KAMLOOPS — Royal Avenue has been the site of more violent activity recently, namely the stabbing of a 27-year-old on Aug. 21 at 414 Royal Avenue followed by standoff at the same residence the next evening.
It’s also a popular hangout spot for some of the homeless population in Kamloops.
Neighbours in the area have become concerned for their safety and the safety of their family.
“There has been some drug usage and reports of sexual activity going on, we’ve heard of defacating in the community gardens,” said spokesperson for the McDonald Park Neighbourhood Association Sarah Johnstone, referring to the area around McDonald Park. “So as a neighbourhood association, we’re really working hard with the city, which has been fantastic, with the North Shore Business Improvement Association as well, to work on getting those issues solved.”
The association says part of the clean-up and revitalization of the neighbourhood around McDonald Park begins with the construction of new homes and the infusion of more families.
It’s why they spoke in favour of five-single family units that will soon be built at the former Thrupp Manor on Royal Avenue.
“We’re really excited to get people, families in the area to be building on these single-family lots to be have pride in ownership and to help revitalize that area,” said Johnstone, who added that a few new homes have been constructed on Royal Avenue.
The McDonald Park Neighbourhood Association sent out a survey, and out of the 30 people who responded, 26 wanted the single-family lots. Council heard the comments and voted 7-1 in favour.
“The [safety] theme was there at that is there is certainly a saturation at times of project and they felt their neighbourhood would best be served by five single-family residences there,” said Kamloops mayor Ken Christian. “Young families moving in with children and taking back that park space.”
The North Shore BIA spoke in support of the single-family homes as well on Tuesday night, citing this as a great first step in turning around that area of the North Shore.
“I think it’s more than just five single-family lots. That’s a starting point,” said executive director of the NSBIA Jeremy Heighton. “What’s really enticing to me is it’s an opportunity to revitalize another corner of that neighbourhood. If you look at all the way down Royal Avenue, all the way from Thrupp to Tranquille, there’s a need for that revitalization to occur. Some of those properties are really old. There are some vacant lots that need to be developed. All those things help to revitalize that neighbourhood and give it a sense of safety and control over how they develop.”
Tuesday night’s decision was a victory for the association and residents in the area who hope it can help Royal Avenue turn a corner.
