Different Neighborhoods, Different Needs but Same Values

Since April, I have knocked on over a thousand doors in Kamloops and listened to what Kamloopsians want for their city. What has struck me is how diverse our city is. What is important to someone in Brocklehurst isn't even on the radar of someone in Barnhartvale. An issue for someone in Sahali is completely different than someone’s out in Rayleigh. But that's not surprising when Kamloops is bigger than 90 countries in the world including Hong Kong and Luxembourg. Even so, there are core values that Kamloopsians share.

For residents in Brocklehurst, the state of Singh Street, a fun rollercoaster ride, but a sorry excuse for a main north-south artery, came up again and again. One man put it clearly when he said "We pay taxes, and we want our taxes to be spent in our neighborhood". There is money in the budget for roads: Hillside extension is evidence of this. As a city councillor my goal will be to make sure tax dollars are spent equitably across the city.

A concern I heard frequently in Rayleigh was their lack of city sewage. Many homes have aging septic fields, causing potential leakage into the North Thompson River. Residents are also restricted from subdividing large lots because of the need for space for the septic fields. As the city investigates a new waste water system, we need to remember those parts of the city that have no septic service at all.

In Barnhartvale, the ravages of the pine beetle, the desire for chickens on lots less than one acre and the love of campfires were issues that residents raised. One suggestion I heard was that we may want to have different bylaws for different parts of the city. Given that Kamloops is bigger than Trinidad and Tobago, this is something worth considering. Creating and funding neighborhood associations, such as the very successful Friends of McDonald Park is another way to ensure neighborhood voices are heard.

Meanwhile, residents living downtown are directly affected by our growing homelessness problem. With 0.5% rental vacancy rate, there is extreme pressure on low cost housing for many people including a large seniors’ population, many people working for low pay jobs, university students, a psychiatric hospital, a jail, and people using drugs. Each of these groups has different housing needs. The most important thing is to know that these people are part of our community and they all need suitable housing. While both the provincial and federal governments have responsibilities for housing, the City of Kamloops can be part of the solution. First, they can pressure higher levels of government. Second, the city can follow Vancouver’s model to improve the development application process so that neighbors aren’t pitted against each other when social housing is proposed. Third, the city can expedite the sale of surplus land to groups wanting to build low cost housing. As a councillor I would support groups wanting to build more social housing in Kamloops.

Different neighborhoods and different issues. But still I heard many of the same core values again and again. People across the city told me that they valued Kamloops because it was livable, with great recreation activities. Second, they wanted city spending and services to be fair across the city. Third, they wanted a city council that consults neighborhoods before imposing bylaws. Fourth, they wanted a council that is fiscally responsible. Fifth, everyone is part of our community and people want a community that meets everyone’s needs.

Kamloops Seniors: growing in numbers and need to be heard

According to Interior Health data, in 2008, 17% of people in Kamloops are 65 and older. By 2018 it will be 21%. Whatever the City of Kamloops does, seniors need to be considered.

As a candidate for councillor for the City of Kamloops, here are some things I would like to address if elected to represent you.

1. Expand the Safer Streets Program. Currently, the City of Kamloops focuses on making streets and sidewalks safer around elementary schools. This program should be expended to include areas of high numbers of seniors. For example, Vernon Avenue on the north side of Northills Mall has no sidewalks on either side of the street, no level entrance by sidewalk to the mall at the Southwest corner (stairs, ramps or level entrance on the street only). There are a high number of seniors (including right at the corner of Vernon Avenue & Tranquille and over at Cottonwood) in this area. Glenfair, in Peterson Creek, is a seniors' residence. There are no sidewalks from Glenfair down to Columbia street. Residents, whether in wheelchairs, scooters, or walkers have to walk in the middle of the street to get out of their residence. At Columbia and 4th, as in many locations, the wheelchair ramp is insufficient. The sidewalk dip on the south east corner only goes onto the sidewalk crossing 4th. People who want to cross Columbia on the east side of the intersection must enter vehicular traffic to get onto the sidewalk crossing Columbia Street.

2. Seniors need more housing options. Kamloops has a 0.5% vacancy rates. Adequate housing is a problem for many seniors, especially those of lower incomes. Housing has been identified by Interior Health as a key component to health. The City needs to work actively with all levels of government and non-profits to ensure housing options are available to all seniors. I would also like the City facilitate seniors who own their own homes who need to upgrade (e.g. safety rails, wider doorways) get grants from the provincial and federal governments. Some cities have a resource page on their website where seniors can go to get this type of information. The City could also follow the lead of other cities who have adopted building codes that address the needs of aging citizens.

