Your chance to Reimagine Downtown!
Did any of you get a chance to take in some of the Jane’s Walk Festival this past weekend? I did—and I loved the way the conversations opened my eyes (again and again!) to how urban design impacts lifestyles.
Kamloops’ downtown has undergone several big changes in the 26 years I’ve lived in this city—some good and some not so good. But what matters is how we shape the heart of our city going forward.
Plans evolve. The last time the City did a consultation on the development of our downtown area, there was a lot of support for the idea of pedestrianizing a portion of 4th Avenue. Since then, it has been declared that that corridor is key to maintaining traffic flow and can’t be closed off. So planners are now looking for alternate suggestions on how to create more public gathering spaces. Another focus area at the Open House held Monday, May 4th was re-examining and prioritizing active transportation corridors. What are your thoughts?
CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
For cyclists, giving feedback to the City will reinforce the findings of our recent workshop, which showed a huge demand for better bike parking in almost every block of the downtown area. Also, since Council decided not to go ahead with the planned multi-use pathway that would have connected the 6th Avenue bike lane to the downtown, there doesn’t appear to be a clear winner in terms of how to connect the several existing short bike routes. Do you want Council to revisit that Lansdowne decision? Maybe you’d like to see a commuter cycling route through downtown, as well as a slower route for those making stops downtown? Or perhaps the City should do some experiments with cycle routes using paint, bollards and other temporary infrastructure to give cyclists and motorists a chance to try out different options?
Whether it’s more parklets, more benches, or safe bike parking on every block, have your say!
According to the Let’s Talk website, some of the themes to be explored in the project include:
- enhancing the pedestrian experience and supporting adjacent businesses;
- continuing to support vehicle access, parking, loading, and circulation;
- integrating cycling, micromobility, and other active transportation modes;
- enhancing street character through attractive paving, furnishings, plantings, and lighting;
- incorporating opportunities for gateways, public art, and other placemaking elements;
- supporting community activity, such as markets, block parties, and festivals; and
- aligning with projects and initiatives within the downtown core, including the Kamloops Centre for the Arts, Build Kamloops’ first flagship construction project.
The outcome of this process will be a final concept and multi-year revitalization plan to guide phased streetscape upgrades and public open spaces for our downtown.
Transition Kamloops
Transition Kamloops is a volunteer-driven, registered not-for-profit society focused on increasing local resilience and self-sufficiency in food, water, energy, culture and wellness. We emphasize a local economy, healthy ecosystems, and grassroots community building, while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. We believe in a better way: a community that sustains life in all its diversity, strives for equality and justice and invests in the future.
Transition Kamloops recognizes that we are living on Secwépemcul’ecw—land that was never ceded to settlers, and continues to be home to vibrant Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. We acknowledge the impact of colonization, forced displacement, and ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples. We commit to listening, learning, and building positive relationships with Indigenous communities as we work towards reconciliation.
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