File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Wildfire Evacuees

Kamloops hotels and motels, Tk’emlups ready to welcome wildfire evacuees

Aug 22, 2023 | 9:18 AM

KAMLOOPS — Hotels and motels in Kamloops say they’re ready to house evacuees and critical response personnel.

In a news release issued Tuesday (Aug. 22) morning, the Kamloops Accommodation Association (KAA) says local hotels and motels have seen major cancelations since the B.C. government issued an emergency order restricting non-essential travel in the central Interior.

The order, lasting until Sept. 4, comes as the province hopes to ensure accommodation is available for those evacuated from their homes due to wildfires and emergency crews.

“It’s our hope that the coordinated response of local and provincial governments will fill these new vacancies so employees in hotels, motels, and restaurants don’t lose hours of work during the peak season,” KAA states.

The KAA says its membership consists of the majority of hotel and motel operators within the City of Kamloops.

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Elsewhere, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc says it is welcoming evacuees from wildfires in B.C.

In a news release issued Monday (Aug. 21) night, Tk’emlups says evacuees are welcome to set up their RVs and trailers at its arbour, then head to the McArthur Island Park Reception Centre to register for emergency support services.

While chief and council are grateful for those who want to donate and volunteer to help those evacuated by wildfires, Tk’emlups states it’s currently not taking financial or physical donations.

Previously, a partnership was created between Tk’emlups and the B.C. government to have culturally safe temporary accommodation for up to 300 First Nations people in Rayleigh operational on Aug. 16.

Tk’emlups states it continues to work with the City of Kamloops and the Thompson Nicola Regional District on the current emergency situations. Additionally, Secwépemc Health Caucus is coordinating how to support communities within Secwepemcúl’ecw.