3. Make seniors groups a priority. There are city representatives on many business committees such as the Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Home Builders' and Business Improvement Associations, but the Seniors Information Resource and Referral Service has told me that when they asked for city representation the city turned down their request. With seniors making up such a large portion of the population, the voices of seniors need to be heard.

4. Sidewalks & snow. Falling is a major hazard when people age, and icy sidewalks are a major hazard. I would like the City to aggressively enforce sidewalk clearing bylaws, especially for businesses and government. As an example, I notice that the School District and some provincial government agencies often do not clear their sidewalks.

5. Senior friendly parks - one complaint I have heard many times is that seniors often feel unsafe going to the local parks. Activity is key to health. Perhaps the City could have "senior days" where seniors will know that there will be city staff in the parks at specific times so they feel more comfortable going to the park.

Kamloops: Volunteer City

April 27 to May 3 is National Volunteer Week, and it is more than evident that Kamloops volunteers contribute to every facet of life in Kamloops: health, safety, sports, arts, and culture to name just a few. The strength of our community comes from all of the great events and services that their time and commitment create.

As an example, last week, I attended the Rayleigh Waterworks District AGM and heard about one long term volunteer. Thanks goes to Brian Clack who stepped down after 34 years as a director on their board. That is an extraordinary length of service to the community. As with many volunteers, his work went on in the background, often unnoticed, but had huge effects on the quality of life for many others in our city.

It was also great to see the 35 people who came out to make important decisions about their community and that a full slate of directors was elected who are committed to keeping Rayleigh's water safe.

Last week, I was also part of a meeting of volunteers at the Aids Society of Kamloops. Led by SHOP coordinator Toni Pate, the group is planning a workshop by Children of the Street to teach youth and their parents how to avoid sexual exploitation. The BC Government and others identify sexual exploitation as one of the leading risk factors for young people becoming involved in the sex trade. A difficult topic to discuss, but well worth the effort to help give our young people the tools they need to stay safe.

On Saturday it seemed like everyone was helping at a community event.

Riverside Park and the downtown were full of energetic "Boogie the Bridgers". Kudos to Jo Berry and her great group of volunteers for launching Kamloops into spring with this great community building event. Giving people the chance to gather together for a common goal and have fun too is a great recipe for a strong community.

My friend helped all of Saturday at the Thompson Valley Pottery Guild spring sale at Heritage House. Meanwhile, the Kamloops Community Art Council hosted the "Boogie the Bridge Emerging Artist" show. There was even more creative energy over at the Kamloops Art Gallery who hosted a "U-Build Sculpture" event that was well attended by kids and their parents.

Meanwhile, I helped out at the St.Andrews on the Square booth at Volunteer Kamloops "Volunteer Fair". The SPCA, TRU's Radio-X, Kamloops Food Bank, Canadian Red Cross, Kamloops Society for Community Living, Desert Gardens Community Centre, the BC Wildlife Park and the Lions Club were some of the other groups at the fair. All were looking for people interested in volunteering with their organization.

The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association's Spring Festival added to the energy downtown. There was great music, mascots, dancers and all sorts of other events, including Kamloops Society for Community Living's coffee house, with Art Pruce, Perry Tucker and other local musicians contributing their time.

On Sunday, I took part in the MS Walk for Life. Marcia Wilson, Cyndi Lion, and Ronnie Bouvier of Kamloops' MS Society chapter brought together a host of volunteers to set up the walk, provide food, collect donations. I was very impressed by the number of people who came out to this inclusive event to support MS research and support for those with this condition. It was evident that those who came out had a direct connection with someone with MS or perhaps had it themselves, and chose to use this event to make a positive change.

Not all events bring joy. On Monday, volunteers from the Kamloops & District Labour Council gave the community more sombre reason to gather, by organizing the city's National Day of Mourning service. Representatives from labour, all levels of government and WorkSafe BC all affirmed their desire to reduce worker fatalities and injuries. The most moving part of the ceremony was when individuals came forward to share their stories of loss of their father, their colleagues and their friends.

Volunteers contributes in some way to make our community stronger. I believe it is the role of City Council and the City of Kamloops to support as many volunteer based initiatives as possible, whether through direct funding or partnership, reasonably priced rental costs for facilities, endorsements of support or acting to bring groups together to work on a common goal. Each volunteer initiative serves a different segment of the community, but taken as a whole, they benefit all of us.

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 :-)