You’re not alone.

We won’t say “told you so”—but we will keep doing the homework for concerned Kamloops residents, because city hall’s decisions affect us all.

Here’s what city council approved this year:

• Property Tax: +7.42% increase
• Water: +15% increase
• Sewer: +5% increase
• Waste: +5% increase

That’s why your bill is climbing.

•1 in 3 Kamloops residents is a senior. CPP rose just 2.6%, OAS 2%. Some local seniors are now living in sheds, vehicles, and shelters.

•Kelowna capped their tax hike at 4.34%—and gets 75% of its budget from sources other than taxes. (User fees, grants, developer contributions). That’s smart planning.

•In Kamloops, “corporate services” (cost of government) eats a much larger slice of the budget. We’ll know more in June when the SOFI report comes out – prepare to be even more shocked at what has been approved by our council behind closed doors and in their closed-to-the-public meetings.

•Properties sold to BC Housing become tax-exempt, reducing revenue while expenses keep rising.

•Did you know that city council approved a property tax discount on unit purchases in downtown’s City Gardens; with Kamloops taxpayers effectively subsidizing the buyers? The PAC will be built next to the City Gardens development, which is owned by the Kelson Group/Fawcett family; long-time proponents of the PAC. “It will help make the annual city taxes more affordable for buyers for a period of 10 years. For example, on a property assessed at $600,000, the estimated annual tax savings amount to $2,179.89, totaling $21,798.92 over the course of a decade.” (https://kamloopscitygardens.ca/downtown-living-perk…/)

•Kamloops was named “Canada’s Crime Capital” by Stats Can. Shoplifting, fires, theft, vandalism, litter, and open drug use are prevalent., and personal safety is questioned. Though vehicle thefts and business break ins were down considerably in the winter months of Jan-Mar, home break ins were up 27% and Controlled Drugs and Substance Act offenses were up 44%. Where is the sense of urgency from city hall?

•City council is spending a whopping $154 million of taxpayer money on a Performing Arts Centre, with the tax impact yet to be fully felt. Meanwhile, for years now they’ve left Sandman Centre underutilized, lacking promotion and without sufficient revenue. Despite their assurances of more shows coming to town because of the PAC; it appears there is still no plan to boost Sandman’s revenue and ease high property taxes.

Similar communities, similar arenas, Jan-Nov 2025:

• Prospera Place Kelowna: 26 performance bookings.
• CN Centre Prince George: 32 performance bookings.
• Sandman Centre Kamloops: 4 performance bookings.

Why is the “Tournament Capital” not using the multi-purpose arena we already have?

It seems we’re only heard when we push.

A month after KCU questioned user fee rate reviews and revenue strategies—council announced a review.

So what can you do? Keep the pressure on!

• Show up. Attend bi-weekly council meetings in person or on Zoom: https://kamloops.civicweb.net/Portal/Default.aspx
• Speak up. Email questions/concerns: citycouncil@kamloops.ca
• Stay informed. Subscribe to city updates: kamloops.ca/our-community/get-involved
• Spread the word about KCU! Tell your friends, family & work associates to join us here or on the web: https://kamloopscitizensunited.ca/

Whether you rent or own—you’re paying for this.

Let’s hold our city hall accountable!