Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson leaving chamber on November 5 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

CITY HALL DRAMA

Against his will, Kamloops mayor departs council chambers for access hub debate

Nov 5, 2024 | 7:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — The long-discussed access hub took a step forward on Tuesday (Nov. 5) during a heated regular meeting of Kamloops council. Council voted to approve a motion to distribute a notice of intent to consider a temporary use permit for the former Butler Auto property along the Tranquille corridor. The approval allows BC Housing, the proposed operator ASK Wellness, as well as fellow stakeholders to begin public consultation on the matter. However, the preliminary approval was not without drama as the mayor was asked to leave chambers.

It was a short stay for Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson after being informed he was in a conflict of interest with regards to the proposed North Shore access hub.

“I’m not sure if you had a chance to read the email that I sent to you yesterday regarding your conflict of interest on this matter,” said City of Kamloops Corporate Officer Maria Mazzotta.

“No, I’m not in conflict,” Hamer-Jackson responded. “I’m going to tell you something — just because somebody accuses you of something doesn’t mean you are in conflict. I have made up my mind that I will be involved in this.”

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The issue relates to Hamer-Jackson’s ongoing legal battle with Kamloops developer Joshua Knaak of ARPA Investments.

“Just because somebody accuses you of defamation or accuses you of being a bully or a racist, or they accuse you of being a sexual predator or anything like that, does not mean that’s a fact — so I will wait until that proceeds and I will be carrying on,” stated Hamer-Jackson.

And while conflict of interest is usually left to the party to self-declare, the Community Charter differs in this case.

“Mayor Hamer-Jackson, no I am (going to) continue on because the Community Charter prohibits you from participating in any aspect of any discussion involving Joshua Knaak until and unless you have received legal advice stating you are no longer in conflict with this individual that you have sued,” said Mazzotta. “If you do not do so, you are prohibited from remaining in this room, according to the Community Charter.”

In an attempt to remain in the room for the discussion, the mayor tried unsuccessfully to claim he was representing himself.

“I don’t have the authority to do much around here do I?” asked the mayor.

“That is correct,” responded Mazzotta.

“Well, guess what? The citizens voted for me and you are saying that I can’t represent myself. I represented myself here just a couple of weeks ago here in the courthouse and you are telling me I’m not allowed to?” questioned the mayor.

“We are not in a courthouse. We are in a council meeting,” explained Mazzotta. “It’s not just because somebody has accused you of stuff, it’s because you have sued this person.”

After a recess called by Deputy Mayor Dale Bass to allow the mayor to obtain the needed legal advice — and a brief argument with Councillor Katie Neustaeter — the mayor left the chambers.

“Yeah, this is real,” said Hamer-Jackson as he left. “I’m in conflict because people accuse me of stuff, because you (Neustaeter) accuse of me stuff, and your friends. It will come out, it will come out. But you guys go ahead.”

The remaining city council, chaired by Deputy Mayor Bass, did vote to move the access hub forward, clearing a path for public consultation, including a community open house on November 21.