Sunday, August 16, 2026

📰 News

TELUS says it will invest $10.2 million in Kamloops this year, including an expansion of its McGill Road data centre. The company expects the local “AI Factory” to come online later in 2026 as part of a three-site B.C. cluster designed for large-scale model training and other computing workloads. TELUS says the facilities will use natural cooling to cut water consumption by more than 75 per cent compared with conventional data centres. The company has not answered local questions about the Kamloops expansion’s footprint or operations. (Castanet)

Logan Stankoven is bringing the Stanley Cup to Riverside Park Sunday afternoon. The free hometown celebration runs from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the Rotary Bandshell, with speeches, a highlight video and a live interview. A draw will select 100 groups for professional photographs with Stankoven and the Cup; personal cameras and autographs will not be permitted during those sessions. (City of Kamloops · Castanet)

Residents returning to Clinton are being asked to arrive prepared for limited services. A boil-water notice remains in place, and officials recommend bringing several days of food, water, fuel and other essentials. Some residents have returned to destroyed homes and businesses, while others may remain eligible for emergency support if they have nowhere safe to stay. (Castanet)

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🏛️ What Changed

Highway 97 has reopened between Clinton and 70 Mile House after a 22-day wildfire closure. All traffic can use the route, but stopping and exiting onto side roads are prohibited inside the fire zone. Drivers should expect lower speed limits and short interruptions while utility repairs and recovery work continue. Highway 24 and Highway 5 remain alternatives. (KamloopsBCNow · CFJC Today)

Pear Lake evacuees can dispose of spoiled fridges and freezers at the Clinton Eco-Depot without charge. The TNRD is accepting appliances affected by prolonged power outages as residents begin cleaning homes and businesses. (TNRD)

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🚨 Safety

BC Wildfire Service has imposed an area restriction around the Ainslie Creek fire. The restriction covers portions of the Coastal and Kamloops fire centres and is intended to protect the public and responders while suppression work continues. It remains in effect through August 31 unless lifted earlier. (CFJC Today)

Fire activity across the Brunswick complex has eased, but hot and dry weather could increase it again. Crews stopped the Ainslie Creek fire from crossing Highway 1 near Hell’s Gate and continue building guards west of Merritt. Structural protection remains in place around Prospect Creek and Nooaitch, while warmer conditions may shift which flank of the fire is most active. (Castanet)

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📅 Events

The Kamloops Events directory was refreshed with 411 listings from 24 local calendars. Here are five Sunday options.

Celebrate the Stanley Cup with Logan Stankoven from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The free community gathering takes place at the Riverside Park Rotary Bandshell. (City of Kamloops)

Lego Club invites families to build together at the North Kamloops Library. Bricks and prompts are provided for an open-ended afternoon of designing and creating. (TNRL)

A sensory-friendly screening of The Iron Giant begins at 1:30 p.m. The Kamloops Film Society presents the animated film at the Paramount Theatre with accommodations for viewers who benefit from a gentler cinema environment. (Kamloops Film Society)

Sun Peaks Market Day runs from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Farmers, ranchers and artisans set up through the village. (Sun Peaks Resort)

Highland Valley Copper marks 40 years with a free community celebration. Event details and organizer updates are available through the listing. (Event listing)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌦️ A chance of showers and a high near 31°C are forecast Sunday. The latest AQHI reading was 6, in the moderate-risk range, and a yellow air-quality warning remains active. Sunshine and highs near 32°C are expected Monday and Tuesday.

Highway 97 is open through Clinton, but the fire zone is not a normal travel corridor yet. Do not stop or turn onto closed side roads between Clinton and 70 Mile House, and expect traffic control around utility and recovery crews. Conditions may change with little warning. (CFJC Today)

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🎮 Daily Game

Worldle: identify the mystery country from its shape and location clues.