r/Kamloops • u/MasterJcMoss • Apr 25 '26
Question What’s Kamloops Missing??
What do you think that this city is missing, that you might find elsewhere, that would make this city an even better place to live? And encourage people to come and visit! I’m just curious to hear people’s suggestions as putting the idea out there can be the catalyst that makes something worthwhile become a reality.
A kind of park? School? Clinic? Rally? Festival? Parade? Gym? (Ninja gym! Indoor bike park!) Awards show? Water park? Resort? (Nudist resort!) Sporting event? Retail store? (Kelowna just welcomed Ikea.) Door-to-door service? Hit me!!
17
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Ooooh!! A local market with vendors. Like, say, Lonsdale Quay. Or Granville Island.
I’ve often thought that Sahali Mall would be the ideal place for something like that.
3
u/brycecampbel Aberdeen Apr 25 '26
Riverside Park Heritage House parking lot has been positioned for a public market for years.
It would be a much better location than Sahali Mall.
1
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
I seem to recall the proposal for a raised structure that would be built over the current parking lot but there was opposition to it as it would ruin the park??😑 Guess it never gained traction, unfortunately.
-2
16
u/BumblebeeDependent81 Apr 25 '26
Go-karts
11
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Which go hand-in-hand with mini-golf.
1
u/Interesting-Qtip Apr 25 '26
I was so sad when mini golf in Mac park went away
1
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
I think(??) Fun Factor had, or still has, mini-golf.
1
u/Interesting-Qtip Apr 25 '26
Had, it’s bowling and bumper cars now Edit: but their mini golf was super cool!!
3
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Now you have me thinking about how the North Shore once had bowling AND roller skating in the same building! A wildlife park and waterslides next to each other.
Is it any wonder that people mourn the 80's??
1
u/aryn889 Apr 27 '26
Unfortunately, this would need to be brought in by a company that was willing to do the work if it was city run, people would complain about their taxes.
36
u/p1nts1ze Apr 25 '26
Waterslides.
7
3
-24
u/Littleshuswap Apr 25 '26
Or another outdoor pool/recreation area. They wasted all that money so folks could skate outdoors (in not really outdoor rink weather) and summer is longer than winter...
26
Apr 25 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
-13
u/Littleshuswap Apr 25 '26
Im sure its awesome but winter in Kamloops is like 3 months? Summer weather can be a full 5 months....
6
u/atetoomanychips Apr 25 '26
They can make ice up to like 7°, it will be used for a lot longer than just 3 months
-6
1
u/DisgruntledKitten_ Sahali Apr 25 '26
They did completely revamp the water park at Albert McGowan last year… So it wasn’t like summer outdoor activity spaces were neglected and the focus was only on the downtown skating path.
I’d love to see another outdoor aquatic space, as the Brock pool is great! Though I’m sure the costs of that are way more than that of a water park or a skating path.
39
u/MADaboutforests Pine View Apr 25 '26
An independent bookstore that sells new books. We have some great second hand bookstores here but I’d love to be able to shop local instead of at Indigo.
13
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 25 '26
Haus of Misfit has a book nook! Waiting on a new order and going to be doing another one soon.
2
u/MADaboutforests Pine View Apr 25 '26
Ooh! Thanks for the reminder Jess. 💕
2
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 25 '26
Let me know if there’s any subjects or book types I should bring in!
This book order contains: kids books, drag books, cook books, colouring books
One I’m building contains: craft books, more cookbooks, more colouring books, various non fiction (including my standard left wing propaganda 🤭)
I order from Microcosm Publishing, but also order from University of Toronto Press Distribution which gives me access to a bunch of publishers!
Love my book nook and more than happy to tailor it to customers’ needs!
1
u/Own-Yam2260 Apr 25 '26
Do you have any “Wow out mayor sucks” stickers left or are they sold out due to massive demand?
