulose-ethanol01.jpghttp://www.treehugger.com/fuel-ethanol-plant-080819.jpg

Waste-water plant not likely till 2011

It may have been a political issue in the recent civic election, but upgrades to the city’s waste-water treatment plant won’t likely be complete until voters go back to the polls in 2011.

The project is in the pre-design stage, which is expected to be finished by Christmas.

From there, it goes to a more detailed design stage.

Meanwhile, the city is waiting to hear back on how much senior levels of government are willing to chip in for the project.

The city has applied for a grant that could cover of up to two-thirds of the cost through the Build Canada program.

Mike Warren, the city’s water-systems engineering manager, said the city is waiting for word, but noted while it’s hoping to get some funding, it doesn’t expect to get the full amount.

“If we hear this side of Christmas, I think we’ll be lucky,” he said.

City council moved the project, a $36-million sludge/lagoon option for waste treatment, forward in July.

The city had been looking at a $70-million biological treatment plant.

Effluent — liquid waste — from the current treatment plant making its way into the Thompson River isn’t up to new provincial standards.

To meet those regulations, it was recommended the treatment plant receive major upgrades.

Several incumbent councillors mentioned the importance of seeing the waste-water plant upgrades to fruition during the recent civic campaign, including mayor-elect Peter Milobar, who made it part of his platform.

The final design still needs to be approved by council.

Warren said there is a good chance some work will begin next year, but the bulk of construction will take place in 2010 and 2011.

To understand just how complicated the upgrades are, Warren explained the soil under the existing lagoons will need to be compressed to avoid settling when the tankage that forms part of the new plant is installed.

The project will have to wait a whole year after that work is done before starting construction.

“We call it an upgrade, but it’s almost a complete rebuild,” Warren said.

Might look like this : http://www.barangroup.com/sitefiles/gallery_images/images/92.jpg

Milobar already going back on his promises. Wow, is that a record?

anyone else notice the sign on the ETCH just outside of town?

"keeping our economy moving - 4 lanes from kamloops to alberta border" or something like that.

not development related really but its local progress. especially since just before the huge financial bust they were only talking about improving a small section.

I can't wait for four lanes to the Shuswap. The sooner they get that done the better.

Growth a constant at Kamloops Airport

For more than two years, Kamloops Airport has seen more and more travellers depart from and arrive at Fulton Field.

In October, 18,031 people used the airport — a six per cent increase over the same time last year.

Fred Legace, airport managing director, said the growth is more than what was forecast.

“There’s still a strong contingent on the business-travel side . . . it’s probably taken up the 10 months to get us where we are now as far as growth from previous years,” Legace said.

“I would expect within the coming year, we can look at even more growth.”

Commercial airline WestJet is scheduled to start flying from Kamloops on Dec. 15, which should bring in more travellers.

“A carrier of that size will have a stimulating effect on the market, so I expect we’ll be on the growth side for about another year.”

However, the total amount of aircraft movement is down 20 per cent from last year.

This includes a three per cent decrease in commercial traffic, a 33 per cent decrease in private flights and local traffic down by 24 per cent.

“It’s just a timing thing,” Legace said, noting local traffic is mainly related to flight training and can fluctuate by 50 per cent in any given month.

There’s no clear indicator as to why private flights, like helicopters, are down.

“I just want to make sure we observe that over the next couple of months to see how that goes,” Legace said.

Renovations and construction are also underway.

The check-in and baggage areas of the terminal are getting new hardware and interior finishes, as well as a new screening area that are all expected to be complete by Monday.

The 2,000-foot runway extension is finished, with electrical, lighting and signage being done.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3250/3050329159_2798cbc5c3.jpg?v=0 http://www.kamloopsairport.com/sitecm/i/dsc_0355.jpg
And there’s also a new flight approach into the airport over Kamloops Lake, allowing eastbound traffic to fly directly in, rather than having to circle around.

The dike on the south side of the airport is complete and the Rivers Trail has been re-opened.

“Everything’s going in the right direction,” Legace said.

“Really, what the case is, is just staying on top of it day-to-day to make certain everything goes right.”

some parts are better left to two such as 3 valley gap and glacier national park.

yeah but definitely 4 lanes to the shuswap would be perfect. That road sucks, especially at night.

photos taken on 28th nov. addition check -in
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3278/3068849960_2464253412.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/3068836884_880d96627f.jpg?v=0
footing for addition of arrival hall
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/3068834140_80d1450aed.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/3068828092_686b7f13a1.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/3067994311_75dfcefa75.jpg?v=0
new security and info kiosk in arrival hall
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/3068004709_9beb1fe932.jpg?v=0
temporary waiting room (very small!)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3173/3068846332_5a3f2b6f98.jpg?v=0
baggage makeup addition (now in use)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/3068487789_fec92c1c78.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/3069136799_ced2ddbf5c.jpg?v=0

Who is the architect of the new terminal?
Just found out from a worker that Stantec is the "design build" company.

Residents explore sustainable future
A vision of solar panels and electric bikes was presented for the city’s future during a Sustainability Forum at the Forster’s Convention Centre this past weekend.

Mayor Terry Lake attended Saturday’s forum, which included a lecture by guest speaker Guy Dauncey, president of B.C. Sustainable Energy Association.

Dauncey took a what-if look at a Kamloops of the year 2030, telling a crowd of 120 people the mountainous terrain and urban sprawl present challenges when it comes sustainability, Lake said Sunday.

But the city can outfit buildings with solar panels and encourage residents to ride electric bikes as ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“These are things that we have kind of been working on anyway,” said Lake, citing the City’s North Shore and Sustainability plans.

“He (Dauncey) also talked about quality of life and the 100-mile diet.”

Information booths were also featured at the forum. And residents were given a chance to give the City input on ideas and ways to create a more sustainable future for Kamloops.

Outgoing city councillor Arjun Singh sat in on Dauncey’s talk and toured the information booths. He said the city is “getting there” when it comes to sustainability, but could move faster on some issues.

The city should focus less on developing in Aberdeen and focus more on BUILDING IN THE DOWNTOWN. “What do we do about car trips and greenhouse gas immersions?” asked Singh.


hes right about something

He is right. I don't even have to go downtown anymore if I don't want to. I'm sure I could live in Aberdeen or Sahali my whole life without setting foot downtown. Kind of sad, how our suburbs are more useful than our downtown.

One thing living in Aberdeen that we are seeing is Transportation issues. My soon to be wife doesnt drive and to get anywhere, it takes for ever. Aberdeen is NOT walking freindly at all. She is actually wanting to sell our home and buy on the N/S just so its easier to get around for her. I said she should just buy a new BMW. But what ever.

Council on Transit

http://www.transitbc.com/regions/kam/images/kam-header-title.gif
THE BRAND NEW CITY COUNCIL WILL BE MET WITH A SERIES OF TRANSIT ISSUES THIS AFTERNOON. COUNCIL WILL DISCUSS SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS ON BUSES, AS WELL AS AN INCREASE IN SERVICE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABERDEEN. AS WELL, SEVERAL RESIDENTS OF SAHALI AND ABERDEEN HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERNS WITH NEW BUS ROUTES IN THEIR AREAS. RONDA OLDS LIVES ON ROBSON DRIVE. SHE SAYS HER STREET DOESN'T SEEM TO BE SET UP TO SUPPORT THE INFLUX OF BUSES. SHE BELIEVES HER COMMUNITY SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE A RIDERSHIP REPORT, AND A SAFETY FEASABILITY STUDY--ALL KEY FACTORS IN THE TRANSIT DECISIONS TO BE MADE. OLDS SAYS WITH A SIDEWALK ON ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE STREET, ANY NEW SERVICE ON THE OTHER SIDE WOULD CAUSE RIDERS TO GATHER ON PEOPLE'S FRONT YARDS WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS TO ARRIVE.

Home sales continue drop

http://www.indiajournal.com/images/1213832284-for%20sale.jpg
Wary of bad economic news and sliding prices, home buyers are waiting on the sidelines.

The latest figures from Kamloops show real estate sales were down 57 per cent from the same month last year, continuing a trend seen in October. There were 91 sales in November compared with 211 in November 2007.

While the drop is steep, two factors promise to bring stability to the market, the president of the Kamloops and District Real Estate Association said Monday.

The first is that housing inventories, which had been steadily climbing, turned around in November. There were about 200 fewer homes on the market last month compared to October.

“That’s a positive sign,” said Bob Gieselman. “Housing that doesn’t have to sell is going off the market, leaving the remainder for people who have to sell. That creates a new balance.”

The second factor are reports of high traffic during open houses and buyers waiting for the right time to enter the market.

Gieselman said buyers are uncertain about pricing after several months of housing deflation. The median price in November, $315,000, is off about 12 per cent from the high earlier this year. That may be exaggerated somewhat due to a lack of high-end sales in November, he added.

With sales entering a typically slow period during the Christmas season, along with caution due to world economic events, Gieselman said buyers are waiting to jump in.

“We need a new benchmark. We need buyers to buy so we have a benchmark.”

The trend of sliding sales is unlikely to change in December, which will take annual numbers back to 2004 levels. Gieselman said mid-January, when the sales season typically kicks back into gear, should provide the benchmark for prices that buyers are seeking.

He also noted that Canada is not seeing problems experienced in the U.S. with mortgages going into arrears.

