Kamloops residents can find out the basics on the City budget and just how many of its goals council is meeting in the annual municipal report.
This year's document is available online on the City's web site, or copies are available at city hall.
City business and client services manager Tammy Robertson told council Tuesday the 124-page report was changed this year to include more information, such as audited financials and various statistics.
The cost of producing this year's report was $11,000 — $500 less than last year but with more work being done in-house.
Council OK's rental to become strata
City council unanimously approved Tuesday the conversion of a 14-unit rental townhouse complex to be upgraded and converted into strata units.
(Coun. Arjun Singh excused himself from the discussion as he manages a rental property.)
City subdivision approving officer Rod Martin said Canada Mortgage and Housing statistics show the vacancy for rentals in town to be in good shape.
Current renters have an option to put half of their monthly rent for a six-month period toward a down payment. If they choose not to buy, they get three months' notice to vacate if their unit is sold. And if they have to move out, they get two months' rent to help them find new accommodations.
Mission Hill moves into marketing phase
The first of five buildings at Mission Hill got approvals Tuesday for variances for amenities and to put up signs for marketing the five-storey condomium building.
City building inspector Kundan Bubbar said the company that took over the project after developer Mike Rink couldn't complete it has plans to possibly subdivide the property into three — one with one building, and two with two buildings each.
The pool originally planned for all five buildings to share is now scrapped and landscaping is being added around the first building instead.
City borrows to move on landfill gas collection project
In December, City council voted to design and install a landfill gas collection system at the Mission Flats landfill to take advantage of carbon credit revenue.
On Tuesday, council voted to borrow $2.42 million of the estimated $2.64 million cost to build and install the system. The money is coming through the Municipal Finance Authority.
Emergency volunteer stands out
The co-director of the Kamloops Emergency Support Services volunteer team is a winner.
Lyn Arikado has been recognized with the St. John’s Ambulance Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer of the Year Award, a provincial award for above-and-beyond emergency volunteerism.
Alisha Beday, City corporate programs and emergency planning co-ordinator, told council Tuesday that the emergency volunteers log hundreds of hours each year, and serve not just Kamloops but the region.
Arikado is known for keeping teams engaged, holding potluck socials at her home, bringing baking to meetings and putting in countless hours of her time. She has even missed holidays and family events to help out in emergency situations.
Canada Day is on with plenty of fireworks cash
The Kamloops Multicultural Society usually gives City council a cheque for $2,000 to go toward the Canada Day fireworks.
This year, it’s double that.
Society president Del Turner was in council chambers Tuesday with a $4,000 cheque and a promise there would be 14 booths of various ethnic foods at this year’s celebration.
The City and B.C. Transit are picking up the tab on bus rides for the day, so everyone can get to Riverside Park and home without an extra cost.
There will also be a free shuttle from the Lansdowne Village Mall transit exchange to Riverside Park.
The party begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast courtesy of the Valleyview Overlanders Lions Club. It ends with fireworks at 10:30 p.m. And in between, there’s lots to see and do, including the lumiere parade at 10 p.m.
