City of Kamloops

April 2015

KAMPLAN Phase 1
Public Input Report
Development and Engineering Services

Planning and Development

250-828-3561
[email protected]
www.kamloops.ca/kamplan

Lets Ta!k

Contents

Overview

What We Did

Who Participated?

The Numbers

The Results

Vision and Values

Key Resulting Themes by Topic

Growth Management

Quality of Life

10

Economic Development

11

Transportation and Utilities

12

Environment

13

Overall Key Resulting Themes

14

Public Engagement Feedback

18

Next Steps

19

Appendices

20

Overview

The purpose of Lets Ta!k Phase 1: Vision, Values & Goals was to raise awareness about the
KAMPLAN (Official Community Plan - OCP) Review and Update, generate ideas for the future
growth of the community and get a sense of current issues from the communitys perspective.
While the current KAMPLAN has served the community well to date, it is important to revisit it
from time to time to ensure its continued relevance and consider any emerging issues or trends.
All of the public input gathered will be considered in the review of the current KAMPLAN (2004
with amendments through 2014) document.
During Phase 1, KAMPLAN staff shared information about what an OCP is, why it matters and
informed the community about Kamloops historical growth trends and current future growth
scenario within the Plan.
The formal public engagement stage for Lets Ta!k Phase 1 took place between October 1 and 31,
2014, however input was gathered as early as mid-September and as late as mid-December
(mainly to accommodate the youth engagement component).
Five overarching KAMPLAN topics were identified by staff and endorsed by the KAMPLAN
Advisory Committee for the public engagement process. All input opportunities focused on one
or more of these topics:

growth management;
quality of life;
economic development;
transportation and utilities; and
environment.

An additional two topics were included in Phase 1 to gather high level input on the KAMPLAN
vision and the public engagement process more generally. A summary of the results of all seven
categories is included within this report.
The results of Phase 1 were broad and meaningful and will help staff and the KAMPLAN Advisory
Committee determine targeted engagement opportunities for Phase 2 and dig deeper into key
themes identified within the community. The second of four public engagement phases for this
project is anticipated to take place in late 2015.

2
What We Did
1. Preparation for Lets Ta!k Phase 1
Background Information
Informing the public of the project and process was important prior to the engagement phase
and so was providing them with key information to better understand and evaluate OCP topics,
issues, challenges, trends, opportunities, and/or potential solutions.
The following educational documents were prepared by staff to help generate meaningful input
from the community for the KAMPLAN Review and Update:

KAMPLAN Through the Years: Developing a Sense of Community (1974);

KAMPLAN Through the Years: Maintaining Quality of Life (1979);
KAMPLAN Through the Years: The Search for a New Community Focus (1990);
KAMPLAN Through the Years: Enhancing Quality of Life and Smart Growth Beginnings (1997);
KAMPLAN Through the Years: Sustainability, Quality Development and Design for
the Tournament Capital of Canada (2004).

These documents provided a quick reference to previous KAMPLANs, including a summary of

growth, trends, major issues, main objectives and policy directions of each version. Staff also
prepared Conversation Starters, referencing the current trends, challenges, successes and opportunities of KAMPLAN 2004 and the Sustainable Kamloops Plan under the following headings:

City of Kamloops

Arts, Culture and Heritage;

Natural Environment;
Commercial Land Use;
Safety and Emergency Services;
Economic Development;
Growth Management;
Industrial Land Use;
Education;
Housing;
Parks and Recreation;
Sustainability;
Servicing and Infrastructure; and
Transportation.

3
The People Involved

KAMPLAN Advisory Committee

KAMPLAN Technical Working Group
KAMPLAN Staff Working Groups (2 groups)
Email Stakeholder Group
KAMPLAN project staff (2 people)
City Council

2. Communications, Promotions, Creating Awareness

(see Appendix 1 for all details)

Lets Ta!k Branding

Street Banner
Website development and promotion (www.kamloops.ca/letstalk)
Facebook and Twitter
Email Stakeholder Group (Appendix 2)
Promotional videos
Posters and print advertisements
Buttons
Stakeholder pledge drive (Appendix 3)
Local news coverage
Radio/television announcements
Incentives

Staff developed and used key facts and juicy questions to spark diverse interests for
richer public engagement opportunities and reach a broader audience. Events provided
free food and music at accessible locations. Fun activities aimed to inspire imagination,
and make involvement easy. As an added incentive, individuals who attended an event,
or completed the Vision, Values & Goals survey, were eligible to win one of three prizes. A
total of 645 participants provided their contact information to enter the prize draw.