Council on Transit

http://www.transitbc.com/regions/kam/images/kam-header-title.gif
THE BRAND NEW CITY COUNCIL WILL BE MET WITH A SERIES OF TRANSIT ISSUES THIS AFTERNOON. COUNCIL WILL DISCUSS SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS ON BUSES, AS WELL AS AN INCREASE IN SERVICE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABERDEEN. AS WELL, SEVERAL RESIDENTS OF SAHALI AND ABERDEEN HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERNS WITH NEW BUS ROUTES IN THEIR AREAS. RONDA OLDS LIVES ON ROBSON DRIVE. SHE SAYS HER STREET DOESN'T SEEM TO BE SET UP TO SUPPORT THE INFLUX OF BUSES. SHE BELIEVES HER COMMUNITY SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE A RIDERSHIP REPORT, AND A SAFETY FEASABILITY STUDY--ALL KEY FACTORS IN THE TRANSIT DECISIONS TO BE MADE. OLDS SAYS WITH A SIDEWALK ON ONLY ONE SIDE OF THE STREET, ANY NEW SERVICE ON THE OTHER SIDE WOULD CAUSE RIDERS TO GATHER ON PEOPLE'S FRONT YARDS WHILE WAITING FOR THE BUS TO ARRIVE.

my god, on their yards? whatever shall we do to stop this horrendous outcome? and where the hell is the north shore transit exchange? oh that's right. it never got built.

my god, on their yards? whatever shall we do to stop this horrendous outcome? and where the hell is the north shore transit exchange? oh that's right. it never got built.

Once again, North Shore gets the shaft.

yeah I dont get that .... The N/S needed that exchange and still does.

Another Honour for Tobiano
http://www.tobianogolf.com/img/scoregolf.gifhttp://www.tourismkamloops.com/images/database_new/logo_0522vK.jpg

GOLF DIGEST MAGAZINE HAS CHOSEN TOBIANO AT KAMLOOPS LAKE AS "THE BEST NEW CANADIAN COURSE OF THE YEAR." IT'S JUST THE LATEST RECOGNITION FOR THE THOMAS McBROOM-DESIGNED COURSE. EARLIER THIS YEAR SCORE GOLF MAGAZINE ALSO NAMED TOBIANO THE BEST NEW COURSE. DEVELOPER MIKE GRENIER CALLS IT THE BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENT HE CAN IMAGINE, AND SAYS HAVING TWO PRESTIGIOUS GOLF PUBLICATIONS SINGLE OUT TOBIANO FOCUSES THE SPOTLIGHT ON THE KAMLOOPS AREA AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S FINEST GOLF DESTINATIONS.

City bidding for 2014 B.C. Winter Games

http://www.tdee.ca/images/bc_banner3.jpg
The city is trying to live up to its Tournament Capital name and has officially put in a bid to host the 2014 B.C. Winter Games.

If awarded, the Games would take place in Kamloops and at Sun Peaks Resort from Feb. 20 to Feb. 23, 2014.

The Games can attract up to 2,500 athletes, coaches and officials.

Direct spending at this year’s Games, held in Kimberley and Cranbrook, was pegged at $1.78 million.

Kamloops is already hosting the 2010 World Masters Championships and the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games.

Lululemon is coming to Kamloops... just for the holidays...

They are setting up shop at 459 Landsdowne Street in Downtown Kamloops.

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2007/11/14/lululemon-cp-3762757.jpg

i see that they are pouring the foundation for the first phase of that mission hill project, good news i think. i thought that was on hold because of how long its taking.

yeah I dont get that .... The N/S needed that exchange and still does.

The fact that there is zero representation on council from north of the Thompson is probably not going to help the situation. We need a ward system.

We all need to keep in mind that the North Shore Transit Exchange project was just in the initial design phases earlier this year. Just because it is not in the news does not mean that it isn't going to be built. A project like this can't go from initial planning to build-out in less than a year.

it was announced over a year ago iirc.

and the thing is, since it's tied to transit funding obviously, it should be going hand in hand with he new routes in sahali and aberdeen starting early next year. which means construction should have started already.

unrelated to the exhange but related to the north shore's plight- has anyone gone down tranquille lately? the old supersave gas station has been turned into a used car dealership. yes, that's right, the crowning jewel of pedestrian centric urban revitalization! used cars and flashy, traffic oriented signage.

soon as that gas station closed the lot should have been rezoned to disallow auto-centric businesses. this is supposed to be part of the north shore community plan.

i firmly believe the north shore can take better care of itself.

Let's not forget Spirit Square, where is it?

i swear the only things that are ever built on time around here are low-income housing and halfway-houses.

Lululemon is coming to Kamloops... just for the holidays...

They are setting up shop at 459 Landsdowne Street in Downtown Kamloops.

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/photos/2007/11/14/lululemon-cp-3762757.jpg

just for the holidays ? So they're closing come january?

Passenger Traffic Down at Fulton Field
FEWER STORMS IN NOVEMBER MAY HAVE KEPT THE COQUIHALLA HIGHWAY IN DECENT CONDITION FOR MOTORISTS-- BUT IT MAY BE WHY KAMLOOPS AIRPORT IS REPORTING A 3 PERCENT DROP IN TRAVELLERS LAST MONTH. ABOUT 500 FEWER PEOPLE USED THE AIRPORT, OVER NOVEMBER 2007-- AND COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC WAS ALSO DOWN ABOUT 13%. MANAGING DIRECTOR FRED LEGACE BELIEVES THINGS WILL PICK UP WITH THE IMPENDING ARRIVAL OF WESTJET-- AND SAYS CONSTRUCTION IS HUMMING ALONG. AS FOR THE RUNWAY EXPANSION, IT'S HOPED WORK WILL BE COMPLETED BY ABOUT MID-MARCH.

Downtown Drinking Fountains
KAMLOOPS MAY SOON HAVE WATER FOUNTAINS IN FRONT OF THE DOWNTOWN LIBRARY AND NEAR THE SECOND AVENUE FARMER'S MARKET. ANITA STRONG WITH THE COUNCIL OF CANADIANS CAME BEFORE COUNCIL YESTERDAY TO PUSH FOR THE FOUNTAINS. SHE SAYS WE HAVE SOME OF THE BEST WATER IN THE COUNTRY, BUT IT'S NOT AVAILABLE TO ALL KAMLOOPSIANS. KAMLOOPS HAS HAD DOWNTOWN FOUNTAINS BEFORE, BUT THEY WERE REMOVED BECAUSE THEY BECAME A TARGET FOR VANDALISM
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Sun Peaks Gets Award
Another award for Sun Peaks. Christopher Nicholson at the Peaks says a top rating service, Conde Nast Traveler, has placed Sun Peaks in the top 10 of their annual list of top ski resorts in North America. It's one of two Canadian resorts in the top 10. Nicholson says Whistler-Blackcomb was first on the continent, and Sun Peaks was ranked number 10. Nicholson says it's a great tribute to the work done at Sun Peaks to be listed in the same group of resorts as Telluride in Colorado, Aspen, Jackson Hole and Vail. The ratings are based on terrain, lifts and lines, dining, apres-ski and ambience.
http://www.cpdkt.ubc.ca/__shared/assets/photo__sun_peaks_outside2201.jpg

Sun Peaks rules!

When the mountain finishes the east village and all the proposed lifts are in. I think it will be giving Whistler a run for its money.

Rental Vacancy Rates Remain Low
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VACANCY RATES IN KAMLOOPS REMAIN EXTREMELY LOW. NEW NUMBERS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING CORPORATION SHOW RENTAL VACANCY AT 0.4% IN OCTOBER, VIRTUALLY UNCHANGED FROM OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR. CMHC MARKET ANALYST PAUL FABRI SAYS PART OF THE PROBLEM IS STRONG DEMAND. FABRI ADDS AVERAGE RENT HAS RISEN AROUND 7% OR 8%, AND NOW SITS AT $660 PER MONTH FOR A ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT, AND $788 FOR A TWO-BEDROOM .

Good September for Kamloops Tourism
IN SPITE OF THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, A LOOK BACK AT THE TOURIST SEASON FOR 2008 SHOWS STRONG GROWTH, ACCORDING TO TOURISM KAMLOOPS. THE AGENCY SAYS KAMLOOPS HAS SEEN POSITIVE GROWTH SINCE 2005, INCLUDING A 12% INCREASE THIS SEPTEMBER COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER OF 2007. TOURISM KAMLOOPS CREDITS ITS "TANK OF GAS STRATEGY" THAT TARGETS MARKETS WITHIN A FEW HOURS DRIVE OF THE THOMPSON VALLEY.

Im not sure , I know the project is being done by A & T project dovemoplment

WestJet Arrives Today
A number of dignitaries will be braving the cold today as WestJet touches down with its inaugural flight into Kamloops. The service will start slowly with one flight a day to and from Calgary. The flight arrives in Kamloops at 12:45 PM, heads out at 1:30 PM back to Calgary. Travel agents tell us that the big advantage to the service is that it will open up connections out of Calgary to all sorts of destinations. And airport manager Fred Legace says it's all part of plans to increase traffic in and out of Fulton Field. Although passenger numbers dropped slightly during November, Legace doesn't see that as a long-term scenario. Today's official welcoming ceremony will be highlighted by speeches from Mayor Peter Milobar, Airport Committee Chair John O'Fee, Ken McKenzie from WestJet and Christopher Nicholson from Sun Peaks. Nicholson says Sun Peaks and Tourism Kamloops are both marketing Kamloops in Alberta as a destination now that WestJet is here.

http://k53.pbase.com/g4/85/668285/2/61392694.DSC_0176a.jpg

i wish west jet would fly to edmonton too, it would make my trips to work much quicker.

