Saturday, August 1, 2026

📰 News

Kamloops is considering a 10 per cent water utility rate increase as it moves toward consumption-based billing. The proposal would reduce the amount of water included in residential rates by one-third, with additional use charged separately. Staff estimate a household using its full allotment would pay about $16 more. Final council approval is still required before the changes could take effect January 1, 2027. (Castanet)

Interfor plans to move its corporate head office out of British Columbia. The forestry company’s decision is not expected to have an immediate effect on its Adams Lake mill, though local MLA and forestry critic Ward Stamer called the move another worrying signal for the provincial industry. (CFJC Today)

Kamloops firefighters rescued a fawn from a backyard swimming pool. A crew member lifted the young mule deer from the water, and it quickly ran off to rejoin its mother. (Castanet)

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🏛️ What Changed

A new meadery has opened its tasting room east of Kamloops. Lion’s Head Meadery at 4006 Shuswap Road makes five varieties using British Columbia honey and fruit. The converted garage tasting room is also the newest member of the Kamloops Wine Trail. (Castanet)

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🚨 Safety

The Pear Lake fire grew to about 90,475 hectares as evacuation orders expanded to roughly 1,500 Bonaparte Plateau properties. Orders now include Loon Lake, South Green Lake and properties along Highway 97. Clinton has completed rapid assessments of major structure losses and notified affected property owners, but active fire conditions are still preventing detailed inspections. The village watershed was also damaged, and Clinton remains under a boil-water advisory while testing continues. (Castanet · Castanet update)

The Guichon Creek fire near Logan Lake is now mapped at about 152 hectares. The fire has burned on both sides of Highway 97C, with crews and heavy equipment building guard along its northern flank. Poor visibility grounded night-vision helicopters overnight, though aircraft remained available as conditions improved. (Castanet)

Two TNRD properties are on evacuation alert because of the Riley Creek fire south of Lillooet. The roughly 1,150-hectare fire continues to grow along its southern flank in steep, rocky terrain. Nine firefighters, seven pieces of heavy equipment and multiple helicopters were assigned to the response. (Castanet)

RCMP are looking for a missing Vernon man who regularly travels to Clearwater. Riley Kelly, 40, was last seen leaving his Vernon home at about 7:30 a.m. on July 30. His family has not heard from him since and is concerned for his well-being. (CFJC Today)

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📅 Events

Browse the Kamloops Events directory for the full BC Day weekend. An orange air-quality warning remains active, so check conditions before longer outdoor plans.

The Saturday Kamloops Farmers’ Market runs from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vendors set up on the 200 block of St. Paul Street and in the Stuart Wood schoolyard. (Kamloops Farmers’ Market)

Hickory Biscuit plays Music in the Park Saturday night. The free 1990s pop and R&B set starts at 7 p.m. at the Riverside Park bandshell. (City of Kamloops)

Family Fun Zone runs Saturday at Kamloops Library. The free children’s program includes activities built around art, science and games for ages 12 and under. (TNRL)

Sun Peaks hosts an all-ages Roller Party Saturday evening. The event runs from 5 to 9 p.m., with rental skates available. (Sun Peaks Resort)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌦️ Saturday has a chance of showers with a high near 27°C. The latest AQHI reading was 7, in the high-risk range, and an orange air-quality warning remains active because of wildfire smoke. Sunday also has a chance of showers near 25°C, followed by a sunny Monday near 29°C.

Drivers should expect significant delays on Highway 5 between Hope and Merritt. Drainage construction has reduced the Coquihalla to one lane between exits 250 and 256. Provincial officials expect heavier traffic because of BC Day travel, Highway 1 closures and wildfire activity on other routes. (Province of British Columbia)

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🎮 Daily Game

WikiTrivia: place events from Wikipedia in chronological order and build the longest timeline you can.