Image Credit: City of Kamloops

By James Peters

Pedestrian Overpass

Kamloops council puts foot down on TRU pedestrian overpass location

Feb 6, 2024 | 7:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Nearly a year after it was approved, a pedestrian overpass over Summit Drive is no closer to reality, and some on Kamloops council are blaming gamesmanship on the part of Thompson Rivers University (TRU).

Council allocated $5 million for the project in January 2023, with the funding coming from a one-time provincial Growing Communities Fund grant. TRU was set to pay for the other half of the $10-million project.

Proposed pedestrian overpass locations (Image Credit: City of Kamloops)

Informed by a pair of studies more than a decade apart, the City of Kamloops has identified a location for the overpass 275 metres north of the intersection with McGill Road.

“We had a signed [Memorandum of Understanding] clearly identifying where this bridge would be located — which is 275 metres from McGill,” noted Transportation Manager Pervez Irani.

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Last summer, TRU indicated its preference for a location just 70 metres from the intersection, though the school has also indicated it favours “the best” location. It has since employed a consultant to review potential locations, with that report due in April.

Image Credit: City of Kamloops

At Tuesday’s (Feb. 6) meeting, several councillors expressed annoyance at TRU’s new location preference.

“I only voted for it because I thought it was going to happen,” said Councillor Dale Bass. “When I start hearing partners we’re dealing with saying, ‘Let’s talk about this. Let’s talk about that. Maybe let’s get another study,’ I start wondering if anything’s ever going to happen.”

“Where it’s been proposed twice in the last 13 years is the place we should build it,” added Councillor Nancy Bepple. “I just hope that TRU doesn’t give up on this great opportunity to have half of it paid for.”

Council voted to send a letter to TRU indicating its support of the project is contingent on it being built at the north location.