Today (15 Dec 08) Kamloops welcomed WESTJET
daily flights from Calgary started today using a B737-600 (119 Passengers)
A welcome party at the airport and a lot of happy people all around!
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Hurray!
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photo taken 15dec08
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taken on dec 15/08
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new check-in and larger screening area
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^^

Well it's about time. This should help out the resorts around town big time.
I could see this having an effect on Kelowna's airport in a negative way, seeing how 15 - 20% of their passengers are from Kamloops. Alot, if not all those people won't be making that trip anymore. I know I'll never fly out of their again.

That's a really nice sized Jet comming to Kamloops now, Im glad to see it.

Vacancy rate drops to 0.4 per cent in Kamloops

Joel Horner’s situation might be the perfect example of the rental crunch gripping the Tournament Capital.

The Kamloops resident has been looking for an affordable place to live for months without any success.

Horner lives in Copper Ridge Court, but his disability makes it hard for him to do certain daily activities, like fetch the mail down a half-flight of stairs.

As a result. he’s searching for an apartment that’s a bit more accessible than his current abode.

To make matters worse, Horner’s rent increased from $550 the previous year to $572 — and he’s bracing for another hike in a few months.

When Horner first moved into Copper Ridge last year, he wasn’t expecting to stay that long, but the tight rental market has kept him there.

“It gets frustrating,” he said of his search for a new home.

And his vexation isn’t unfounded.

The latest numbers from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) have the city’s vacancy rate at 0.4 per cent this fall, down from 0.5 per cent a year ago.

The provincial vacancy rate remains unchanged at one per cent.

Rental costs in Kamloops have also gone up for one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, by 7.5 per cent and eight per cent, respectively, from 2007.

The average one-bedroom apartment in Kamloops now costs $660 a month.

Horner receives $906 a month in disability pay from the provincial and federal governments, so getting by has been difficult.

“I’d like to try and get a place to live. I’m independent and I can do things,” he said.

Adding to Horner’s difficulties is his beloved cat — a pet he’s not about to part with.

But many rental buildings don’t take pets. With nowhere to turn, he’s at a loss as to what to do.

“I might move on the street,” he mused bluntly.“Either that or suicide.”

It’s little comfort for Horner to know the same factors have been driving the vacancy rate down for years — a rate that has remained below one per cent since 2005.

Paul Fabri, a market analyst with CMHC, noted strong economic and employment growth in the Kamloops area has attracted people to the city, increasing demand for accommodation.

At the same time, there have been virtually no new rental units added to the housing stock, which Fabri blames on the high cost of construction and low return on rent fees.

However, relief may be on the way as the slowing economy should ease the demand for accommodation, Fabri said.

The CMHC is forecasting vacancy rates to rise in the coming year, albeit slightly.

“I’m not looking at a huge increase,” Fabri said.

In an attempt to address the problem, Mayor Peter Milobar said the city is looking at permissive-tax exemptions to encourage the construction of rental units.

Milobar said he isn’t recommending subsidized housing, but rather help for landlords who want to build large rental-housing projects.

And he played down the suggestion the situation is made worse by attracting more people to Kamloops.

“I don’t think you stop trying to attract people on the demand side to change the [vacancy] number,” he said, adding if the city doesn’t continue to grow, it will be an even tougher job to get anything new built.

COUNCIL TO DEAL WITH TRANSIT ISSUES

TUESDAY'S REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING, LIKE MANY IN RECENT WEEKS, WILL DEAL WITH TRANSIT ISSUES. PLANNERS ARE BRINGING FORWARD AMENDMENTS TO PLANS FOR A NORTH SHORE TRANSIT EXCHANGE, AND WILL DISCUSS THE TOUCHY SUBJECT OF SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS AT BUS EXCHANGES. ALSO, COUNCIL WILL PREVIEW PLANS FOR A BIKE-PEDESTRIAN PATH ON SINGH STREET, AND WILL LEARN ABOUT PROGRESS ON A VALLEYVIEW BICYCLE INTERCHANGE.

So reading back about onld issues - would this be a good time for the to finally rip the Executive Inn out? Why would the put more money into that dilapatated (sp?) burned out structure?

I don't see the big deal behind WestJet, especially all the hoopla. I mean, it's just a damn 737 and a discount airline.

..and their pricing from what I have looked up is generally MORE expensive than Air Canada. Go figure....

If you haven't tried Pacific Coastal Airlines for your Vancouver trips, I recommend them. Their service is exceptional and their rates are great and you can usually have the seat beside you EMPTY!

Plus you're supporting a small BC Based Business!

I don't see the big deal behind WestJet, especially all the hoopla. I mean, it's just a damn 737!
If you are a skier and arrive on a full dash 8 aircraft you might have to wait for your skis. it can be a problem as there is a lack of cargo space for snowboard/skis with a full plane.

i dont see the big deal about one flight to calgary either.

I don't see the big deal behind WestJet, especially all the hoopla. I mean, it's just a damn 737!
If you are a skier and arrive on a full dash 8 aircraft you might have to wait for your skis. it can be a problem as there is a lack of cargo space for snowboard/skis with a full plane.

That's fine and dandy, but it's still just one flight. There is no need for us as a city to fall down on our knees and service Westjet for making money. It just makes Kamloops look simple with the front page headlines, local politicians falling over themselves to take credit and all the hoopla. This city is better then this, let's show some pride and say "It's about damn time".

Well it is a big deal because Kamloops for the past I dunno 20 years? had nothing but dash 8's.

Well it is a big deal because Kamloops for the past I dunno 20 years? had nothing but dash 8's.

Maybe I missed something here, but how is that a reason for such over the top celebrations of an airplane landing? You would have thought that JC himself appeared at Fulton Field.

Maybe I missed something here, but how is that a reason for such over the top celebrations of an airplane landing? You would have thought that JC himself appeared at Fulton Field.

Well, sometimes all of the bitter and horribly negative people who live here need something good to happen in the community. You guys have to remember that this is just a small step in the right direction.

Well, sometimes all of the bitter and horribly negative people who live here need something good to happen in the community. You guys have to remember that this is just a small step in the right direction.

Very small and irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. My concern is trying to increase economic development in tourism. Tourism is an iffy business in good time, that doesn't create long term high wage jobs. Now during a global economic recession, that could become a depression, it is even greater folly. The city should instead concentrate on ways to leverage TRU and develop high tech business areas and try to get them to invest here. At this point we rely on our service and natural resource industries too much. They are the first to go in a downturn, we need more solid and stable industries here.

Tourism is nice, but a city needs much more to survive.

Well we have to start somewhere...

Well we have to start somewhere...

It started a couple of hundred years ago with a trading post.

The tourism angle , well a healthy part of an economy, is not the path forward and is not a starting point. Don't believe the hype or the rhetoric about this event, it is false hope. It will only bring minimum wage jobs here.

The base is there already, we have the quality of life, we are in the middle of 4 major population centres without the headaches. We just need to go after the right investment, and that isn't tourism.

Wow..whoever you are Quimby, you seem to be a very negative person..It's great Kamloops finally has WestJet, albeit limited service for now, more will come, who the hell wants to get on a putt putt plane??Woot Woot to West Jet, it is a small step in the right direction, a right small step in the growth of Kamloops!!You seem to not be happy with any kind of positive growth happening in Kamloops whether it be big box outlets, power centers, west jet coming here or the minimun wage jobs. The way I see it, is it is all good growth, big or small will always lead to more and bigger and better things, if the city grows to a good size then yes more tech industry might set up shop here 'cause there will be more people living here, you have to start somewhere, take it or get out of Kamloops!!You sound like a politician or you sound like a grumpy ol man/woman!!If you love Kamloops and are living in it be happy or shut up!!Very small and irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. My concern is trying to increase economic development in tourism. Tourism is an iffy business in good time, that doesn't create long term high wage jobs. Now during a global economic recession, that could become a depression, it is even greater folly. The city should instead concentrate on ways to leverage TRU and develop high tech business areas and try to get them to invest here. At this point we rely on our service and natural resource industries too much. They are the first to go in a downturn, we need more solid and stable industries here.

Tourism is nice, but a city needs much more to survive.

Wow..whoever you are Quimby, you seem to be a very negative person..It's great Kamloops finally has WestJet, albeit limited service for now, more will come, who the hell wants to get on a putt putt plane??Woot Woot to West Jet, it is a small step in the right direction, a right small step in the growth of Kamloops!!You seem to not be happy with any kind of positive growth happening in Kamloops whether it be big box outlets, power centers, west jet coming here or the minimun wage jobs. The way I see it, is it is all good growth, big or small will always lead to more and bigger and better things, if the city grows to a good size then yes more tech industry might set up shop here 'cause there will be more people living here, you have to start somewhere, take it or get out of Kamloops!!You sound like a politician or you sound like a grumpy ol man/woman!!If you love Kamloops and are living in it be happy or shut up!!

Wow! If having an idea or opinion that doesn't match the status quo makes me negative then guess I must be negative. However, one could counter that your willingness to follow the herd, cheer for anything and belief that any growth is good growth is myopic, uneducated, short sighted and ignorant. I won't say that, because everyone has the right to be wrong.

Well..I must say i hit a nerve with you yet again..it's all your own words that make you seem like you are not happy with any kind of growth or development in Kamloops, not mine, like i said this is my community now and I am going to embrace it, even with all it's shortfalls, growth is good..West jet here in Kamloops does put us on the map now, literally, 'cause now in flight Kamloops will show on their destination maps, on every destination they fly to all over north america and beyond. So it is good, no matter how little or limited. You should embrace diversification in all forms.