2
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 25 '26
I never had any of those specific ones, I’m not sure who made them… but if they’re in this subreddit I’d like them to know I’d do a bulk order lol
I do carry “Don’t blame me, I Voted for Mayor McCheese” stickers!
6
u/its_cassc Apr 25 '26
We have one out in Ashcroft! Come visit and grab some produce (and/or tacos 🤤) from Desert Hills, or even play a few games at Barking Huskies Board Game Lounge 🙌
3
u/tylerxtyler Apr 25 '26
Yeah that would be great but given that even Indigo itself is struggling to make profits I can't help but not feel too confident that we'll get anything
1
u/MADaboutforests Pine View Apr 25 '26
PG, Williams Lake, and 100 Mile all manage to keep theirs going! I think Kamloops could do it.
3
u/brokenwalrus22 Apr 25 '26
This was my first thought. We have some great used book stores but being able to buy a new book from a local store is a big gap that could be filled. Living in other cities I would always search these stores out and loved the experience of looking through the isles of a little boutique book shop.
3
2
u/brycecampbel Aberdeen Apr 25 '26
I prefer to support our local library.
They will either order new or bring in interlibrary loans for things they don't have.
1
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Here we go!! Thank you!! I was just thinking about this the other day. A place to buy new books that isn’t Indigo. Hell, yeah!! 👍
14
u/moodychurchill Rayleigh Apr 25 '26
A place to take children indoors when it is too cold or too hot to be outside.
Losing Zaaz was a huge wrecking ball for parents with young kids.
Indoor playgrounds are so helpful.
5
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
There is the Trampoline Park??
8
u/moodychurchill Rayleigh Apr 25 '26
That’s great for kids 4+ but there’s hardly anywhere for babies/ toddlers. Even the city parks are designed for kids 5+.
Plus trampoline parks are super dangerous if you look up the injury rates especially if your child has any accessibility issues.
4
u/durMarco Apr 25 '26
The little big science center and museum basement are both solid options.
2
u/Own-Yam2260 Apr 25 '26
Are they open on weekends?
1
u/durMarco Apr 26 '26
Yes only Saturdays but better than nothing.
Library also has a room with some activities.
1
u/ruebanstar Apr 26 '26
Museum is on Saturdays. Entry by donation! I always find it super hot in there just fyi
3
u/DisgruntledKitten_ Sahali Apr 25 '26
Jumping in here to let you know about Sweet Home Cafe! It’s got a small play area for kids! It’s certainly not as big as Zaaz but it’s something!
Also, not sure if they’ll ever do it again but two of the gymnastics facilities had a family/toddler time a few times a week in the morning.
Also! Check out the John Tod centre! They do drop-ins and is a great space to burn some energy and meet other parents!
11
u/TomSawyer2112_ Apr 25 '26
Music venues for small, independent artists.
With the closure of the Effie at the end of this month, an up and coming band looking to throw a DIY-style show for cheap would be even more handcuffed than before.
If they want their show to be all ages, the list of places regularily throwing such shows is basically Bridgeview and Pizza Pi. That’s not enough for the wealth of talent this city has in it.
1
u/brycecampbel Aberdeen Apr 25 '26
throw a DIY-style show for cheap would be even more handcuffed than before.
Most venues are cheap already, its the insurance that drives up the cost.
23
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 25 '26
- A gay bar
- Outdoor pools/Waterslides
- Bike lanes and overall better transit infrastructure
3
u/brycecampbel Aberdeen Apr 25 '26
Bike lanes and overall better transit infrastructure
AT and Transit plans are in-place, and are quite comprehensive, Council just needs to throw more budget at it.
2
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Kamloops used to have peeler bars. An X-rated movie theater even! Gone. 😐
5
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 25 '26
I’m old enough to remember the peeler bars! Did not know we had an x-rated theatre though!
Although, I am talking about a specifically queer bar for the local 2SLGBTQIA+ community, who often have to use “straight” bars/venues for events.
