Another Sunny Saturday in Kamloops

Another sunny Saturday in Kamloops, and I was out and about as were many residents in Kamloops. All the true signs of spring: changing tire, walking around the downtown, visiting a garden centre, and attending a rally.



But first, a dog walk. At 7:00 am in the morning, my dog and I walked down to the river, between 10th and the Yacht Club. There was almost no one there. Just one other walker and the geese and ducks hanging out on the river. I am thrilled to be able to look as such a beautiful scene as part of my morning dog walks. It's clear why so many people signed the Save Public Waterfront petition in support of preserving Kamloops' public waterfront.



But all was not perfect in paradise. Picked up a few beer cans littered near a picnic table (a late night gathering of young people?). And on the way home, saw someone who looked like he was living hard (the British expression for being homeless or living on the streets).



By 8:00 am, I was at the tire store on Battle Street to get my tires changed. There was already one fellow who had been waiting since 7:30 am. We must have both had a premonition, because by the time I returned at 11:00 am to pick the car up, the lot was full of other hopeful tire changers.



It's amazing. One warm and sunny day, and we all know that winter is behind us. Pulling out of the tire store's parking lot, I saw three more fellows that looked like they may have slept under the stars.



From there, I went to my favorite shoe store on Victoria Street to pick up a sole (or two). While I didn't have a religious experience, I did have some interesting conversations.



The clerk in the store said that she would vote for me in November. In return, I asked her what was important to her. Number one was improving her sense of safety. She was concerned about the drug addicts on the downtown streets, and she felt unsafe. Having just been approached for some spare change, I knew of what she was speaking.

It is clear that we as a community can do better to meets the needs of both the people who are "living hard" and also support the business people who make our downtown one of the best in the country.

Homelessness is complicated. Last Friday, Louise Richards of Kamloops' Elizabeth Fry Society estimated that homelessness in Kamloops has likely increased by 18% since 2005. This based on similar data from Metro Vancouver. A booming local real estate market has both benefits and costs.

We can't classify all street people as criminals. Many I see on a regular basis have mental health problems. Others work hard picking up bottles and cans. Some are on a self destructive downward spiral of drugs and alcohol. Thank goodness there are places like New Life Mission that can help them when they start to climb up again. Meanwhile, those who sell the drugs victimize both those having a hard time getting through life and the business people who are trying to make an honest living. They profit from the misery of others.


The shoe store clerk's second concern was that politicians be honest. One can look at the conviction of fraud of past mayor of Vernon, Sean Harvey, to see how quickly one falls from grace when her advise isn't followed.


Walking out the shoe store I met local actor Danielle Dunn-Morris (well known for her excellent role as Elizabeth 1 in Project X's 2006 production of Elizabeth Rex). When I asked Danielle what her concerns were, support of the local arts was top of the list. She noted that it is the artists who give a voice to issues and are often called on to support fundraisers. Not only that, they are an important part of the local economy. Stats Canada reports over 4% of Canadians are employed as a direct result of the cultural and entertainment sector. That means, in the Kamloops and area, where there are 65,000 people in the labour force of a total 120,000, there are 2600 employed in this sector. This includes not only actors and artists, but everything from managers to ticket sellers, technicians and casino workers. Venture Kamloops promotes Kamloops active cultural scene as a reason to move to Kamloops.


After shoes, it was out to the Lyons Landscaping and Garden Centre on the KIB. They were having their first BBQ fundraiser of the year. They'll be having BBQs again on May 9th & 10th, and June 14th. Also not to be missed is their Garden Tour June 29th and their Pond Tour September 7th. All proceeds go to the annual CIBC Run for the Cure, Sunday, October 5 at Riverside Park. Lyons was a huge fundraiser for RFTC last year, and they told me they are looking forward to doing more this year.

I also had the chance to speak to the chief BBQer who knew one of my uncles from way back from their construction work together in Kamloops. It's always nice when someone whose passed away is remembered for the contributions that they've made. If we can all be so lucky.

Finally, out to the mouth of the Adams River for the Shuswap Environmental Action Society's rally. Over 600 people from Kamloops, Chase, Salmon Arm, Celista, Anglement, Sicamous and farther afield attended to let local, provincial and federal governments know that massive development right at the mouth of the most important salmon spawning river in the world is unacceptable. Kudos to SEAS' President Jim Cooperman for giving us the opportunity to let all levels of government know that the preservation of this priceless environmental and cultural heritage is so important. Downstream (both figuratively and literally), what will all the commercial, sports and First Nation fishers do when the salmon disappear? Should the benefit of a few usurp the collective good of not only citizens but also the habitat that nature relies on?

Just another sunny Saturday in Kamloops. It's amazing what one can get done if they start early enough. Thank goodness I have a dog that gets me out of the house by 7:00 am :-)