Well..I must say i hit a nerve with you yet again..it's all your own words that make you seem like you are not happy with any kind of growth or development in Kamloops, not mine, like i said this is my community now and I am going to embrace it, even with all it's shortfalls, growth is good..West jet here in Kamloops does put us on the map now, literally, 'cause now in flight Kamloops will show on their destination maps, on every destination they fly to all over north america and beyond. So it is good, no matter how little or limited. You should embrace diversification in all forms.

It's that attitude that limits Kamloops, the attitude that we will take what we get. We need to demand more and better, because we deserve it.

Too many defeatists like you, really make it hard to promote Kamloops to high end investment. They are either turned off by the Wal-Mart strategy of the city or feel they can low ball on investment.

Not anything is good, a toxic waste disposal centre isn't good. C'mon raise your chin and make it better for yourself.

I don't even want to argue about this with anyone because Quimby is starting to sound exactly like the Simpsons mayor. Who, obviously, has no idea what he is talking about.

I don't even want to argue about this with anyone because Quimby is starting to sound exactly like the Simpsons mayor. Who, obviously, has no idea what he is talking about.

What's to argue?

I'm completely correct and ibolya is a defeatist, are you joining the ranks of those that say, " No, We Can't" ???

No

Well floks Im very Glad that West Jet is here. Its nice to look to the sky and see a larger Jet comming here. It's a step in the right direction and making a big deal about shows OTHER potential companies that we do care about thier buisness.

nice work , Im glad your posting on here it shows the progess.

Well floks Im very Glad that West Jet is here. Its nice to look to the sky and see a larger Jet comming here. It's a step in the right direction and making a big deal about shows OTHER potential companies that we do care about thier buisness.

Think about it for a second. Let's use the analogy of buying a car. If you go in to the dealer and tell them, how much you appreciate them, how important they are to you and you really want to by a car from them. Do you think your going to get the best price?

The same applies on the larger scale. If we act like they are doing us a favour, we will get bilked, or at least taken for all they can get. However, if we instead act like they are missing an opportunity, show them the profit potential and say, you want to do well; come here, but no deals. You pay us for this opportunity. You will have more high end investors.

It's all about presentation.

Well I can agree to that as well. Maybe a half way approach might have been a better thing then what took place.

Well I can agree to that as well. Maybe a half way approach might have been a better thing then what took place.

At a bare minimum, but it has been impeded by the rah-rah group or the anything is better then nothing group. These types are worse then NIMBYs.

Kamloops has so many geographical and physical advantages over so many other places twice our size. This incessant desire to get bigger is a bit of a Pandora's box and should be taken intelligently. If we do it wrong, we scare off the investments, we scare off the relocations by creating a urban wasteland. If we do it right, we could have a prosperous community at 100k-200k. With right mix of tech, film and tourism, we could have all the amenities of a Vancouver without the disadvantages of a large metro area.

I know the place is a major employer and an economic engine but the pulp mill is holding us back and scaring off investors. Can we sacrifice a current economic driver for a more prosperous Kamloops in a decade?

^^

I couldn't agree with you more about the Pulp mill. I can't stand looking at that stack. We definatly need to get rid of Domtar. Replace it with an inland port or somthing. Kamloops will hurt for a bit, but in the long run we'll do better.

Quimby, I don't understand you argument. Not wanting the city or residents to make a big deal makes no sense to me and neither does your analogy. WestJet is just as excited to be flying into Kamloops as Kamloops is to have them. They have been wanting to come here for years but our airport sucked. Nothing to do with Kamloops taking whatever it can get. What do you want, Singapore air to start making daily flights to Korea.

^^

I couldn't agree with you more about the Pulp mill. I can't stand looking at that stack. We definatly need to get rid of Domtar. Replace it with an inland port or somthing. Kamloops will hurt for a bit, but in the long run we'll do better.

Quimby, I don't understand you argument. Not wanting the city or residents to make a big deal makes no sense to me and neither does your analogy. WestJet is just as excited to be flying into Kamloops as Kamloops is to have them. They have been wanting to come here for years but our airport sucked. Nothing to do with Kamloops taking whatever it can get. What do you want, Singapore air to start making daily flights to Korea.

My argument is that you don't go into negotiations with a please come here attitude. It is just setting yourself up to be taken to the cleaners. In fact, Westjet is getting $200k/year for marketing. Westjet should want to come for one reason and one reason only, passengers and profit.

True the airport needed improvements, and that is something to be excited about not the airlines arriving. The infrastructure needed improvement and will need more in the future. But that doesn't mean we go begging cap in hand to the airlines. We make the airport better and remind them that there is alot of profit potential here. If they don't come, well then screw them because another airline will eventually. As for Singapore Air and Korea, your attempt to nullify a debate with absurdness is duly noted.

In regards to West Jet I thinks it's great for Sun Peaks and business tavel. Just gives people a few more options.

Adds little value (at this point) for the average person. Maybe a step in the right direction but so was Horizon Air a fews years back!

I'd like to see some sort of direct flight to Las Vegas then we'd be getting somewhere. Even if they could just do a Thursday night down Sunday return every week.

Still forced to drive to either Seattle or Bellingham to fly to Vegas.

Right now out of Bellingham you can get air for two with 3 nights hotel for $500+ USD all in. I can handle the 3 hour drive and 2 hour flight. Sucks coming home hungover though.

DOOM AND GLOOM PRONOUNCEMENTS ASIDE, 2008 MAY TURN OUT TO BE A RECORD YEAR FOR BUILDING PERMIT VALUES IN KAMLOOPS. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR DAVID TRAWIN SAYS WHILE NOT ALL OF THE NUMBERS HAVE BEEN TALLIED YET, HE CAN SAY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PERMITS RETURNED TO NORMAL LEVELS. HOWEVER, TRAWIN SAYS THERE WAS COMPENSATION ELSEWHERE, WITH A LOT MORE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS THAN EXPECTED COMING ON STREAM. TRAWIN ADDS THERE WERE A NUMBER OF MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PERMITS TAKEN OUT AS WELL. HE SAYS IF THERE IS A SLOWDOWN IT WILL LIKELY BE SEEN NEXT YEAR, BUT EVEN THAT WON'T BE CATASTROPHIC.

http://www.cfjctv.com/news_details.php?n_id=1224

I think it's awsome that Westjet is flying into Kamloops. Everytime I visit, I fall in love with the city a little bit more. I feel right at home here. I've been meaning to spend a full weekend in this city, but have never really had the opportunity. Maybe this summer I'll head down for a weekend and check out the entire city and surrounding area. I would love to be able to move to Kamloops within five years, but we'll see.

Here's hoping. Oh, and I'll be posting here a little more often now. What are the average house prices in Kamloops now? Average condo prices?

In regards to Doom and Gloom

2009 could be a terrible year for Kamloops development. All the big projects got rolling before the slow down so atleast they'll finish. Now builders will be building very little new homes as there is a lot of product still on the market. Heck just drive up to Batch, there must be 30+ houses sitting there since last fall. Some builders are giving away cars with the purchase of a new home. Deep out in Brock there is a subdivision with 119 lots. I think only a handful are sold. The builder out there has two homes for sale since the summer. Plus he has about 4 foundations in since the summer. Only a couple of home owners have completed homes. That project at the end of Ida Lane in Westsyde is a ghost town. The List goes on and on!

Now with the New Gold project on hold 2009 could be a very trying year for some business and self employed people.

Best Of Luck

im from penticton and your right there is alot of big construction here but the plan for the massive 590 room hotel didnt even get started because it got bankrupted by delay of city councils approval of it now their going to make a 17storey and 14 storey condiuminum towers and theires another 10storey and 8storey towers being made called the aleson place.As well theres the two fancy 15storey okanogan lakefront towers.

penticton has that kind of construction going on with only like 35,000 people??
kamloops sure is lagging these days.
anything new on the go?? i haven't been home in quite some time now.

Construction values skyrocket


It was a record year for construction value in Kamloops, despite a substantial drop in the amount of single-family units being built in the city.

The city topped the $207-million mark for the value of construction permits in 2008, blasting past the previous year’s $185 million.

The numbers are a surprise to David Trawin, director of development and engineering, who anticipated the value to be on par with 2007.

He noted the new record was helped by a strong year for permits on the industrial and commercial side of construction.

Commercial value was up from $31 million in 2007 to $48 million this year, while industrial was up from $1 million to $15 million.

“We look at those numbers as being more economic generators, which we feel is hugely positive for the city,” Trawin said.

But single-family units took a big hit this year, declining from 332 permits in 2007 to 200 in 2008 — and only one in the month of December.

Trawin surmised the drop has more to do with the amount of supply on the market rather than the economy being poor.

For this year, Trawin expects commercial and industrial building permits to stay strong, noting a few big projects are in the works, including the new downtown casino, North Shore and TRU libraries and some multi-family projects.
However, residential permits are expected to continue to drop.

Overall, the city is predicting a return to a normal pace for construction this year, with values estimated at $120 to $140 million.

While the drop could leave the city as much as $400,000 short in revenue, Trawin pointed out the city made more than expected in 2008.

He also said the city isn’t planning to trim staff, suggesting people will still be needed to inspect the construction of projects approved last year.

Another change from 2007 was a surge in renovations and additions with values up 300 per cent in 2008.

Holiday numbers holding strong at Sun Peaks
Skiers and snowboarders took to the hills in droves, not letting economic uncertainty dampen their holiday plans.

Despite a slower than expected start to its winter season, Sun Peaks Resort picked up the pace over the holiday period and came close to the record set last season.