4
What We Did
3. The Engagement Opportunities
(see Appendix 1 for details)

2 launch events
4 information booths (5 Occurences)
First Nations community meeting
Vision, Values and Goals survey (Map 1)
13 Topic-based meetings
3 Youth-focused Topic-based meetings
Emailed input

I just filled out the survey for

KamPlan. I love the software.
Good on you all!

City of Kamloops

5
Who Participated?
The following is a sample of groups or individuals that provided input in Lets Ta!k Phase 1.

Children
Youth
Young adults
Middle aged
Seniors
Males/females
Individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities
Individuals from various ethnic backgrounds
First Nations
Working families
Renters
Home owners
Business owners
Blue and white collar workers
Homeless/at risk
Clients of social service agencies
Unemployed
Environmentalists
New and long standing residents
Residents from all Kamloops neighbourhoods
Developers

NEIGHBOURHOOD OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS

6
The Numbers
Participation in Phase 1 included 1,000+ citizens with a city-wide reach for project awareness.

1 Internal Technical Working Group Mtg. = 19 people

2 Staff Workshops = 21 people
1 Stakeholder Pledge Drive = 34 agencies
2 Launch Events = 300+ participants and over 600 spoken to
5 Info. Booths = 300+ participants, reaching 5000+ people
16 Topic Based Meetings (3 with youth) = 300+ people
427 Surveys = 427 people (see Map 1)

and

Facebook = Reaching 28,544 different people

Twitter = Reaching 4,400+ different people
Print ads = several sources
Radio = several appearances
TV = several appearances
Jumbotron = 7 video appearances @ Blazers Games
Stakeholder Emails = 544 people
News Releases = several
2014 Calendar = September blurb
Street Banner = Tranquille and Victoria

Peaks correspond to press releases.

City of Kamloops

7
The Results
The following section outlines the results of Phase 1 and specifically identifies the input received
and how it relates to each of the KAMPLAN topics. It was anticipated that the topics chosen
would cover any input received from the public. Not only did this hold true, but there was a great
deal of interconnectivity between each of the topics. Topics included:

Vision and Values

Growth Management
Quality of Life
Economic Development
Transportation and Utilities
Environment
Public Engagement Feedback

Vision and Values

(also see Appendix 4)
Generally, comments received were tied to the existing vision indicating that
the KAMPLAN 2004 vision aligns with the community's desires.
Common words identified in participants' responses which will need to be
reviewed for consideration in an updated KAMPLAN vision include, in order
of number of appearances:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Kamloops
Green
Community
Environment
Grow
Clean
Healthy
Family
Safe
Air
Housing

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Walk
Jobs
Affordable
Downtown
Business
Sustainable
Diversify/ty
Home
Life
Parks
Water

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Local
Bike
Disability
Opportunity
Active
Culture/Arts
Vibrant
Support
Neighbourhood
Economy

Words above in green are those that currently exist in the KAMPLAN 2004 vision.
Participants seemed to clearly understand the intent of the KAMPLAN vision as a high
level statement and their comments were reflective of this.

8
Vision and Values
See Appendix 5 for results of the ''Walk In My Shoes" exercise. Participants were asked to put
themselves in the shoes of someone else within the community and rate how important it was
that the KAMPLAN team consider this/these individuals within the KAMPLAN Review and Update.

Very impressed with the presentation.

The best KAMPLAN exposure and
interaction with the public that Ive seen.
Did a terrific job and should certainly be
commended for it. So, well done!

All of the scenarios were deemed important while some stood out in rankings more than others.
Those that ranked highest, in order were:

City of Kamloops

The high school student who is bored with the lack of activities for him and his
friends in Kamloops
The physically disabled man who has just moved back to Kamloops
The single mother with little support and a minimum wage job

9
Key Resulting Themes by Topic
All of the public input received has been compiled and used to inform a number of major themes
for consideration in the KAMPLAN Review and Update. Over the next few months, the KAMPLAN
team will analyze the results and begin developing goals, policies and alternative land use
scenarios for consideration in KAMPLAN.
The five main topics participants provided comment on included:

Growth Management
Quality of Life
Economic Development
Transportation and Utilities
Environment

Growth Management
(also see Appendices 6 and 7)