That said, there is a decent pole scene here that I’m sure would be welcomed in such a space.
2
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
The X-rated theater was close to where the Brownstone Restaurant is currently. On that side of the street.
1
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 25 '26
That’s wild! When was this?!
3
u/wannabe_meat_sack Apr 25 '26
The Bronze Kitten XXX Theatre. I'm guessing, but it closed somewhere in the late 70s.
3
1
u/whistlrkid Apr 26 '26
A gay bar would be nice. Do you think it would survive? Has it ever been tried here before!
1
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 27 '26
I don’t believe it’s ever been tried here. Kelowna has one, Unicorn Lounge, formerly known as Friends of Dorothy.
Hard to say if it would survive. I’d be optimistic about it. I do think there is a community here that would support it and the events it could have. Kamloops does really love drag shows, and there’s decent pole, heels, and burlesque communities, too. But food & beverage industry is a hard one - profit margins are pretty thin and costs for commercial space can be pretty wild. I also imagine it would require a lot of capital to even get it off the ground.
7
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Richmond Night Market is INSANELY popular.
Like, over the top. Could/should something like that be done here??
2
u/EngineerCodes Apr 27 '26
the only thing I found in RNM is overpriced, low-quality food. It is only popular among a certain demography of people. There is a reason it is happening in Richmond.
2
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 28 '26
Never been to the Richmond one, but I organize Misfit Night Market that runs twice a year - once in July with the DTWN Night Market in collaboration with Downtown Kamloops [ETA: just announced for July 25, 4-9!], and once in November for Christmas.
There’s also The Lot Market that runs evening markets at TRU at more frequent intervals.
Neither are as extravagant as how the Richmond ones look, but both are community led 🙂
1
u/wanderingtater Brock Apr 27 '26
I think we have a "night market" here but it only runs until like 8 pm I think? So not really "night". The Richmond one is great - so many good food options!
5
u/kaanapalikid Apr 25 '26
It would be nice to have a bike lane/walking path that connects T’Kemlups & Sun Rivers to River Path. Right now it’s a sketchy narrow gravel sidewalk from Chief Louis to the bridge and then busy roadway to the river path
2
1
u/Business_Front_2535 Apr 29 '26
On that note bike path from the Halston to Raleigh part paved or just dirt ,people ride the highway but just to scary for most people
5
u/A_Murderous_Banana Apr 26 '26
Third spaces for evening/night time as well as things for teenagers todo in the evening or at night. Kamloops has a huge drug and drinking problem with out teenage demographic and as a teenager myself and alot of my friends agree with me, there is no social thing for teenagers to do that's open allmost every night, besides partying and drinking or smoking. WE NEED THIRD SPACES FOR TEENS.
11
u/tonydanzaspubichair Apr 25 '26
Leadership. Water slides. A gondola system for public transport (think of the south shore like a ski hill).
6
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
I think(??) there was a proposal for a gondola that would link MacArthur Park with the South Shore.
2
u/tonydanzaspubichair Apr 25 '26
If we could only be so lucky! Think of the possibilities on the south shore with gondola hubs in spots like Riverside, TRU, Sa-Hali Mall and/or Aberdeen Mall and places of the sort and then bus loops could be based off of those hubs. The North Shore/Brock and Westsyde would be easy as they are flatter and have plenty of shopping malls and Mac Park that could be hubs as well. Valleyview & Juniper could be two lines with the Juniper one connecting over Peterson creek and into Sa-Hali and the VV one connecting into downtown. There and single line connecting those two. Think of the possibilities!!
1
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 26 '26
And imagine the INSANE costs!!
But yeah, it would be cool.
2
3
u/Kootenay85 West End Apr 25 '26
I really wish we had a car share like Modo/ Evo.
2
u/steviedoesdrag Apr 25 '26
I think Propolis (the housing co-op) wants to do a car share! I’m not sure if it’s just for residents of the co-op housing that’s gonna go where the Effie is though. The only info I can find online is from 2024.