“Christmas and New Year’s were the second largest ever, within 1,000 visitors last year and well above 2006-2007,” Tourism Sun Peaks president Christopher Nicolson said Tuesday. “During that we went well over 5,000 visits per day,” he added. “Dec. 30 was our second largest day ever.”

The season started gradually in late-November. Like most B.C. ski areas, Sun Peaks had insufficient snow to open runs top-to-bottom on opening day Nov. 22. However, snow covered the mountain a week later and arrived in abundance in mid-December.

“Weather has certainly been the dictator,” Nicolson said.

There was also a concern that fluctuating Canadian dollar might deter visits from Washington State, which represents about 10 per cent of the resort’s winter business. That didn’t happen.

“We had lots of Washington guests over Christmas time and were making a special effort to talk to them and get an idea,” Nicolson said. The sense is that the U.S. Pacific Northwest, not unlike Western Canada, has been more resistant to the recessionary tide that has swept the rest of the U.S.

There is another factor that may be working to the ski industry’s advantage, he noted. Skiers and snowboarders tend to highly value their pastime to the extent where it weathers recession more than other types of discretionary spending.

“At the end of the day, I think it makes people feel good and that is compelling.”

Nicolson wasn’t declaring the winter season a victory just yet, though.

“Time will tell. The marketplace is starting to change. The amount people spend on their vacations may change and we’re interested to see what happens over the next couple of months.”

In recent years the resort has been looking to expand its horizons by attracting more winter visitors from Alberta and overseas from Australia and New Zealand. New groups, travelling ski school programs from Down Under, are scheduled to arrive this month and next, bolstering midwinter business.

As well, the resort has invested $130,000, in partnership with Tourism Canada and West Jet, in marketing to Albertans. Sun Peaks offers warmer temperatures and ski-in, ski-out opportunities for destination visitors, an added enticement over Rocky Mountain ski areas, Nicolson said.

Would increased popularity eventually undermine the resort’s marketed appeal as a less hectic, less crowded experience?

“The vision of Sun Peaks is never to become a crowded resort. When you look at increases in skiable terrain and lift capacity, they’ve parallelled the increase in skiers. We have a commitment from the ownership to ensure it doesn’t become crowded.

Are there any recent and up-to-date plans for any skyscrapers in Kamloops?

no there isn't. kamloops hardly builds anything tall. Actually, maybe every 9 or so years u might see something taller than 6 storys go up..

LOL thats true Trey.

New Gold Project Delayed 16 Months
NEW GOLD SAYS THE AFTON MINE OUTSIDE KAMLOOPS WILL OPEN 16 MONTHS LATER THAN EXPECTED. IT WAS SET TO OPEN IN 2010, BUT THE COMPANY SAYS IT'S HAD TO SLOW DOWN DEVELOPMENT BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN. IT'S NOW EXPECTED TO OPEN IN 2012-- BUT NEW GOLD PRESIDENT AND CEO BOB GALLAGHER SAYS HE'S OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE.HE SAYS IN THE PAST BOOM CYCLE, WE DIDN'T SEE A LOT OF NEW COPPER MINES COME ON STREAM, SO WHEN THE ECONOMY STARTS TO GROW AGAIN, THERE SHOULD BE A STRONG DEMAND AND GOOD PERFORMANCE ON THE COPPER PRICE MOVING FORWARD. COPPER FELL 5 PER CENT YESTERDAY ON A STRONGER U-S DOLLAR, AND AS A JUMP IN INVENTORIES ADDED TO CONCERNS ABOUT DEMAND.

Senior Home Rezoning Goes to Public Hearing
A BROCKLEHURST SENIORS RESIDENCE HAS TAKEN A STEP TOWARD EXPANSION. ACTIVE CARE SENIORS SERVICES WANTS TO EXPAND THE HOME AT THE CORNER OF GREENFIELD AVENUE AND SINGH STREET FROM ITS PRESENT TOTAL OF NINE BEDS TO 22. COUNCILLOR MARG SPINA SAYS SHE'S BEHIND THE IDEA OF WELCOMING MORE SENIORS BEDS TO KAMLOOPS. AT CITY HALL TODAY, COUNCIL SENT THE REZONING APPLICATION TO PUBLIC HEARING.

City refines its wish list

As Ottawa goes about its business to prepare for the upcoming federal budget, municipalities are putting together their own wish-lists of infrastructure projects in need of funding, including Kamloops.

In total, the city has a list of 25 “shovel-ready” projects worth a total of $6.9 million it would like the federal government to consider as it puts together the budget.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) asked its members to compile a list of these projects for 2009 for Ottawa to consider if money was available.

The FCM was looking for small and medium-sized infrastructure projects that involve repair and rehabilitation, but will also create jobs to keep people working.

The city’s list includes repairs to Interior Savings Centre, rehabilitation of the Rivers Trail and a plethora of roadwork.

Maurice Gravelle, the city’s manager of capital projects, said the items are jobs that could be put out to tender and awarded quickly.

“The intent being people get to work in the spring rather than wait six to nine months for final federal government infrastructure and environmental approvals,” he said.

Yet the list of projects is quite modest compared to other municipalities.

Larger cities, such as Calgary and Edmonton, are asking for billions for light rapid transit, while Kelowna is asking for $32 million for transit improvements.

However, those larger projects are promising to create more jobs.

Gravelle said the city didn’t produce a more expensive list because it tried to follow FCM’s guidelines when picking its projects.

“What we looked at was where we could really use money for projects that require little time to put together,” he said.

The number of jobs created from the city’s list is estimated to be 63.

If any of the projects are approved for funding, the city would still have put together a detailed application.

City pitches transit changes or riders




Three open houses held to highlight southwest routes

The city has made its pitch to transit users and residents regarding the upcoming changes to bus service in southwest Kamloops — it’s now up to council to give it the OK.

City transportation officials, along with BC Transit and transit operator Farwest Coach, held a trio of public open houses this weekend to provide residents and users an opportunity to see the new transit schedule in detail and give feedback.

The information gathered by the city, which includes a survey, will be compiled and presented to council on Feb. 3 for final approval.

Reaction to the transit changes at the Thompson Rivers University open house Friday afternoon was mostly positive.

Derek Burdikin, a TRU student who takes the bus to school everyday, likes the proposed routes.

He lives on Gleneagles Drive in Sahali and walks to work at Aberdeen Mall.

He said the new loop will now allow him to take the bus to work.

While Burdikin said he uses a car on weekends, the changes may mean he won’t need a vehicle at all.

“I’m pretty impressed, actually,” he said, suggesting people who use transit will also like the changes.

The city is adding 10,000 annual service hours to the southwest sector.

Some of the changes include a new Route 11 to the hospital and making routes 9,7 and 4 — now one-way routes — into two-way trips.

Alex Lai, another TRU student, also takes the bus to school, but said the changes don’t appear to affect him that much.

However, he sees no problem with the new routes and, overall, finds the city’s transit service to be good.

There were also open houses held later Friday at the Hal Rodgers Centre for residents and Saturday at Aberdeen Mall.

Last fall, residents living in the Robson Drive area came forward to council to oppose some of the proposed changes, specifically the two-way routes and bus-stop placement.

Erin Felker, the city’s transportation planner, said major revisions to the plan would require a lot of work and time and could jeopardize the cost-sharing funding from BC Transit if not implemented by the end of March, which is the end of the fiscal year.

Nevertheless, she said little changes are feasible and bus-stop changes are definitely possible.

“We want people to have the facts — to know that transit service is an important part of the community and these improvements are really for the benefit, and not as detrimental as people think they are,” Felker said.

If approved, the new schedule will begin on March 29.

Directors send mosque application to public hearing

TNRD directors decided Thursday to let the public, rather than its planners, have the say whether a Knutsford property will become home to the region’s first mosque.

The board of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District voted 22-2 to allow a rezoning application to go to a public hearing.

The TNRD’s planning department recommended turning down the project at the outset, calling it “urban sprawl” that belonged inside the city limits.

“Let’s let the public tell us how they feel,” argued director Pat Wallace.

The Kamloops Islamic Association purchased a .4-hectare parcel in 2007 beside a mobile home park in Knutsford for the eventual development of a mosque.

The property is zoned for single-family and commercial-recreational development.

Planners noted in a report the property is not on a bus route and has no services. Knutsford relies on wells for drinking water and regularly suffers shortages.

Those issues will be looked at in a public hearing early this year.

John Taylor, director for the Knutsford area, said his inclination is also to send the rezoning to a public hearing so proponents and residents in opposition alike can have their say.

Two residents wrote letters of opposition to the project going to a public hearing. Taylor noted the association held an open house and thus far there appears to be little opposition.

“Before it gets to the board (for a public hearing) I’ll be out there talking to residents.”

Ronaye Elliott, director for the Cherry Creek-Savona area, voted against sending the rezoning to a public hearing, calling it “the wrong place.

“I’ve got nothing against them having a mosque. They need to pick a better spot.”

While TNRD planners suggest the group locate its religious gathering place inside the city, where it would have water, sewer and bus service, Elliott said a location that is “a little more rural,” makes sense to her.

“They have a following who can go anywhere.”

Longer life for mine means 900 jobs safe


Highland Valley Copper is looking at stretching mine operations beyond another decade, potentially retaining 900 jobs and generating millions of additional dollars into the regional economy.

But that decision may impact plans to develop a landfill for southern B.C., a spokesman said Friday.

Mine officials met with the Steelworkers union Thursday to tell workers there will be no layoffs as part of mine owner Teck’s cost-cutting plans.

“The company is taking the position there won’t be any need for layoffs,” said Richard Boyce, president of Local 7619 of the United Steelworkers.

