Tuesday, March 24, 2026

🏛️ City Hall

Council shot down the mayor’s push to pause the arts centre and arena multiplex. Hamer-Jackson wanted to hit the brakes on both projects, but councillors pointed to the $12 million in cost escalation from the last delay — an eight-month pause triggered by a court challenge in 2024. Coun. Kelly Hall said pausing now would be even more expensive. (CFJC Today)

A public meeting on the Pathways shelter is officially on the calendar. Council set the details Tuesday after another heated session — the mayor’s conflict-of-interest over the shelter remains unresolved, with Hamer-Jackson saying he has legal advice clearing him but refusing to share it. (CFJC Today)

The FireSmart rebate program is open again — and this year there’s money for home hardening, not just vegetation clearing. A two-year, $200,000 grant from Intact Financial is backing the new Home Improvement Rebate for 2026 and 2027. Applications reopened March 18. (City of Kamloops)

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📰 News

Gusts to 80 km/h are expected this evening — the kind that knock out power and tip trucks. Environment Canada’s Special Weather Statement covers the Thompson-Nicola region, the Coquihalla, and parts of the Okanagan. A low pressure system tracking across the Interior is the culprit; winds peak tonight. (CFJC Today)

A $12.5 million healing centre is taking shape on the South Thompson River for residential school survivors. Tk’emlúps Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir says the facility aims to open this fall. (CBC)

The Blazers drew the Rockets in the first round of the WHL playoffs. It’s the first head-to-head playoff matchup since the 2019 tiebreaker. Kelowna has home ice — Games 1 and 2 are Friday and Saturday at Prospera Place, with the series shifting to Sandman Centre on March 31. (KamloopsBCNow)

Rising fuel costs are squeezing local non-profits that were already running on fumes. The Salvation Army says clients are showing up more often as gas and food prices climb. “Everything goes up,” said Major Orest Goyak. “The food doesn’t come to us magically. It comes via truck.” (CFJC Today)

Expect smoke near Kamloops starting as early as tomorrow. BC Wildfire Service is burning 50–100 debris piles at Greenstone Mountain and Pinantan Lake to reduce wildfire hazard. Smoke may be visible from the city and along Highways 1, 5, and 97. (BC Wildfire)

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📅 Events

United Way and BCLC are throwing a free retro skate at Valleyview Arena tomorrow night. Skate & Connect runs 6–9 PM with a live DJ spinning ’90s and 2000s throwbacks. Logjam Coffee and Scoops will be on site. Registration required. (Castanet)

The Death Proof Tour brings stand-up to Kamloops Saturday March 28. Hard to Kill Comedy’s three-man crew — Andrew Crone, Jordan Strauss, and Kyle P. Ferris — have been working the circuit for over a decade. (KamloopsBCNow)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🚧 Hwy 1 (Grand Blvd to Miners Bluff Rd, Kamloops): Road sweeping — watch for slow-moving vehicles and crews.

🚧 Hwy 1 (Old Ferry Rd to Squilax Turtle Valley Rd, east of Kamloops to east of Chase): Road sweeping through Apr 17, weekdays 6 AM–3 PM. Moving work zone.

(DriveBC)