2
u/brycecampbel Aberdeen Apr 25 '26
Propolis (the housing co-op) wants to do a car share!
They're seeking the lot on St, Paul at 10 Ave.
1
5
10
Apr 25 '26 edited Aug 26 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/kcrafter101 Apr 25 '26
You are aware the cycle path does connect across the blue bridge right? Like you can bike right from riverside park to overlander beach. I think a much more logical and cost effective option would be redoing and widening the path on the bridge to bring it to current city MUP standards (3m wide).
3
2
u/wanderingtater Brock Apr 27 '26 edited Apr 27 '26
Every time I bring this up, I get flamed, but I'll keep saying it.
I would like to have more dog-welcoming spaces that aren't specifically off-leash dog parks or hiking trails. I understand the issue of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets. However, other cities have similar issues and still allow dogs in areas that Kamloops would not (Riverside Park, for example, is not dog-friendly, yet Waterfront Park in Kelowna is for on-leash only on the pathways and green spaces, but not on the beach itself, which is completely understandable). Mac Island has a lovely paved path that I would walk with my dog in a heartbeat, except they aren't permitted there. It's understandable to have no dogs allowed on the fields themselves, but not allowing them on the pathway is unfortunate. I have heard all the reasons behind the city being very anti-dog-friendly in spaces not specifically designed for them; everything from "dog owners don't pick up after their pets" to "aggressive dogs attacking people," and they are all valid reasons, but they aren't specific to Kamloops. Yet, Kamloops is one of the few cities I've been in with such strict dog rules. Are Kamloops dog owners worse than other owners in other cities? Or is the population less tolerant of the issues than elsewhere? Please note, before you flame me, I have tried to keep my wording neutral and not accusatory.
Outside of that, I would love:
More third spaces; waterslides; outdoor go-karts; mini-golf; more outdoor summer-time activities (like a fair or carnival more frequently than the one at Aberdeen Mall); better transit for people who need to use public transit; and then obviously things like more doctors and walk-in clinics.
2
u/MrJacksonHypnotist Apr 29 '26
Very glad we have an all-season roller and ice rink. But what we're really missing will be added once the performing arts building is complete. Honestly, imagine buying a new apartment downtown and having to go to Kelowna to see something! Crazy money downtown is coming. THEN we can get a good parkade.
5
u/LocalYokel250 Apr 25 '26
We have too many things in this city already. Just stay in your homes and stay on guard in case you see a homeless person.
/Kamoops Citizens United (or whatever they call themselves)
4
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Fix the roads, fill the potholes, and nothing more, daggummit!!
2
u/LocalYokel250 Apr 26 '26
But only the potholes on their roads.
1
u/aryn889 Apr 27 '26
Also, if the city doesn’t respond to said pot hole within seconds of it forming it “took too long”. Also if the city repairs entire roads that were crumbling it’s “too expensive”…there’s literally no pleasing them.
4
u/aryn889 Apr 25 '26
The NIMBYs of this city drive me absolutely insane. We are so far behind our “sister city” Kelowna and it would be nice for this city to offer some fun things but god forbid we try to grow.
3
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Also not growing?? People.
It's never failed to amaze me just how many people want to do nothing better than hit up the local watering hole and drink beer/eat cheeseburgers while bitching about the government (maybe taking a smoke break) in between plays as they also watch the hockey/football/baseball game.
You'll never catch me socializing with this depressing bunch.
1
u/LocalYokel250 Apr 26 '26
OK, but what if I told you there's not really anywhere to get a great cheeseburger in this town anyhow?
3
3
u/showmeallyourbunnies Apr 25 '26
A dog water park.
0
u/AlabamaPickleFarmer Juniper Apr 25 '26
Let's get one for humans first
2
u/DisgruntledKitten_ Sahali Apr 25 '26
Uh oh… are the five we have not for humans? 👀
2
u/AlabamaPickleFarmer Juniper Apr 25 '26
I was thinking more waterslides which in retrospect wasn't clear.