The mine remains viable, despite copper prices that have fallen 65 per cent compared to a high reached last year.

Boyce said the union was also told Teck has approved a mine life plan that will take Highland Valley Copper’s operations to at least 2019.

“They might even go to 2024,” Boyce said, adding the possible mine life extension is welcome news for young workers recently hired.

“Right now it’s all good news. It’s great for people at the mine. We have so many young people.”

Mine spokesman Mark Freberg said extension beyond 2019 depends on copper markets and prices. Mine officials are also determining whether a mine life extension and development of a landfill are economically possible together.

“We want to make sure we understand the full impact of going forward on a landfill on mine plans beyond 2019.”

Freberg cautioned mining beyond a decade doesn’t necessarily mean the end of landfill development.

“It (landfill) wouldn’t prevent us from going beyond 2019 but it may add too much to the cost.”

Logan Lake mayor Marlon Dosch said word there will be no layoffs is welcome news in the community.

“No layoffs is good. If they can do it through attrition it’s perfect.”

Boyce said the union was told normal attrition of workers going to retirement would meet company objectives of reducing its workforce.

“We’re anticipating this year we’ll lose a minimum of 15 people and upwards of 30. That’s through normal retirement.”

not much has changed since December because of the very cold weather.
work is progressing out of sight.
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Wow, yeah its comming along now. I was there about 10 days ago and its looking good. West Jet has its own section of the air port just for them , unlike the rest that have just one counter.

City looks for $7 million from Ottawa to build infrastructure

Kamloops wants a $7-million bite out of the $4 billion carrot that Ottawa is dangling for infrastructure funding this year.

Mayor Peter Milobar said it’s good news the federal government is going to put billions into infrastructure funding. But the devil is in the details.

“I’m always cautious when I hear these announcements. Because until you get the details, it’s hard to know how beneficial it will be.”

Details such as whether municipalities will have to come up with one-third of the project funds themselves and whether Ottawa will have to create agreements with each province individually if there’s cost sharing involved.

It’s those kinds of details that can slow down the process of getting the funds to the municipalities and get the projects going, Milobar said Monday.

“It’s great that there’s going to be the $4 billion there. We need to see what they’re talking about in terms of timelines in releasing the money; what’s the cost-sharing going to be,” he said.

“Typically, the feds announce their amount and then they have to arrange an agreement with each province. There’s $30 billion in the Build Canada Fund right now. There’s a lot of projects out there waiting for an OK (from that fund).”

Milobar noted that the Kamloops airport expansion ended up requiring two environmental assessments — one for Victoria, one for Ottawa — because there wasn’t an agreement that both would accept the same report. That contributed to slowing down that project.

“I applaud the extra $4 billion. I want to see how it’s going to break down specifically for the province and the time line — how it’s going to release the $4 billion.”

Federal Transport Minister John Baird said of the $7 billion in total that the Conservative government is putting into infrastructure spending this year, $4 billion will be carved off in the next two years for provincial and municipal projects that are ready to go.

That $4 billion will get high demand.

Earlier this month, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) released its list of members who have ‘shovel-ready’ projects that could proceed this year.

The 35-page list consisted of 2,249 projects across the country, including 25 submitted by the City of Kamloops.

The City’s projects range from road and bridge repairs to storm drain upgrades to repairs to the Interior Savings Centre.

City utilities director David Duckworth said the Kamloops projects were all identified in the five-year capital plan. They have to involve rehabilitation or repairs and not require much design work.

The FCM estimates that for each $1 billion that goes into new infrastructure, more than 11,000 jobs are created. The organization’s numbers show local infrastructure investments employed 190,000 people and added 2.1 per cent to the national gross domestic product.

Budget may make money available for project at TRU


TRU could get a financial boost for its House of Learning project with new infrastructure funding contained in today’s federal budget.

Transport Minister John Baird announced infrastructure spending of $7 billion Monday in one of a series of pre-budget announcements made by the Tories in the name of economic stimulus.

Of that total, $4 billion will be spread over two years for provincial and municipal projects, including roads, sewers and bridges. Another $2 billion will go to repairs, maintenance and construction at universities and colleges, and $1 billion will support green infrastructure projects.

There is a hitch: Baird, who is also in charge of federal infrastructure spending, wants to see shovels in the ground as soon as possible. That eliminates any project not already on the drawing board.

At TRU that leaves only the House of Learning. Spokesman Josh Keller said there is a possibility the university could tap into the new funding program.

“That is not only shovel ready but the shovel is actually in the ground,” Keller said. “If there’s an opportunity to supplement funding through this program, we certainly will be looking very closely at that.”

Sod was broken at the site, which lies at the centre of the campus adjacent to Old Main Building, in November. With a projected cost of $32 million, the new structure will house the campus library and a student commons. The building is the largest construction project in Kamloops and is expected to provide hundreds of jobs before it is completed.

The provincial government has already contributed $18 million to the project. Other funding will come from the university’s levy but $9 million must be raised on top of that.

However, since the project was drafted the economy has done an about-face. Initially, inflationary construction costs pushed the price tag $3 million higher. Now the economy has slowed to the point where corporate donors are harder to find. As a result the fundraising campaign has been extended to four years from the three years originally planned.

Last spring, as an enticement, the university offered to name the building after any benefactor coming through the door with $3 million.

“We have been and will continue to be in communication with our Member of Parliament for the House of Learning and for the continued growth of TRU,” said Christopher Seguin, vice-president of advancement. He would not elaborate on whether the new funds might be applicable. “There are ongoing communications,” he added.

Baird’s announcement drew skepticism and criticism, partly because he specified the $7 billion will go toward projects that could be completed by 2010. While cutting red tape may help, large projects simply don’t go on-stream that quickly.

Others noted that the total sum earmarked for infrastructure will have little effect on the health of the economy overall due to scale. Canada has a GDP of $1 trillion. Ontario alone is said to need an infrastructure investment of $100 billion.

So I have noticed the new office building on Summit is well under way now. And does anyone know for sure what the new Hotel on Columbia ( under construction )is going to look like?

Keys Construction breaks ground on new Kamloops hotel



The tournament capital of Canada is preparing for another new hotel.

Keys Construction recently broke ground on a new four-storey, 81-room facility at 660 Columbia Street.

The 40,000-square-foot facility will also contain an indoor swimming pool with sauna facilities.

The $7 million hotel was designed by architect Bill Christie.

The project is being built at the same time two Sandman hotels are in the planning stages for the Kamloops area.

Given the number of annual tournaments in Kamloops, the City will have no problem filling the rooms.

Completion is scheduled for summer 2009.

FRANCHISES GOOD FOR ECONOMY

FLYING IN THE FACE OF AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, KAMLOOPS WILL HOST A FRANCHISE DISCOVERY DAY WITH FIVE FRANCHISES THAT SAY THEY WANT TO OPEN A NEW LOCATION IN KAMLOOPS. THE CHAINS ARE LOOKING FOR POTENTIAL OWNER-OPERATORS. LORRAINE McLACHLAN, PRESIDENT OF THE CANADIAN FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION, SAYS THE ECONOMY IS DIFFICULT, BUT IT HASN'T GROUND TO A HALT. SHE SAYS BUSINESSES DOES CONTINUE, AND SOME KNOW THIS IS A GOOD MARKET AND A GOOD TIME TO OPEN A LOCATION. THE EVENT GOES TOMORROW AT THE COAST CANADIAN INN FROM 10 A-M TO 4 P-M.

Not yet on the market


It’s been nearly a year since Weyerhaeuser announced it was pulling its sawmill operation out of Kamloops, yet what will eventually become of the riverfront property hasn’t been determined.

Demolition of the 40-year-old sawmill is underway and fairly close to completion.

After the demolition is complete, the property on Mission Flats Road will then go through an environmental assessment to determine what remediation, if any, is needed before it is put up for sale.

Wayne Roznowsky, public affairs manager for Weyerhaeuser in Canada, said it’s the forest company’s plan to put the property up for sale, but it might be some time before that happens.

“When the site gets the environmental OK, then it goes on the market,” he said.

“We really don’t have a timeline yet. It really depends on what the environmental status is.”

The sawmill officially closed its doors in May 2008, leaving 200 employees out of work.

Roznowsky isn’t sure what the property is worth or what it will be eventually marketed as.

The property is currently zoned as industrial land.

According to the B.C. Assessment Authority, the mill’s property at 1550 Mission Flats Rd. was assessed at $2.4 million for 2009.

While it may be an attractive piece of land, it doesn’t appear the city has any plans to buy it.

Mayor Peter Milobar said the city hasn’t discussed acquiring the land, noting it would likely be very expensive.

He said the property isn’t near any other city infrastructure components and, given what surrounds the land, the city wouldn’t buy it to convert it into a residential piece either.

Milobar would like to see another industrial user come along and do something with the property.

“There’s lots of uses someone can use it for, hopefully a business comes in and does that,” he said.

Red Robin is set to open in the open unit right beside Sportmart. There are some other announcements at the Summit Shopping Centre. The new vacant unit beside Iris Optical will be Pebble Creek Custom Designs. There's also Nando's Chicken opening up in the standalone building closer to the Summit drive entrance. I believe there;s a clothing store opening up near Lotus Wear too... but their name escapes me at the moment.

Moxie's Classic Grill's phone # is already listed in the Yellow Pages but no sign of activity to renovate the old Brass Kettle location in Aberdeen.

