
Councillor changes mind: One kilometre between liquor stores now a bylaw
KAMLOOPS – If you thought Kamloops City Council's attempt to regulate where liquor vendors may locate was a done deal three weeks ago, think again. Liquor stores in the city won't be able to do business within one kilometer of each other after all. Three weeks ago, the concept was defeated at public hearing. Now...

Timelines for Ajax Mine consultation set
KAMLOOPS – The timeline and format for how Kamloops residents will be able to weigh-in on the proposed Ajax Mine has been decided. City council has agreed on a town hall meeting format to ensure the public’s interests are heard early on in the process and then will hold a series of special council meetings...

City has little say about Blackwell Dairy biosolids
KAMLOOPS – The problems associated with Blackwell Dairy Farm and its use of biosolids are outside of the City of Kamloops’ control, according to a new report. The report, which will be presented to city council Tuesday, Aug. 18, says if the dairy farm is following normal farming practices and using land meant specifically for agriculture,...

New Kamloops casino officially opens this week
KAMLOOPS – A year after receiving approval from residents and council, the $40-million Cascades Casino will officially open Wednesday, Aug. 19. Gateway Casinos and Entertainment is planning a grand opening that will include live entertainment and special guests. The Aberdeen casino is officially open to the public at 8:30 p.m. but Tanya Gabara of Gateway...

North Thompson hits level four drought rating
NORTH THOMPSON – As drought conditions persist and stream flows decrease around the province, the North Thompson region has joined the ranks of many others at a level four drought rating. Conditions in the region are still extremely dry even after the past weekend’s rainfall. Further declines in stream, lake and aquifer levels could lead...

More roadwork set to begin in Kamloops
KAMLOOPS - As work continues on major roadways in the city two more projects are set to begin. Aberdeen Drive from Pacific Way to Highway 5A will be repaved and sidewalks will be repaired. A left turn lane will be constructed at Van Horne Drive as well as minor improvements to drainage, curb and gutter systems....

Curbside recycling pickup resumes Monday in Kamloops
KAMLOOPS – With the Emterra Environmental strike officially over and the City of Kamloops says recycling collection will resume Monday. A tentative agreement between Emterra and the Steelworkers’ Union was struck and ratified unanimously by the union membership yesterday, Aug. 13. The recycling company and its employees had been locked in a labour dispute since June 22....

Agreement reached in Kamloops recycling strike
KAMLOOPS – An end is in sight for the recycling strike that has lasted nearly eight weeks in Kamloops after the Steelworker’s Union reached an agreement with Emterra Environmental today. The two sides reached a tentative deal Thursday, Aug. 13, and employees are set to vote on it this evening. Marty Gibbons, Steelworkers’ Union president,...

Help for Kamloops Food Bank arrives from Calgary
KAMLOOPS – A 53-foot trailer delivered $50,000 worth of reclaimed food from Calgary to the Kamloops Food Bank this week. The Calgary Food Bank, a strong supporter of nearby foodbanks, started donating to Kamloops roughly three years ago, and the Aug. 11 delivery came at just the right time for the local food bank. “They...

Kamloops recycling strike could be over as early as Friday
KAMLOOPS – There is finally an end in sight to the Emterra Environmental strike. Steelworks Union president Marty Gibbons says they are finally back to bargaining with the company and if an agreement is signed by noon tomorrow his members could be back to work as early as Friday. “We're optimistic that we're close to...
Roots and Blues Festival takes over Salmon Arm this weekend
SALMON ARM - The Shuswap will be filled with the sounds of brass and bluegrass as the 'summer destination spot for fans and lovers of music' takes over Salmon Arm this weekend. Now in its 23rd year, the Roots and Blues Festival features an eclectic mix of music from Blues to Bluegrass, Celtic to Cuban...

Heffley Creek club gunning for growth
KAMLOOPS – A local gun club is aiming to meet the new needs of its members as interest in gun sports in the region continues to grow. The Heffley Creek Gun Club is growing in an attempt to keep up with the new needs of the club by reconfiguring its space to better accomodate members...

Biosolids group to protest against Kamloops dairy farm
KAMLOOPS – The Friends of the Nicola Valley will be in Kamloops today, Aug. 11, to lend their voice to those of Dallas residents upset over a neighbouring biosolid operation. A Dallas group has alleged that black dust coming from the Blackwell Dairy property is a biosolid byproduct, not just sawdust as city staff believe. According...
Smoke over Southern Interior from Coastal Fire Centre
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Smoke drifting into the Southern Interior is likely coming from the 1,370-hectare Harrison Lake fire that has been burning for just over a week now. As of 4 p.m. the air quality health index was sitting at a low rating throughout the region but Melissa Klassen of B.C. Wildfire says the smoke rolling...

Another place to ‘go’ at Riverside Park by fall
KAMLOOPS - The long-awaited gender neutral bathroom planned for Riverside Park should be installed this fall, now that staff have figured out a way to heat the standalone washroom during the winter months. Funding for the universal washroom, aimed at allowing opposite sex caregivers to more easily help clients or family members, was approved under...