File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today / Adam Donnelly)

By Michael Reeve

NEW RULES

Kamloops mayor, council locked out of certain City Hall areas as staff conduct security audit

Apr 11, 2024 | 4:30 PM

KAMLOOPS — A new City of Kamloops policy has taken effect at City Hall and other city facilities, limiting where councillors and the mayor are allowed to go.

“There was a recent operational change with respect for access to elected officials within city facilities. What we have done is change their access so they can only access the councillors’ office, the mayor’s office and the public areas within city facilities,” said Jen Fretz, civic operations director for the City of Kamloops. “This is done because of our obligations as a corporation to protect all of our staff and to make sure we have a safe workplace that is free of any bullying or harassment.”

The policy change affects all eight members of council and Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson.

In an emailed statement to CFJC Today, it was clarified that the move is temporary in nature.

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“These temporary measures will remain in effect while we complete a security audit and are able to implement recommendations for permanent security improvements,” read the email.

Council and the mayor will be able to conduct meetings with staff, but will need to follow visitor procedures to do so.

“Should the mayor or a member of council require access to a staff area in order to perform their official duties, such as a meeting room, they will be escorted by the applicable staff member while within staff areas following regular visitor procedures,” continued the email.

“After the meeting is over the elected official is asked to leave the staffed area afterwards,” added Fretz.