FRANCHISES GOOD FOR ECONOMY

FLYING IN THE FACE OF AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, KAMLOOPS WILL HOST A FRANCHISE DISCOVERY DAY WITH FIVE FRANCHISES THAT SAY THEY WANT TO OPEN A NEW LOCATION IN KAMLOOPS. THE CHAINS ARE LOOKING FOR POTENTIAL OWNER-OPERATORS. LORRAINE McLACHLAN, PRESIDENT OF THE CANADIAN FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION, SAYS THE ECONOMY IS DIFFICULT, BUT IT HASN'T GROUND TO A HALT. SHE SAYS BUSINESSES DOES CONTINUE, AND SOME KNOW THIS IS A GOOD MARKET AND A GOOD TIME TO OPEN A LOCATION. THE EVENT GOES TOMORROW AT THE COAST CANADIAN INN FROM 10 A-M TO 4 P-M.

What are the franchises?

window frames are added to the new waiting room
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footing for washroom expansion and customs offices (street side/front of terminal)
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old arrival is being prepared for expansion
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sounds like there is some activity going on in my home town, i'll have to take a drive around when i get back tommorrow, its been awhile since i was last in kamloops. probably no highrises going up though. has anyone seen if that northshore library project has started construction?

Yes the North Shore project is under construction and the new Holiday inn is almost done.
The Big Best Western is now called the Kamloops towne Lodge. They have a huge indoor theater now!
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New Best western on Columbia is under construction.

They do?

The new BW...is there any contact info yet???

The Towne Lodge looks cool!!!

Damn I miss Red Robin's burgers....

wow, i drove out to mission flats today, the sawmill is gone! thats crazy, you would never have know that area used to be a sawmill, i was shocked at first. i really did miss out alot, anywhere else i should go look at?

Transit Changes Approved


IT COULD BE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE TO TRANSIT SERVICE - KAMLOOPS HAS EVER SEEN.
BEGINNING AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH - TRANSIT RIDERS CAN LOOK FORWARD TO EXPANDED SERVICE ON BUS ROUTES IN THE SAHALI AND ABERDEEN AREAS - DURING PEAK DAYTIME HOURS. WITH FEEDBACK FROM RESIDENTS -- THE CITY HAS ADDED FOUR NEW BUSES TO THE SOUTHWEST AREA OF KAMLOOPS - INCREASING SERVICE BY CLOSE TO 10,000 HOURS PER YEAR. THE CHANGE COMES AS THE POPULATION OF PEOPLE LIVING IN SAHALI AND ABERDEEN - IS GROWING. CITY TRANSPORTATION PLANNER ERIN FELKER SAYS IT WILL PROVIDE MORE DIRECT SERVICE. THE COST IS $300,000 PER YEAR. FELKER SAYS THAT MONEY IS ALREADY IN THE BUDGET. AS THE RIDERSHIP CONTINUES TO CLIMB, MISSED CONNECTIONS AND WAIT TIMES CAN BE A PROBLEM, BUT FELKER SAYS THEY'RE HOPING TO REDUCE THOSE PROBLEMS. FOUR NEW BUSES WILL BE ADDED TO THE CITY SYSTEM.

$3Million grant to create city jobs at Nexterra
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A B.C. company that pioneered energy technology at a Kamloops plant expects to create new jobs in construction and related spending here.

B.C. Bioenergy Network has awarded a $3 million grant, which will be split into two phases of work, to the Vancouver-based Nexterra Energy Corp.

The company built and operates a pilot plant in Campbell Creek to test its technology used to gasify woodwaste.

The result is clean energy that is considered carbon neutral and will help the province meet its commitments to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Success of that project led to installation of a woodwaste gasifier at Tolko Industries Ltd.’s Heffley Creek mill several years ago.

Raymond McAllister, spokesman for Nexterra, said Wednesday the award will boost spending and operations here.

“Yes, the funding from the B.C. Bioenergy Network will be part of a project, most of which will be done at our development centre in Kamloops.”

McAllister said the company is working on a partnership deal and expects to release details of the program within weeks.

Jobs are expected in construction and procurement to expand the development centre.

“There will be significant benefit money wise in the Kamloops area,” he said.

The B.C. Bioenergy Network was established last year by the B.C. Liberal government with a $25-million grant.

The industry-led group invests in research and development as well as in near-term production of biomass-based energy.

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger said the grant will provide a welcome boost at a time when the Interior’s economy is struggling.

“At least half the money will be spent in Kamloops,” Krueger said. “They’re already building projects in various places around the province. It’s a great job creator.”

Nexterra has also worked with Domtar Corp.’s Kamloops pulp mill to replace a natural gas-fired burner with one powered by wood waste.

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Bridge won’t block Singh Street upgrades: City

A million-dollar upgrade for Singh Street won’t be work done for naught, say City planners.

David Trawin, the head of development services in Kamloops, said Wednesday the $1.2- to $1.7-million improvement project will be money well spent, even if the City one day builds a bridge to connect Singh Street to the South Shore.

Some residents expressed concern about the proposed work at an open house, suggesting there is little point in improving Singh Street if it will all be torn up some day because of a different project.

But Trawin said the Singh Street bridge is nothing more than a City wish list item. It is projected to cost $200 million or more, and may not be built for decades.

“I don’t think it will ever be built,” he said.

Regardless, the roadbed improvements planned for Singh Street this summer will be needed even if the bridge is one day built, he said.

City planners want to widen 750 metres of Singh Street between Tranquille Road and Parkcrest Avenue this summer to accommodate vehicles and cyclists.

The proposed bike path will be separated from the main roadway by a small grassy boulevard. The plan also calls for “traffic calming” measures designed to reduce vehicle speeds on the arterial route.

Those measures will be largely visual, creating the appearance of a narrower roadway, said Jason Dixon, the City’s road engineering supervisor, adding speed bumps will not be installed.

If all goes to plan, the construction work will be complete by the end of the summer.

Moderator Note:
Discussions regarding the expansion of Kamloops International Airport has been moved into this thread.

Potential Seniors' Housing on North Shore

COMING BEFORE CITY COUNCIL THIS WEEK, A POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A 46-UNIT SENIORS' APARTMENT BUILDING ON THE NORTH SHORE. IF SUCCESSFUL, THE FACILITY WOULD BE BUILT ON VACANT LAND AT 375 CHERRY AVENUE.


This is great and I dont see there being ANYONE who would say no to this. I am imagining this will be 4 stories tall, so thats good again for the N/S.

The Bridge of Dreams: What ever happened to plans for the Singh Street bridge?

In the late 1970s, Kamloops was a booming place. Businesses were successful, people were coming in droves and it was only natural that planners had growth in mind.

In that buoyant time was born plans for the Singh Street bridge. Proposed to connect the north and south sides of the Thompson River between Singh Street and Summit Drive due south, the bridge was touted to be the fourth river crossing a growing city desperately needed.

The economic crash of the 1980s halted notions of bridge construction quick in its tracks. Since then, the plan has remained just that — a plan, a vision, a proposal.

Beth Ogden, a long-time Kamloops resident, has lived on Singh Street for more than 25 years. For as long as she can remember, there has been talk of the bridge and the promise it will be built, always within five or 10 years.

Much more time than that has passed and Ogden said planners today discuss the Singh Street bridge in the same terms as City planners did a quarter century ago.

She attended a City open house last Wednesday outlining road upgrades proposed for Singh Street this summer, $1.2 million in improvements that will see the arterial route widened, with a bike path, sidewalks, curbs and gutters.

Many wonder why the City will spend that kind of money when the bridge proposal calls for Singh Street to be made into four lanes. Why spend that kind of money today, they wonder, when many people still think the Singh Street bridge is less than a decade away?

“Some people don’t think it makes a lot of sense,” she said.

There’s a simple answer to that question, said David Trawin, the City’s head of development services.

The Singh Street bridge is at least 20 years distant (not five or 10) and the upgrades to Singh Street are needed now.

“(Singh Street) needs to be upgraded; it’s falling apart now. It’s not wasted dollars, even if the bridge is built,” he said.

It remains the big question in Trawin’s mind. With a projected cost of $200 million or more, he feels the bridge will not be worth the cost.

“Will it ever happen? It’s getting to a price tag it may not be the best way to spend the public’s money,” Trawin said, adding the $200 million does not include the costs of property expropriation and other road network upgrades that would need to be made.

City administrator Randy Diehl said the Singh Street bridge was always grandiose in concept.

The original vision saw it provide a link from the Trans-Canada Highway above Aberdeen across the river, up through the Batchelor area to the Halston Bridge and Westsyde.

In the era it was conceived, the provincial government wanted municipalities to make arterial roadway improvements that reduced pressure on provincial highways.

“The Singh Street project was linked to a whole network plan,” he said. “That plan was fairly grandiose, a fairly significant road system. At that time, Kamloops was booming, growing at an astronomical rate.

“There was a perception that the City, by about the late ’80s, would have a population higher than we have today. What happened of course, we went in the opposite direction. Our growth rate crashed, we lost population,” he said.

Diehl said in his mind, the Singh Street bridge remains what it has been through the length of his career — a possibility. Some day.

“Cities are here for 100 to 500 years,” he said. “There will be a day when a second bridge is needed and (Singh Street) is the only logical place to put it.

“We still need to plan for those corridors.”

Diehl said there is one more factor that may — perhaps permanently — keep the Singh Street bridge a paper bridge forever.

As society becomes ever greener, people may stop relying on automobiles in the same way we have used them for half a century.

With growth in other forms of transportation, including mass transit, the day may come when there is little need to move large volumes of vehicles in the way we do now.

“(The bridge) may be needed, but maybe not in the way we thought originally,” he said. “It’s a real complicated area.”