Support Shops and Services: Maintain a vibrant downtown core and encourage
local serving businesses in neighbourhood centres.
Protect Industrial Land: Protect industrial land availability, keeping industrial uses
away from homes.
Increase Housing Choices: Limit rural development and sensitively increase density
in existing urban neighbourhoods.
The community seems divided on the need to protect industrial lands. Many
encourage industrial development for increased/enhanced economic
development opportunities, while others would prefer that certain industrial uses,
particularly mining, cease within the area.
The community appears to be divided in terms of the need for more parking
downtown. Some believe more is needed, others believe other methods of
transportation should be encouraged/enhanced.
To grow or not to grow? While a large percentage of participants feel that growth
of the community is necessary to ensure prosperity, others are worried that growth
will result in a loss of sense of community. Some think an urban growth boundary
is a good idea for the community to limit sprawl and focus growth in existing
neighbourhoods, while others express the desire to continue providing
opportunities for single family homes on larger lots.

10
Key Resulting Themes by Topic
Quality of Life
(also see Appendix 8)

City of Kamloops

Neighbourhoods for people: Support walkable and bicycle friendly neighbourhoods

Recreation for all: Expand recreational services for people of all ages, abilities and
income levels.
Community schools: Support community schools in neighbourhoods with family
housing and ensure people can walk or cycle to school.
Public Celebrations: Support festivals, events and programs that build on our
community, heritage and culture.
Mining continues to be an important topic within the community. The community
seems divided in terms of those that would like to see mining flourish here and
those who do not want additional mining within close proximity to the City. The
divide is typically between the need for good paying jobs and environmental
concerns.

11
Key Resulting Themes by Topic
Economic Development
(also see Appendices 9 and 10, and Map 2)

Include basic amenities in all neighbourhoods.

Better post secondary and post graduate opportunities.
Better and diversification of local job opportunities for the younger population.
Ensure a diversified economy.
More and better shopping for younger people.
Participants identified future housing in all areas of the City although a large
percentage of people identified housing in existing neighbourhoods in the Core,
Northwest and Southwest sectors. The Juniper Ridge and Westsyde
neighbourhoods were also included as locations for housing but not to the degree
that areas surrounding the North Shore and City Centre were.
Shops are identified as a necessary component to all neighbourhoods as visible on
Map 2, reinforcing the community's desire for more comprehensive
neighbourhoods.
Industry is prioritized by participants on the Native Band lands, Mission Flats,
Campbell Creek, the Southern portion of Aberdeen and in the general vicinity of
Domtar. There is also a smaller number of people that identified future industry
growth on the North Shore along the western branch of the Thompson River.
Future office uses are largely identified by participants within the City Centre and
Tranquille Market core areas.

12
Key Resulting Themes by Topic
Transportation and Utilities
(also see Appendices 11 and 12)

City of Kamloops

Optimize Existing Systems: Use a growth management boundary to optimize our

water, stormwater, and wastewater systems.
Open Space Networks: Expand the network of sidewalks, paths, river trails, and river
access.
Make Wise Investments: Re-evaluate whether anticipated costly utility upgrades are
still needed.
The car is still identified as the main mode of transportation for the majority of
Kamloops' residents followed by walking. Transit is identified as the lowest in terms
of the mode share. That said, the majority of participants indicated the need for a
greater focus on alternative methods of transportation and the infrastructure to
support such means.

13
Key Resulting Themes by Topic
Environment
(also see Appendices 10 and 13, and Map 2)

Open space opportunities and preservation of these spaces are still high priorities
for Kamloops residents.
Pockets of open space and/or parkland were identified as priorities across
Kamloops, with main locations being Bachelor Heights/Lac Du Bois area,
Aberdeen, Petersen Creek, Mount Dufferin/Kenna Cartwright area and in and
around Juniper Ridge.
More focus on and appreciation for the Thompson Rivers.
More education and better management of ecosystems, species and habitats.
Consider the development of a Natural Areas Protection Strategy.
Develop and implement a Watershed Management Plan.
More water conservation efforts.
Better connectivity of the parks and open space system for people and animals.
Curb side composting.

14
Overall Key Resulting Themes
There was a great deal of crossover between each of the five topics and the following major
themes have been identified based on comments collected and analyzed. Themes listed are in no
particular order.

