April 24, 2008 VK's Newest BOD member
April 23, 2008 New Director/Officer for VK
April 2, 2008 VK BOD Member receives Award
March 25, 2008 New Gold's Afton Mine partners with Kamloops First Nations Group
January 9, 2008 Venture Kamloops Hires New CEO
May 6, 2008 Attract, Retain, Engage Worker Tool-kit Workshop
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The City of Kamloops offers competitive development costs which allow the city to be a leader in promotion of new infrastructure.Development cost charges (DCCs) are a cost-recovery tool used by local governments throughout BC to recover from developers monies to off-set the capital costs of altering or expanding infrastructure such as sewage, water, drainage, highway facilities and providing or improving parkland.Infrastructure improvements provide for the broader community needs, and not just those of a specific site or development.View Chart for DCC rates or visit Development Cost Charge By-law for details.
The City of Kamloops offers competitive development costs which allow the city to be a leader in promotion of new infrastructure.
Development cost charges (DCCs) are a cost-recovery tool used by local governments throughout BC to recover from developers monies to off-set the capital costs of altering or expanding infrastructure such as sewage, water, drainage, highway facilities and providing or improving parkland.
Infrastructure improvements provide for the broader community needs, and not just those of a specific site or development.
View Chart for DCC rates or visit Development Cost Charge By-law for details.
$10,166
$4,377
$73.96
$37.50
$95.78
Source: City of Kamloops - Development Cost Charge sBylaw October 2007
Single-family charges are collected when a subdivision is created and is based on the number of new lots. Mobile home parks and campground charges are collected when a building permit is issued for servicing and is based on the number of sites created. Multi-family charges are collected when the first permit is issued for the site, i.e. site services or units and are based on the number of units.Commercial, institutional, and industrial charges are collected at building permit stage and are based on the gross building floor area.
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Kamloops offers efficient processing times for business development permits. The average City of Kamloops processing times are accelerated compared to those experienced in other cities of similar size and population. This makes Kamloops a very development friendly community with fast results.
Source: City of Kamloops, October 2007
Kamloops is situated at the hub of leisure and commercial travel in BC due to its location at the crossroads of BC's major highways - the Coquihalla (Hwy 5), Trans Canada (Hwy 1), and Highway 97. Over 25 trucking and transport companies that ship goods across BC, Canada and the U.S. are located in the region. Kamloops is serviced by major railways; Canadian National, Canadian Pacific Railways, and the Kamloops Heritage Railway. Deluxe tourist passenger service is also provided by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations between Calgary and Vancouver, stopping overnight in Kamloops three nights per week (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday).Kamloops Airport offers international service between Kamloops and Vancouver, Seattle, Calgary, Smithers, Prince George, and Kelowna. In addition to passenger transport, the airport handles a considerable amount of air cargo.
Kamloops is situated at the hub of leisure and commercial travel in BC due to its location at the crossroads of BC's major highways - the Coquihalla (Hwy 5), Trans Canada (Hwy 1), and Highway 97. Over 25 trucking and transport companies that ship goods across BC, Canada and the U.S. are located in the region.
Kamloops is serviced by major railways; Canadian National, Canadian Pacific Railways, and the Kamloops Heritage Railway. Deluxe tourist passenger service is also provided by Rocky Mountaineer Vacations between Calgary and Vancouver, stopping overnight in Kamloops three nights per week (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday).
Kamloops Airport offers international service between Kamloops and Vancouver, Seattle, Calgary, Smithers, Prince George, and Kelowna. In addition to passenger transport, the airport handles a considerable amount of air cargo.
Venture Kamloops provides a full-spectrum of business support for new and expanding business within the City of Kamloops,Kamloops represents a 14.7% cost advantage over the United States, a 1.6% advantage over the United Kingdom, a 3.3% advantage over Italy, a 5.5% advantage over Austria, a 16.6% advantage over Germany, and a 32.5% advantage over Japan.The overall average business cost for Kamloops was lower than Canada's national average at 85.3.In a recent study by KPMG, 2002: A Comparison of Business Costs in North America, Europe, and Japan, Kamloops placed second overall in the Pacific North American region. Out of the 7 Canadian cities involved in the study, Kamloops placed second in three categories and seven major index criteria: Manufacturing, Food Processing, Precision Components, Pharmaceuticals and Specialty Chemicals; Advanced Software and Content Development; and Corporate Services.Kamloops has many organizations and associations geared to helping business prosper. The city's newly created business and client services division will unravel red tape, deal with contractual matters, and conduct business liaison and best-practice research, making it a more streamlined service. Other associations include FrontCounterBC, Ministry of Economic Development, Business Improvement Associations, Tourism Kamloops, the Kamloops Home Based Business Association, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and the Accommodation Association just to name a few.Back to Top
Venture Kamloops provides a full-spectrum of business support for new and expanding business within the City of Kamloops,
Kamloops represents a 14.7% cost advantage over the United States, a 1.6% advantage over the United Kingdom, a 3.3% advantage over Italy, a 5.5% advantage over Austria, a 16.6% advantage over Germany, and a 32.5% advantage over Japan.The overall average business cost for Kamloops was lower than Canada's national average at 85.3.