2
u/DisgruntledKitten_ Sahali Apr 25 '26
Haha, fair! Now I’m thinking about dogs going down water slides. Maybe we need both? Thanks for the chuckle!
1
u/showmeallyourbunnies Apr 26 '26
Dog water parks are more like spray decks for dogs. Somewhere for dogs to exercise and cool down in the heat.
0
Apr 26 '26 edited Aug 26 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/showmeallyourbunnies Apr 26 '26
Well I think the dog water parks should be staffed and for a fee for this very reason. The heat is killer here and it can be super tough to get gots enough exercise in the summer.
2
u/GreenJade-Interiors Apr 25 '26
Law and order.
4
u/mixymatchymash Apr 25 '26
An art supply store.
1
u/avavelaorion00 Apr 26 '26
https://preferred-picture-framing-art-supplies.mailchimpsites.com/ carries painting supplies and other art stuff.
1
u/mixymatchymash Apr 26 '26
I know but the selection is limited. No screen printing supplies for example.
2
u/thekamflair Downtown Apr 25 '26
What I find Kamloops is severely missing is more supports for people with autism. Stuff like therapy services, dedicated social centres, social skills groups, sensory friendly environments and spaces, and autism specific employment programs. That’s what this city really needs.
1
u/trout_scout Apr 26 '26
Kamloops has an excellent infrastructure and support systems for anyone with autism - by far better than most cities/towns anywhere. It depends if you compare it internationally or have actually explored local services. They’re here, just not well marketed or promoted.
0
u/thekamflair Downtown Apr 26 '26
Like what, u/trout_scout? Give me solid examples of how those services you say we have here exceed those of any Canadian metropolitan area (and the world). So far, you’ve failed spectacularly (and bricked the response harder to the point where Ben Simmons looks like Steph Curry) in telling me which services exist. You never provided the links to them in your first response. You just said, “lol dude you’re tripping, trust me bro” and then expected me to believe it. I’ve done the research and the asking around. The services for autistic people (especially adults) in Kamloops are either non-existent or absolutely terrible because of exclusionary outdated Autism Speaks parroting NPC workers or lack of funding.
Now please, provide the links to those places you say Kamloops already has for autistic people. I’m waiting.
1
1
1
u/MetalNerd83 Apr 27 '26
A proper live music venue for metal and punk shows especially. There hasn't been a good one since Shawn quit the Pogue and the Dirty Jersey closed.
1
1
u/Business_Front_2535 Apr 29 '26
Me personally would like a water slide park with out door camping for R.Vs and camping . Indoor water park for winter use plus electric go cart track adaptable for all four seasons
1
u/Business_Front_2535 Apr 29 '26
Maybe a section of riverside park to play board games or chess or backgammon just a thought
1
u/Proof-Accountant1417 May 01 '26
Honestly, I think we have stuff to do. The problem is not having a community hub to learn about any of it, in my experience.
Outlets like Castanet never gets the word out about events happening until it's already happened? I don't hear about cool things until they're over.
If we want to learn new arts and skills, take classes, attend events, catch live music, or participate in literally anything else around community engagement, making it easy to find the opportunities before they happen would be huge, rather than just relying on word of mouth or local radio, which some people might not listen to for news, due to..... musical preference.
As a more personal gripe, there's not much in town for folks who work weekends and have alternate days off. Everything is always on Saturdays. Sucks. I know there's a Wednesday Farmers Market in the summer but it's not nearly as big.
2
u/Icedover-Feral Apr 25 '26
We need increased infrastructure and road expansions, long before we need high rises and community art centre's. Those would be fine, if we could solve the traffic issues first.
