Author: Emily Wong

Police are asking the public for help after a tragic drowning at Kamloops Lake, British Columbia, claimed the life of an international student last weekend. The young man, who was studying at Thompson University, lost his life while swimming near Bruker Marina on the evening of August 23. Authorities reported that the incident took place just after 5 p.m. when officers received a call about a swimmer in distress. Despite quick actions from people nearby, the student disappeared into the water and did not resurface. Emergency crews responded immediately in an effort to find the swimmer. Tobiano Fire Rescue, Kamloops…

Conservative municipal politics are arriving in Kelowna and Kamloops, marking a shift in how political parties engage in British Columbia cities outside the Lower Mainland. Candidates under the Conservative Electors Association may appear on local ballots next year. The association is separate from both the provincial and federal Conservative parties. A recent media release from the association emphasized independence. It stated that while the organization follows conservative principles, it focuses solely on municipal issues and local engagement. The release did not name an author but promised more information in the coming weeks. Elections BC records show the association was registered…

Kamloops police are asking for public help to locate a man believed to be in the city. Christopher Lamoreux, 46, is reported missing after arriving in Kamloops roughly a week ago. Authorities say Lamoreux has not been heard from since, which is unusual for him. Police describe Lamoreux as Indigenous, about 6 feet tall, and of slim build. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and a black baseball cap. The Kamloops RCMP is urging anyone who may have seen him or has information about his whereabouts to come forward. Public assistance is considered vital in locating him safely.…

Kamloops Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson has reached a $42,000 settlement with his former lawyer over unpaid legal bills. The agreement resolves a fee dispute that had been ongoing since earlier this year. Under the settlement, Hamer-Jackson will pay $41,998.46 to Owen Bird Law Corporation. The total invoiced amount was $78,498.46, with $36,500 already paid. The remaining balance will accrue interest from the date of the court order until fully paid, though previous interest on overdue amounts has been waived. The dispute arose from legal services provided by Daniel Coles while representing Hamer-Jackson in multiple code of conduct complaints. Court documents show…

The City of Kamloops has temporarily closed the McArthur Island boat launch because of low water levels. On Monday afternoon, the city shared the closure on social media, saying it was done as a safety precaution. The boat launch will remain closed until water conditions improve. The city also mentioned other nearby boat launch sites that are open for use. These include Pioneer Park and Valleyview, which boaters can use as alternatives. Water level data from Environment Canada shows the Thompson River near Kamloops is currently about 3.4 metres. This is a drop of over 10 centimetres since Saturday and…

The search has resumed for a 23-year-old man who went missing after jumping off the Overlanders Bridge into the North Thompson River in Kamloops on July 30, 2025. Authorities say recent evaluations have led to renewed efforts to find him. Local police confirmed that Search and Rescue teams, working with RCMP officers, are again combing the area. Both aerial and watercraft support are being used to cover as much of the river as possible. The operation is aimed at locating any sign of the man, who is presumed to have drowned. Cpl. Dana Napier, the RCMP’s media relations officer, explained…

The mayor of Kamloops has launched a second defamation lawsuit against a city councillor over accusations he says have harmed his reputation. Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson filed the suit after Councillor Katie Neustaeter allegedly called his actions “creepy” in an internal email. The email was sent in 2024 to senior city staff and council members. According to court documents filed in B.C. Supreme Court on July 31, the mayor says the email made false and serious claims about him. The lawsuit centers around a message Neustaeter sent in May 2024. In it, she accused Hamer-Jackson of watching and recording her movements,…

Environment Canada has upgraded its warning in the Nicola region. The storm warning took effect at 3:30 p.m. on Friday. It covers the area from Tulameen to Lac Le Jeune. Merritt and the Coquihalla Highway north of Hope are included. Meteorologists are tracking a severe thunderstorm over Pennask Lake. The lake lies north of the Okanagan Connector and east of Merritt. The storm moves north at five kilometres per hour. Forecasters warn it could bring pea- to dime-sized hail. They also predict strong wind gusts and heavy rain. Heavy rain may cause flash flooding. Roads could become flooded and slick.…

A 31-year-old man from Kamloops has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for illegal firearms manufacturing and breaking a court order related to gun possession. Adrian Picketts-Yoxall received his sentence on Wednesday, July 30, following a police investigation that began in late 2021. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit in British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) launched the case in December 2021. Just a month later, police arrested Picketts-Yoxall and searched his home in Heffley Creek, located in the northern part of Kamloops. During the search, police found several illegal items, including: These discoveries led to further legal action.…

People living in Kamloops may soon hear a knock on the door from someone representing the BC Cancer Foundation. The organization has started a new door-to-door campaign in the city. The goal is to inform residents about its monthly donor program, which supports cancer research and patient care in British Columbia. These visits come at a time when many people feel unsure about speaking with strangers at the door. Because of this, the Foundation is making efforts to ensure safety and trust. All canvassers will wear teal vests and visible ID badges from the BC Cancer Foundation. They will also…