(Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

KAMLOOPS BUILDING SECTOR

Kamloops’ next builders prepare to enter a volatile sector

Jan 13, 2026 | 4:23 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops building sector had its third-busiest year on record in 2025, with more than 1,000 permits issued, equaling just shy of $350 million in value. The podium finish comes amid worry that the building sector may be cooling in the wake of economic and geopolitical pressure in Canada.

Thousands of dollars worth of tools, a gift from the Home Builders Association and Milwaukee, are set to help the graduating carpentry class at TRU step into the industry.

“We find a lot of time once they graduate they don’t have anything, and I think we gave a $1,000 worth of tools to each student and everyone only a got a couple of thing,” said Chris Crowell, President, CHBA Central Interior. “The tools are so expensive, so it’s an awesome initiative.”

The career kick start comes on the heels of a near-record breaking year for construction in Kamloops. And while things may cool slightly, the market is also ever-changing.

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“I do think it is slowing a little bit, different project types — there is a lot more multi-family stuff being built these days as opposed to single family. The developers are kind of pivoting on what the market is demanding,” added Crowell.

The TRU carpentry students are part of a group of approximately 80 students working to construct the Dream Home, getting hands on experience in their future trade.

“I couldn’t be more thankful for it. It’s amazing,” said Cayden Wesley. “It’s a good help to us for starting our own careers and now that we are going to be done this course soon it’s just a great help to start us off.”

There is a confidence among them, that building in Kamloops won’t be slowing soon.

“Carpenters are being asked for more and more,” said Ayden Klimach. “Even my teacher, Bryce, he mentioned that one of the companies here in town was offering to hire like our entire class. So I feel like it looks pretty good.”

“From what I’ve seen, there have been a lot of people stopping by the dream home site to let us know they are interested in working with us when we are done in school,” said Jonah Simmonds. “I think there is a lot of opportunities right now for us. it seems to be really booming.”

In 2025, nearly two-thirds of construction revenue came from the residential sector while just under $100 million came from the commercial side.

“It’s a mix but I don’t think the contractors or trades are complaining too much about what the project type is as long as it keeps them busy,” said Crowell.