File Photo (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Kimberley Smallman

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Help us preserve Valleyview, because your neighbourhood might be next

Feb 6, 2025 | 3:04 PM

I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE you to my community. My spouse grew up in the house we live in which we purchased from his parents years ago. Beside us, we have the courageous firefighter, his beautiful wife and their adorable children. They bought their home from her grandparents who were friends with my in-laws.

On our other side are longtime friends who watched my spouse and his siblings grow, the accountant and his wonderful wife. He was always out, tending to his yard. Sadly, we lost him last year — a loss our entire community felt. We all enjoy their exuberant, holiday decorations, a beloved tradition in Valleyview and a favourite stop for trick-or-treaters.

Next to them is another wonderful family. I’ve known her for 35 years. We played youth soccer together. Across the street, another long established family. I worked with her at the hospital 15 years ago. We became friends then. Beside them is the owner of Harper Mountain, a long-standing family name in Kamloops. Her son lives just around the block, down in the townhouses.

My good friend is raising her beautiful daughter. Her father was a beloved mayor of Kamloops, who also lived in our Valleyview community. Further up Glenwood is Brice’s bobcat. He, too, purchased his home from his parents. Just past him is another amazing couple. Their yard so immaculate. When I introduced myself as their new neighbor, they welcomed me and gave me a clipping of one of their gorgeous bushes. It still grows in our backyard.

We are a welcoming community. Just a few years ago, we welcomed two young families across the street. Their little ones became fast friends. I often gaze out my window on weekends and watch the innocence of young children running across the street to play, always under the watchful eyes of their amazing parents. It takes many of us back to when we played on these very streets.

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It would take me all day to tell you about the hard-working people in my community. Their contributions go beyond Valleyview. They help make Kamloops what it is. Valleyview is not just my neighborhood — these are my friends. This is my community family. Generations of families live here. Kamloops history lives here. Our community is built on respect, courtesy, friendship and love.

We can tell when you’re not from our community because you drive down Valleyview like it’s the Trans Canada Highway, breaking the law, endangering our children and pets, and disrespecting us all. We know a lot of you pass through on your way to work or school. We’ve all felt the aggravation of Valleyview Drive — and let’s not forget Vicars Road, where traffic backs up. The pain we all feel when someone blocks the intersection. We’re already overloaded with traffic — imagine adding 240+ more vehicles to your commute.

On January 28, our neighbours Craig and Calvin stood up with courage before city council. They represented us, voicing our legitimate concerns. The despair on their faces was the same despair we all feel now. They were met with laughter. I was disgusted, watching our council members scoff, roll their eyes and throw their heads back in exaggerated movements. One even scrolling on his phone, paying no attention.

Then there was Gary Reed, vice president at A&T Developments. Condescending, dismissive, speaking down to our entire community. “Oh, you’re all for advancement. Just not in your backyard.”

Well, Gary, how about your backyard? Two-hundred-forty eyeballs staring down at your family barbeques, your children. Stripping you of privacy, stealing your sunshine. They weren’t just laughing at Valleyview — they were laughing at all of Kamloops private homeowners. Their unprofessionalism was an embarrassment to our city.

They want to build Gotham Tower in the middle of our community, overshadowing our homes, our hearts, our way of life. There is no sunshine here in the winter, not even past Glenwood. When they build this tower my friends will be cast into darkness. They will never grow a garden again. They will never feel the sun in their yards.

This apartment complex threatens our privacy, rights and our community. I cannot stand by while my neighbours, my friends, my family are under attack. We must stand up to city council, our provincial leaders and the federal government. As Kamloopsians, we have a duty to protect the families who have lived here for generations and the new ones we’ve embraced. They are not just stealing our privacy, our sunshine and our safety. They are laughing at us while they do it.

If you love your community, if you are a private homeowner, taxpayer, voter — stand with us. If you cherish your privacy, your garden, the sun in your yard — join our fight. Please go to the Project Valleyview GoFundMe. If you can donate, anything helps. We need to hire the best attorneys to fight this. We must set a precedent now because your neighbourhood could be next. Your privacy. Your children’s safety. Your sunshine. We cannot allow government overreach to destroy our quaint community. We are not just fighting for Valleyview — we are fighting for you.

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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.