5
u/kcrafter101 Apr 25 '26
You want the right thing, that’s great! You’re unfortunately going about it the wrong way. Watch a documentary or read a study about how building more car lanes with just increase traffic in the long term. If you want less cars on the road you need to give more people more ways of getting around the city. Having the scooters and e-bikes is great for making last mile connections and even short trips. But increasing bus routes and frequency as well as expanding the bike network will do far much more for traffic.
Also just a question for you to ponder since you specifically mentioned high rise. Where downtown, in your mind, are they going to expand the roads? The sidewalks are already rather narrow on every street except victoria. So where are they magically getting to room to build more lanes??
1
u/Icedover-Feral Apr 25 '26
No matter which way I look at it, downtown needs a remodeling of some sort, and that unfortunately looks a heck of a lot like destruction somewhere downtown and years long projects to get it done before the demand increases.
Sky trains would be an intelligent design, or even a partial subway system seeing as how they are digging so deep into the ground. But again, somewhere downtown will need to be utterly changed to accommodate those things.
Less road ways would indeed be ideal, and having used the sky trains in Vancouver to get around when on trips there honestly saved a ton of gas and frustration.
And I mentioned the high rise simply because of the population density it's going to bring, not only there, but to 8th street aswell on the north shore. Many of those households are going to bring their own vehicle, sometimes 2, which isn't going to help solve the growing issue we have when it comes to traffic.
What I really hope for on the future is that they look at these constructions, and think about how their population is going to move around their city both near and far before saying "Yes! Let's jam another xx amount of people in that area!"
8
u/brycecampbel Aberdeen Apr 25 '26
and road expansions
No. We need to diversity our road networks. We have too much car-centrtic infrastructure as it stands today.
4
u/MasterJcMoss Apr 25 '26
Selfishly, I’d love to see a another bridge spanning the North Thompson, connecting Westsyde with Rayleigh (another exit in the event of fires), but we’ll get a new Red Bridge before that and I’m not holding my breath on that happening anytime soon.
1
u/PolicyTemporary5296 Apr 25 '26
A Golftown or golf specific store…
1
u/Interesting-Qtip Apr 25 '26
Does mulligans sell golf equipment? Or is it just beer LMAO. I know they have the golfing sims…
0
0
u/MBolero Apr 26 '26
A boarding kennel located by the airport, a real Mini golf facility, decent pizza, car hops.
2
0
u/crashland_DEI_pilot Apr 27 '26
an overall uncool vibe. No places where people gather. Skews middle-age to older crowd that just goes to Costco. Nice place overall but pretty dudley.
-2
u/KamloopsDan Apr 25 '26
Pubs with family-friendly beer gardens. I miss those.
7
u/kcrafter101 Apr 25 '26
Cannot disagree more. Why would I want children near me when I’m trying to enjoy an adult beverage in the company of adults. If you wanna get drunk with your kids, you are more then welcome to enjoy it at home
1
u/KamloopsDan Apr 26 '26
Who said anything about getting drunk. Family friendly pubs in the UK are a great place to meet up with friends. Eat a nice ploughman’s lunch, washed down with a pint of Yorkshire ale while your kids are playing with other kids in the designated “children’s play area”.
No big screen TVs, no waitresses, no obnoxious drunks, just simple pleasures on a hot Sunday afternoon.
2
u/sportrocketsurgeon Apr 26 '26
I’ve had incredible times at Privato, which is family friendly. Their outside space is unparalleled with lots of grass and games. Although a winery and a cidery, they sell beer and have it on tap in the summer
70
u/brycecampbel Aberdeen Apr 25 '26
Like most of Canada, third spaces.
And particularly third spaces that are mixed into residential areas that we can simply walk to (or use the scooters) vs. having to own a vehicle and drive OR plan to take transit.
That's what Kamloops (and most of Canada) is missing. Like say its 6p on a Wednesday and you've worked all-day, you've finished your household chores, dealt with kids... Like I'd love to have a third space, heck even a commercial third space that I could just walk to for a few hours.