Kamloops’ mayor wants his chain back

Our story last night indicated the chain was first introduced at the time of city amalgamation. But former Mayor Mel Rothenburger says there’s some confusion over that. He says the stolen chain doesn’t originate with amalgamation, or at least the amalgamation of the City with several surrounding areas in 1973. Rothenburger says the City was given a chain presented by the government of the day. He says it was used for a while, but it was decided to bring an older one back into service during his term in office. Rothenburger says he liked the older chain better, and says he had the names of all the mayors engraved on the links.

No indication at this point where the older, stolen chain originated. The former Mayor said it’s possible the older chain went back to the amalgamation of North Kamloops and Kamloops in 1967, but more research would be required to determine that accurately.

“On the back of it is engraved the mayor of Kamloops since Kamloops was incorporated, so it has a great historic value,” Mayor Christian says.

On Sunday (Sep. 12), the RCMP arrested a man in connection to a City Hall break-in, but they were unable to locate the chain of office.

Kamloops RCMP are still investigating the regalia theft; however, the mayor does not believe these crimes are politically motivated.

“I think that we are the victims, just as many businesses and many homeowners have been the victims of crimes for people looking for money to support addiction habits. It’s sad, but it’s a reality,” he says.

Anyone with information is asked to call the non-emergency police line at 250-828-3000 and reference file number 2021-31719.

by Amandalina Letterio

Kamloops’ mayor wants his chain back

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