KAMLOOPS — Between 100 and 150 government-funded Syrian refugees could soon be arriving in Kamloops.
The province is expected to take in 3,700 refugees, most of whom will settle in the Lower Mainland.
Kamloops South-Thompson MLA Terry Lake says Kamloops may be welcoming 35 families – with an average of 4 or more memebers, over the next four to six months.
“I know the community here has open arms, we have organizations here that are willing to step up and do their part. I think this is an ideal place for many refugee families, given the market in terms of job opportunities available here and just the willingness and community we have here.” Said Lake.
Prince George , Kelowna and Nanaimo are other similar sized communities that will also be considered. Lake says while the numbers aren’t firm just yet, the Kamloops region has the capacity and would help refugees integrate.
“We’ve had one meeting of a steering committee that Todd Stone, Mayor Peter Milobar and I have started. We have United Way at the table, refugees and friends together and we’re bringing someone from the housing and development community and Kamloops Immigrant Services.”
