Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Two and Out

PETERS: Why not build a permanent reception centre in Kamloops?

Jul 26, 2024 | 12:30 PM

HERE ARE A FEW FACTS we know be true.

1. Climate disasters are becoming more and more frequent. In our area that predominantly means devastating wildfires that threaten communities.
2. Kamloops is located as a transportation hub at the confluence of major highways and railways.
3. Kamloops facilities are heavily subscribed by local user groups. They’re maxed out, meaning it’s difficult to transform them into emergency reception centres that could house evacuees.
4. Kamloops touts itself as Canada’s Tournament Capital and the B.C. Interior is a tourist destination. That means our hotels are frequently booked full.

Knowing all those things to be true, and knowing that Kamloops is in build mode, maybe our city should consider building a permanent emergency reception centre.

If we had such a facility, we wouldn’t have to try to shoehorn one into a hockey arena or community hall.

A permanent reception centre would not need to be fully dedicated to that task. Certainly, there are other activities that could take place there, but emergency accommodation for evacuees could be its primary function.

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Agreements could be set up with Alberta to use the centre in instances like what happened this week.

Thousands of people were forced to flee Jasper as a wildfire descended on the popular tourist town in the Rockies. They had to come west instead of east because the highway was cut off.

Some, after travelling for hours, arrived in Kamloops and other communities to find hotels and campgrounds completely full.

While it makes sense for the Alberta residents to head back to their home province for support services, that means hours and hours more on the road. An overnight in Kamloops or somewhere nearby would have been welcomed by many.

An idea like this would need to be funded by the upper levels of government, considering their jurisdiction over emergency management.

Even so, I’m sure the City of Kamloops wouldn’t mind kicking in some ongoing support to a facility like this.

We’re known as the Tournament Capital, but with a permanent port in the storm, wouldn’t it also be nice to be known as the Compassion Capital?

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.