Thursday, February 19, 2026

🏛️ City Hall

The city wants your opinion on how Hillside gets around. A public engagement is open on the Hillside Road Network, asking residents to weigh in on traffic and connectivity in the neighbourhood. (City of Kamloops)

Know someone who deserves recognition? Nominations are open for the 2026 Exemplary Service Awards, which honour community members making a difference in Kamloops. (City of Kamloops)

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📰 News

The BC budget landed like a lead balloon in Kamloops business circles. Local business leaders called it a “kill small business budget,” flagging rising taxes and costs at a time when many are already stretched. (CFJC Today)

Both Kamloops MLAs walked away from Victoria empty-handed. The 2026 provincial budget — which carries a record $13 billion deficit — brought no new funding commitments for the city, leaving Milobar and others frustrated. (CFJC Today)

New Afton mine is cutting 85 jobs as construction winds down. New Gold says the layoffs reflect a shift from building to operating the mine, not a sign of trouble — though the timing, amid a pending sale, is notable. (CFJC Today)

Tk’emlúps investigators have ruled out some areas in the residential school search, but no end is in sight. The latest update narrows the focus of the Le Estcwicwey investigation while acknowledging there is still no clear path to a conclusion. (Radio NL)

Cold weather shelter beds are being stretched thin. Kamloops providers say demand spiked again last weekend when extreme cold beds were activated, and the ongoing need is straining capacity. (CFJC Today)

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📅 Events

Infinite Bach — Tonight at the Kamloops Symphony. The program moves from the fire of Argentinian tango to Bach Recomposed — a wide journey in one evening. (Kamloops BC Now)

Ebony Roots by Sound the Alarm Music/Theatre — Feb 21–22. A musical journey through Black music history, from prison work-songs and spirituals through soul, blues, and Motown. (Kamloops BC Now)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🚧 Hwy 1 E (Holman Rd to Nina Pl): Lane closure Thu Feb 19, 7 AM to 3 PM. Tree pruning, minor delays expected.

🚧 Hwy 1 W (Pacific Way to Copperhead Dr): Right lane closed Wed–Thu, 9 AM to 4 PM. Electrical maintenance, watch for traffic control.

🚧 Hwy 1 E (Vicars Rd to Highland Rd): Right lane closed Thu Feb 19, 8 to 10 AM. Electrical maintenance, crews on scene.

🚫 Barnhartvale Rd (Duck Meadows Bridge, 400m west of Hwy 97): Fully closed Wed–Thu, 7 AM to 4 PM. Bridge maintenance, no detour available.

⚠️ Watch for falling rocks on Hwy 1 between Chase and Kamloops (Old Ferry Rd to Des Fosses Rd, 43 km stretch).

🚧 Hwy 1 E (Grand Blvd to Hook Rd): Shoulder grading underway, watch for slow vehicles in the left lane.

(DriveBC)