THEME

DESCRIPTION

Focus densification around the downtown and

North Shore core areas

Stop NIMBY, grow up not out, utilize existing

services and infrastructure, create vibrant, more
inclusive core areas, variety of housing and
affordability in the core areas

Encourage neighbourhood growth and greater

neighbourhood self-sufficiency

Complete/compact neighbourhood design,

mixed use, sense of community, ensure all
neighbourhoods are getting what they need

Kamloops has great parks, continue to expand

the system and protect

More localized recreational centres, focus on

providing opportunities in all
neighbourhoods and better connectivity of
the parks system in general

More affordable housing options for all demographics and increasing secondary suite
options for students

Throughout the City with a focus on areas with

existing amenities such as the Downtown and
North Shore Core areas

Good paying jobs

Especially for younger generations, more blue

collar jobs

High quality post secondary education

Majority of participating students (high school

predominantly) indicated they would be
leaving Kamloops to pursue bigger and better
post secondary opportunities in more
urbanized centres or at larger schools

Vibrant, affordable downtown with focus

on live, work and play

City of Kamloops

This was a topic that was prevalent throughout

all of the public input sessions. A focus was on
increased residential development in the core

15
Overall Key Resulting Themes
THEME

DESCRIPTION

Riverfront revitalization/preservation

Restoring riparian areas, making the river a focal

point, capitalizing on this asset

Greater focus on alternative methods of transportation

Transit, walkability and biking, greater interconnectivity of neighbourhoods, separated bike

lanes, secure bike parking, active transportation
linkages maps, traffic calming, spend less on
infrastructure for the car and more on active
transportation

Clean air and water

Concerns related to the impact of industrial

activity on the airshed and too many personal
vehicle on the road

Transit

Bus needed to Sun Rivers and employment

opportunities on the reserve, extended hours,
more convenient, more routes, accommodate
late employment hours, more user-friendly for
those with disabilities or mobility issues

Maintaining agricultural areas

Limit encroachment of urban/suburban

development

Urban Sprawl

Concern that sprawl will create greater reliance

on the vehicle, too much sprawl in Kamloops
which people feel leads to loss of sense of
community

Mining

Mixed comments received from the community.

Some want mining in order to generate good
paying jobs and enhance economic development while others do not predominantly for
environmental reasons

Neighbourhood schools

Community support for neighbourhood

schools, closures impact neighbourhood viability, should leave to school board to decide,
outdated schools, school garden promotion

16
Overall Key Resulting Themes
THEME

DESCRIPTION

Greater focus on arts, culture and heritage now

that the parks/sporting event system is well
established

Performing Arts Centre, diversification so as not

to focus solely on sports

More accessible and affordable community

events and activities

Fun for all-not just those who can afford it

and can physically get to events, activities
and opportunities

Create an inviting place for younger people

Keep our young people here/attract young

people in jobs, amenities, entertainment,
culture etc. Most high school and university
students participating in Phase 1 indicated they
would be leaving Kamloops for better educational opportunities and/or job prospects
elsewhere. Typically these opportunities were
associated with moving to larger urban centres
where entertainment and cultural opportunities are more diverse

Family focus

More for families to do, attract young families

to the City, programs for families closer to
home

Sustainability

Sustainable growth, neighbourhoods, development, make sustainability part of every City

department, balancing economic, social and
environmental demands (also see Appendix 14)

Local Food and Agriculture

Increasing support

More local businesses

As opposed to multi-nationals, chains/big box

Focus on sense of place

City of Kamloops

Within neighbourhoods

17
Overall Key Resulting Themes
THEME

DESCRIPTION

More focus on, and incentives to attract businesses to Kamloops

Concerns among many that Kamloops is

by-passed as a location to do business

Economic diversity

Continued focus, support emerging sectors,

hi-tech, mining, plan for major industry closures,
good jobs, responsible economic development,
balancing environmental concerns

First Nations

Continue to work with and strengthen relations

between the City and Tk'emlps te Secwpemc

Water Conservation

Follow summer regulations for watering, grey

water recovery, lead by example (i.e. City watering of parks)

Sidewalks

More sidewalks and walking trails, regular

maintenance and upgrades, accessible, safe
transition from sidewalks to crosswalks, lighting,
buffers between road and sidewalks, streetscaping, plan for more scooters on downtown
sidewalks, better walkability in neighbourhoods and between neighbourhoods, ensure
continuous sidewalks on South and North
shore, eliminate disconnects, walking as
method of travel to work, wider sidewalks

Preserving green space for habitat protection

and passive recreation opportunities

Trails and nature parks, beautification, streetscapes, more green spaces, develop a Natural
Areas Protection Strategy, habitat/ecosystems
and species protection

More focus on stormwater management and

better stormwater management infrastructure

For details on main themes per event, please see Appendix 15.