Singh Street Reconstruction Project

Singh Street has been identified for reconstruction in 2009 as part of the City's arterial road rehabilitation program. The upgrading plan for Singh Street includes a concrete curb and gutter to control drainage and creation of a separated path for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This road form has been modeled after guidelines set out in the North Shore neighbourhood plan adopted by City Council.

Installation of the path will provide a safer corridor for pedestrians, cyclists and other users of the roadway which is a key component of the North Shore neighbourhood plan. The path is proposed for the east side of the street, because fewer households and driveways on that side should reduce conflicts and improve overall safety for path users. The path will be maintained by City crews during the summer and winter months.

A proposed boulevard area will be created between the path and road to provide a physical separation between vehicles and path users. The boulevard will be landscaped with trees and low grasses for aesthetics and environmental benefits. The landscaping features in the boulevard will also be maintained by City crews. It is hoped that the separated path and tree lined boulevard will help make the road feel tighter and thus encourage people travelling in vehicles to reduce their speed.

For more information on the North Shore neighbourhood plan, please visit: www.kamloops.ca/communityplanning/northshore.shtml.

It appears Sanbiki Japanese Restaurant is on the move .... the old AG Foods downtown is going to house the bigger (it looks bigger than the dinky little building they are currently in) Sanbiki Japanese Restaurant. Cactus Jack's is next to it?

I thought Cactus Jacks was going into the old AG foods building.

I dont think CJ's is moving anymore....

WESTJET - KAMLOOPS
THE MANAGER OF THE KAMLOOPS AIRPORT SAYS IT APPEARS WESTJET'S FIRST COUPLE OF MONTHS HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN THE TOURNAMENT CAPITAL. FRED LEGACE SAYS THE ON-SITE MANAGER FOR THE AIRLINE HAS EXPRESSED SATISFACTION AT PASSENGER NUMBERS. AND LEGACE ADDS IT'S BRINGING A LOT OF PEOPLE IN FROM EASTERN CANADA. ACCORDING TO LEGACE BETTER CONNECTIONS OUT OF ONTARIO ARE BRINGING IN MORE PASSENGERS FROM THAT PART OF THE COUNTRY. MEANTIME, LEGACE SAYS TALKS ARE STILL ONGOING TO TRY AND ENCOURAGE EITHER WESTJET OR AIR CANADA TO OFFER A DIRECT FLIGHT FROM KAMLOOPS TO EDMONTON.

TNRD approves rural mosque

Kamloops may soon add mosque to the list of attractions for people interested in moving to the area.

The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) voted unanimously to approve a zoning application in Knutsford, paving the way for the Kamloops Islamic Association (KIA) to build a mosque just a few hundred metres outside the Kamloops city boundaries.

“It’s a big relief,” Faisal Siddiqui, chairman of the KIA rezoning committee, said of the decision.

He anticipated the association will start building a mosque on a one-acre property off the Old Merritt Highway in the next five years.

The property is only 250 metres from the city boundaries and a few minutes’ drive to Aberdeen Mall.

The TNRD placed a covenant on the application restricting the property to religious use only and a height restriction on any building of 12 metres.

Siddiqui said the KIA has no issue with those requirements.

Though the TNRD board was unanimous in approving the application, some residents near the property were opposed.

A handful of residents spoke against the application, citing issues over traffic and the height of the potential building when constructed.

The line-of-sight concern was addressed by limiting the height of buildings on the property.

Tex Benson, who lives in a mobile park near the property, questioned whether the approval would open up the area to even more institutional development.

“It’s rural and country. That’s why a lot of people moved up there,” he said, adding he wouldn’t want to see any other religious buildings put there.

There was plenty of support from the Muslim community in Kamloops.

Jasim Kahn, with Thompson Rivers University Muslim Student Association, argued not having a mosque will deter international students from attending TRU.

There is a prayer room at TRU, but the student association said it isn’t sufficient for their member’s needs.

The KIA bought the property in 2007 for $240,000.

http://www.ibabuzz.com/hayword/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/mosque.jpg

WESTJET - KAMLOOPS
THE MANAGER OF THE KAMLOOPS AIRPORT SAYS IT APPEARS WESTJET'S FIRST COUPLE OF MONTHS HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL IN THE TOURNAMENT CAPITAL. FRED LEGACE SAYS THE ON-SITE MANAGER FOR THE AIRLINE HAS EXPRESSED SATISFACTION AT PASSENGER NUMBERS. AND LEGACE ADDS IT'S BRINGING A LOT OF PEOPLE IN FROM EASTERN CANADA. ACCORDING TO LEGACE BETTER CONNECTIONS OUT OF ONTARIO ARE BRINGING IN MORE PASSENGERS FROM THAT PART OF THE COUNTRY. MEANTIME, LEGACE SAYS TALKS ARE STILL ONGOING TO TRY AND ENCOURAGE EITHER WESTJET OR AIR CANADA TO OFFER A DIRECT FLIGHT FROM KAMLOOPS TO EDMONTON.


i sure hope they start doing direct flights to edmonton, i'll be able to travel back and forth sooooooo much faster than that ridiculous drive i hate in the winter.

CJ's is still moving I know guys that have been working down there.

FRANCHISES GOOD FOR ECONOMY

FLYING IN THE FACE OF AN ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, KAMLOOPS WILL HOST A FRANCHISE DISCOVERY DAY WITH FIVE FRANCHISES THAT SAY THEY WANT TO OPEN A NEW LOCATION IN KAMLOOPS. THE CHAINS ARE LOOKING FOR POTENTIAL OWNER-OPERATORS. LORRAINE McLACHLAN, PRESIDENT OF THE CANADIAN FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION, SAYS THE ECONOMY IS DIFFICULT, BUT IT HASN'T GROUND TO A HALT. SHE SAYS BUSINESSES DOES CONTINUE, AND SOME KNOW THIS IS A GOOD MARKET AND A GOOD TIME TO OPEN A LOCATION. THE EVENT GOES TOMORROW AT THE COAST CANADIAN INN FROM 10 A-M TO 4 P-M.

I couldn't disagree more with this "article". Franchises create low end jobs that are mostly part time with low wages and usually no benefits. This will not help Kamloops in the long run. You would think that the mess that short term thinking has created would have made people rethink things, but I guess not.

February 09
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/3285984880_cd0efd9101.jpg?v=0

T-R-U IS GETTING A SCHOOL OF LAW. MLA KEVIN KRUEGER SAYS IT'S THE CULMINATION OF ALOT OF BEHIND THE SCENES WORK ON THE PART OF MANY DEDICATED PEOPLE. KRUEGER SAYS A GROUP OF LAWYERS, AS WELL AS UNIVERSITY CHAIR RON OLYNYK, AS WELL AS HIMSELF, HAVE BEEN WORKING SINCE 2006 TO MAKE THE ANNOUNCEMENT. IT WAS CONTAINED IN THE THRONE SPEECH AS ONE OF THE BRIGHT SPOTS. KRUEGER SAYS TRU WILL WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH T-R-U'S SCHOOL OF LAW, AND WILL PLACE AN EMPHASIS ON INTERNATIONAL LAW -- WHICH WILL WORK WELL WITH THE UNIVERSITY'S LARGE NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS. THE NEW LAW SCHOOL WILL OPEN BY 2011.

Great news for our community

Wow. That is good news.
So I drove by the old AG foods building, and it is going to be Sanbiki? Wth, I thought CJ's was going in there!

Council to debate staff wish list
As City council sits down today to debate a wish list for the 2009 budget, one member is taking her axe with her.

Coun. Tina Lange said Monday there are a lot of items on the list that she considers nice to have, but not for right now.

Like the $9,000 for remote controls that would raise and lower basketball hoops in the Tournament Capital Centre. Lange said it takes staff half an hour to bring them down. But if council budgeted for the hoops, would there be labour savings? Would staff reduce their shifts by 30 minutes?

She didn’t think so.

“I always look at it whether it’s a need or a want. If it’s a need and it’s not critical, can it be put off for a year or two?” Lange said of her budgetary approach.

Council took its first look at the budget last week, starting at a base increase of 1.88 per cent for basics and ranging up to 5.5 per cent if every wish is granted.

There are other items on the list that Lange questioned, including $1.625 million for a mechanical shop to repair fire engines.

“I believe that’s a need, but I also know we’ve been fixing them for the past many years without it,” she said.

“They have put it off until now.”

And they may have to put it off again.

Maintenance items such as replacing hot-water tanks, drainage pipes or reservoir cleaning are necessities, she said.

But $60,000 for dispatch centre workstations, or $10,000 to replace tile in the Canada Games Pool family rooms because they aren’t a co-ordinating colour — well, Lange isn’t convinced.

The workstations, it’s argued, would reduce injury claims from the current ones that aren’t ergonomically designed, she said. But to date there have been no claims and, perhaps, it could be considered to put staff on eight-hour shifts instead of the current 12 hours.

“There are a lot of wants on that list that we can defer or make do with what we’ve got, or whatever. I believe if we want to keep the tax increase down to the level of inflation, we can’t be adding things on. That’s the bottom line. If they want to add something on, they have to take something off,” Lange said of her expectations of City department heads.

“In my three years on council, the overwhelming response from people is do not cut taxes, I want the services I’ve got. I don’t think we would get that message today.”

The City has to send a message of restraint to reflect what citizens are experiencing personally, she said.

“People are cutting the frills at their businesses and homes.”

Still, she said, the City has to do its part to stimulate the economy, so infrastructure items need to be looked at, particularly if there are grants available.

“We need to send a message that, OK guys, maybe we could spend before. We can’t any more.”