Kamloops mayoral candidate proposes public-private cost sharing for major infrastructure projects

What would be in it for the developer

In theory, under the Co-Build model, the developer would finance and operate its space on the land while the city could keep ownership and operational control of its facility once the project is complete.

Dever, a former Kamloops city councillor who has worked in commercial and land development, and believes there is an appetite from the private sector to explore her policy proposal.

“I’ve done my due diligence sharing the information and intention behind the Co-Build initiative with union workers and the private sector,” Dever said. “Is this something that’s doable or palatable?… I haven’t had any kickback from either side. It’s been more about educating and understanding how the model could work. When we do have this on the table, it’s about transparency and open communication.”

When asked how the policy would be carried out in practice, Dever said it could be modeled for multiple unique projects. She mentioned the concept of a developer owning a hotel next to the Dufferin arena multiplex.

On the flip side, Dever added the city could partner with property owners to improve land it doesn’t own, such as the former Penny Pinchers site.

“It’s also a great opportunity for the city to do a Co-Build initiative and meet the needs of the North Shore Business Improvement Association and infill, and identify community services that are required,” Dever added.

Intergovernmental triage centre with commercial space

In 2025, Kamloops council approved the process of gaining public assent to borrow up to $150.7 million for a new, five-story RCMP detachment building at 560 Battle St. downtown. However, that process has since been put on hold.

While acknowledging she hasn’t had conversations with the RCMP regarding their thoughts about a commercial element to a new detachment, Dever told CFJC Today she has spoken with residents and organizations about addressing the city’s crime, homelessness and safety situations.

“There’s a big gap between our three levels of government working together and taking accountability and responsibility for the situation we’re in,” Dever said. “We do need to update the facilities that we have for the RCMP. However, we also need to create and establish an intergovernmental triage centre, which brings the three government agencies together under one roof to tackle this issue.”

The proposed triage centre would host the Kamloops RCMP detachment, while featuring municipal and provincial government offices under the same roof. It would also feature a commercial space.

“Now what that commercial piece looks like, I’m unsure. But that’s why we want to bring all the stakeholders to the table,” she added. “I don’t foresee any of the stakeholders suggesting we add residential to the RCMP detachment or the intergovernmental triage centre. But supporting commerce such as pharmacies, clinics, cafes, counselling, [a] bank, those possible commerce pieces definitely should be considered and brought to the table.”

General election day for the City of Kamloops is Oct. 17, 2026.

As things stand, Dever, incumbent Reid Hamer-Jackson and current city councillor Mike O’Reilly are all vying for the mayoral seat.

by Aaron Schulze

Kamloops mayoral candidate proposes public-private cost sharing for major infrastructure projects

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