Monday, September 7, 2026

📰 News

The STEPS clinic in North Kamloops is now fully staffed and offering expanded primary, maternity and mental-health care. The Cooper Centre location has family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, clinical counsellors, a psychiatrist and an obstetrician-gynecologist. STEPS also offers free mental-health groups and Saturday prenatal classes. Pregnant patients without a family doctor can enter care through the Early Pregnancy Triage Clinic before being referred for support through delivery and six weeks postpartum. (Castanet)

Only one work week remains for interested candidates to submit nomination packages for the Kamloops election. Four people are expected to run for mayor in the October 17 civic election, although only three had completed their paperwork when CFJC published its Sunday update. Incumbent Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson had not yet filed. Candidate packages must be returned to city hall by the end of the business day September 11. (CFJC Today)

Forestry critic Ward Stamer wants B.C. to recover more timber from wildfire-damaged forests, while the province says his proposed target is unrealistic. Stamer is calling for the salvage rate to reach 25 per cent and for faster access to burned stands. The Ministry of Forests says access, worker safety and the volume of usable wood limit recovery. Experts say fire-damaged timber loses value over time, but severe burns can also leave wood unsuitable for lumber. (CBC News)

The Kamloops Motorcycle Toy Run returns Sept. 13. The Lions Club show and shine begins at Sahali Mall at 11 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. ride through Valleyview, Brocklehurst and Westsyde. The public can vote for favourite motorcycles and see classic cars from the Vintage Car Club of Kamloops. Organizers are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children and teenagers through Christmas Amalgamated. (Castanet)

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🏛️ What Changed

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc has lifted temporary restrictions on unauthorized recreational and motorized access to reserve lands. Recent rain and cooler temperatures reduced the immediate wildfire risk, while provincial drought levels in the North and South Thompson basins were downgraded. Conditions will continue to be monitored, and restrictions could return if fire risk rises again. (Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc)

The main-level lounge at Sandman Centre has a new name under a four-year sponsorship agreement. On Side Restoration replaces Kamloops Kia as the naming-rights sponsor of the space, now called the On Side Restoration Lounge. The venue is used for Kamloops Blazers games, concerts, private functions and public gatherings throughout the year. (Castanet)

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🚨 Safety

A woman was taken to hospital after being stabbed near Kamloops city hall Thursday evening. A passerby called 911 shortly after 5:30 p.m. after seeing an altercation and noticing blood on the victim’s shirt. Police later arrested two people near the train tracks. Sierra Cheyenne Harrison, 31, is charged with assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm. She was released on bail with conditions and is due back in court Sept. 17. The allegations have not been proven in court. (Castanet)

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📅 Events

The Kamloops Events directory has more than 400 listings collected from local calendars. Here are five options for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Golf for Cancer takes place Tuesday at Kamloops Golf and Country Club. The fifth annual 18-hole scramble includes dinner, prizes and on-course contests. (Kamloops Golf and Country Club)

Art & Conversation meets Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Kamloops Art Gallery. The session explores the “Dancing through to the other side” exhibition and is open to Kamloops Adult Learners Society members. (Kamloops Art Gallery)

Outdoor yoga runs Tuesday morning at Prince Charles Park. The all-levels class is scheduled from 8:45 to 9:40 a.m., with a $1 drop-in fee listed by the organizer. (Event listing)

An Indigenous Wellness Circle meets Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at TRU. Counsellor Andrea Brassard leads the weekly gathering at Cplul’kw’ten, The Gathering Place. (TRU)

Studio Chill returns Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Kamloops Art Gallery. The free drop-in program gives people ages 15 to 25 a place to experiment with art materials, techniques and their own creative practice. (Kamloops Art Gallery)

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🛣️ Roads & Weather

🌤️ Labour Day brings a mix of sun and cloud with a high near 25°C. The latest AQHI reading was 2.81, in the low-risk range. Tuesday and Wednesday are both expected to be sunny with highs near 28°C.

Highway 5A maintenance continues between Merritt and Kamloops. Drivers should expect single-lane alternating traffic and crews from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until September 11.

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🎮 Daily Game

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