Maintain natural values, currently lack of,

address groundwater issues, better clean up
after storms, understand and better manage
impacts of development on groundwater,
collection and reuse of stormwater

18
Public Engagement Feedback
(also see Appendix 16)
What Have We Done Well?
In total, 88 comments were received at an interactive station on the public engagement initiative
itself. Other comments were received throughout the duration of Phase 1 through email, topic
based meetings, information booths and surveys. Feedback specifically received from the launch
events indicated that they were effective, and that advertising by social media (email, Facebook
and Twitter), newsprint, radio and television were all good approaches to reaching potential
participants.
Sample Comments Received:

"This is a great idea/event. Keep it up!"

"Open House" type events like this one and attending public markets and festivals."
"Love this new format! Creative."
"Excellent displays and process."
"Love what the City has done to beautify downtown around the park! Keep it up!"
"Friendly faces and real people."
"We are the future! Thanks for involving us. Come to the schools more often." (this
comment came from the SKSS Topic based meeting)

Suggestions for the Future

City of Kamloops

"Publish an annual report on KAMPLAN process and make it available in all formats;
video, print, audio, internet."
"More advertising of upcoming events that are happening."
"These should be held in smaller version in individual neighbourhoodsbecause
people can feel more involved in their own backyard than in the "greater" picture,
which may be too big for some people."
"Organize some neighbourhood design charates to get residents to discuss their
aspirations for their neighbourhoods."
"Use more social media to engage specific groups!"
"On going and open communication channels with the public."
"More social events like this to keep us updated and get our feedback."
"Incentives for neighbourhood champions to host/relay information."

19
Next Steps
There is a great deal of work required as a result of Let's Ta!k Phase 1. The KAMPLAN Review and
Update is now well underway. Technical and public input gathered during Phase 1 will be utilized
and considered over the next few months in the development of new or updated (draft) goals
and policies for KAMPLAN.
The input gathered will also be reviewed in relation to the existing KAMPLAN to determine which
goals and policies are still relevant. Alternative land use scenarios will also be developed for
consideration based on technical and public input gathered in Phase 1.
KAMPLAN staff anticipate the following next steps in the KAMPLAN Review and Update Process:

Continued analysis of the results of Let's Ta!k Phase 1;

Evaluation of existing goals and policies in KAMPLAN to determine their current
value/relevance;
Review of the existing land use scenario and development of alternative land use
scenarios to consider;
Consideration and development of updated/new goals and policies to reflect
input received from the public; and
Preparation for Let's Ta!k Phase 2 in order to present results of Phase 1 and the draft
goals, policies and land use scenarios developed as a result of technical and public
input in Phase 1. In this Phase, the public will have an opportunity to weigh in on
the drafted goals, policies and scenarios and help determine if the City has missed
the mark or generally captured the relevant changes/updates to KAMPLAN.

* Please note the quotes contained within this document have not been altered in any way so as to
maintain the integrity of public comments received. As a result, there may be some spelling mistakes
and grammatical errors in sections containing quotes.

Appendices

Appendix 1 - Communications and Engagement Opportunities

21

Appendix 2 - Email Stakeholder Group

36

Appendix 3 - Stakeholder Pledge Drive

37

Appendix 4 - Public Comments Received: Vision and Values

38

Appendix 5 - Public Comments Received: Walk in My Shoes

68

Appendix 6 - Public Comments Received: Growth Management Hopes

71

Appendix 7 - Public Comments Received: Growth Management Concerns

84

Appendix 8 - Public Comments Received: Quality of Life

90

Appendix 9 - Public Comments Received: Economic Development

102

Appendix 10 - Public Comments Received: Economy and Environment

105

Appendix 11 - Public Comments Received: Transportation

114

Appendix 12 - Public Comments Received: Utilities, Servicing, and Infrastructure

129

Appendix 13 - Public Comments Received: Natural Environment

132

Appendix 14 - Public Comments Received: Sustainability

136

Appendix 15 - Popular Themes by Group/Opportunity

138

Appendix 16 - Public Comments Received: How Are We Doing?

145

Map 1 - Vision, Value, and Goals Survey Participants by Location

148

Map 2 - Public Preferences for Future Growth

149

City of Kamloops