In a recent study by KPMG, 2002: A Comparison of Business Costs in North America, Europe, and Japan, Kamloops placed second overall in the Pacific North American region. Out of the 7 Canadian cities involved in the study, Kamloops placed second in three categories and seven major index criteria: Manufacturing, Food Processing, Precision Components, Pharmaceuticals and Specialty Chemicals; Advanced Software and Content Development; and Corporate Services.
Kamloops has many organizations and associations geared to helping business prosper. The city's newly created business and client services division will unravel red tape, deal with contractual matters, and conduct business liaison and best-practice research, making it a more streamlined service. Other associations include FrontCounterBC, Ministry of Economic Development, Business Improvement Associations, Tourism Kamloops, the Kamloops Home Based Business Association, Kamloops Chamber of Commerce and the Accommodation Association just to name a few.
Construction activity in Kamloops has hit its highest levels in the past 10 years - currenly $2 biillion of resort resential projects are currently in progress.Construction values have climbed to more than 200 million for 2005, 2006 and also projected for 2007. Venture Kamloops is proud to show these fugures and encourages new development throughout Kamloops and Area.For specific information in regards to commercial or industrial land opportunities please contact Michael Eibl at Venture Kamloops at (250) 828-6818. For a complete look at the property available in Kamloops please feel free to look at a detailed report of available industrial land within the City of Kamloops. Click here to link to the document.
Construction activity in Kamloops has hit its highest levels in the past 10 years - currenly $2 biillion of resort resential projects are currently in progress.
Construction values have climbed to more than 200 million for 2005, 2006 and also projected for 2007. Venture Kamloops is proud to show these fugures and encourages new development throughout Kamloops and Area.
For specific information in regards to commercial or industrial land opportunities please contact Michael Eibl at Venture Kamloops at (250) 828-6818. For a complete look at the property available in Kamloops please feel free to look at a detailed report of available industrial land within the City of Kamloops. Click here to link to the document.
In comparison to the rest of British Columbia, Kamloops has a low-cost housing advantage making it very inviting for people to move and to relocate here. The average price for a single detached home in Kamloops is $393,000 - Visit www.mls.caThe local real estate market is booming. The majority of home purchasers are from Kamloops with others originating from the Vancouver Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and outside of BC. The average price for a single detached home in Kamloops is up to one-third less than a home in Vancouver Lower Mainlain and $100,000 less than Kelowna.
In comparison to the rest of British Columbia, Kamloops has a low-cost housing advantage making it very inviting for people to move and to relocate here. The average price for a single detached home in Kamloops is $393,000 - Visit www.mls.ca
The local real estate market is booming. The majority of home purchasers are from Kamloops with others originating from the Vancouver Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and outside of BC. The average price for a single detached home in Kamloops is up to one-third less than a home in Vancouver Lower Mainlain and $100,000 less than Kelowna.
Kamloops economy is strong and diverse. The top industry sectors by employment size are the following:Retail Trade Construction, Accommodation, Food and Beverage Health Care & Social Assistance Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Government Services Professional, Scientific and Technical Service Transportation and WarehousingForestry and wood products manufacturing makes up the largest portion of regional GDP, contributing $500 million annually, providing 3,500 jobs. The high quality of wood fiber growing in the area and world-class sustainable forestry management has led to the growth of this sector.Mining, led by Highland Valley Copper, has been a regional economic strength for decades. Exploration continues throughout the region.New Gold Inc has commissioned Cementarium for the underground development phase of preparing the mine for the extraction of copper, gold and silver.The Retail sector has changed significantly in the past decade with the addition of stores such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Winners, Home Sense, RONA, Canadian Superstore, Pier 1, Chapters Books and Home Depot. Retail now makes up 12 % of the locaal economic activity equaling the provincial average.Tourism is the fastest growing segment of the economy as visitors choose the sensational skiing, golfing, fishing, biking and hiking opportunities in the area. Tourism Kamloops recently branded the Thompson region's outdoor activites with focus on the family as "Playtime Redefined offering a spectacular landscape in the western sunbelt - visit www.tourismkamloops.com.Numerous Federal and Provincial offices provide services the Kamloops area. Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops is the regional acute care facility and hospital.
Kamloops economy is strong and diverse. The top industry sectors by employment size are the following:
Forestry and wood products manufacturing makes up the largest portion of regional GDP, contributing $500 million annually, providing 3,500 jobs. The high quality of wood fiber growing in the area and world-class sustainable forestry management has led to the growth of this sector.
Mining, led by Highland Valley Copper, has been a regional economic strength for decades. Exploration continues throughout the region.New Gold Inc has commissioned Cementarium for the underground development phase of preparing the mine for the extraction of copper, gold and silver.
The Retail sector has changed significantly in the past decade with the addition of stores such as Wal-Mart, Costco, Winners, Home Sense, RONA, Canadian Superstore, Pier 1, Chapters Books and Home Depot. Retail now makes up 12 % of the locaal economic activity equaling the provincial average.
Tourism is the fastest growing segment of the economy as visitors choose the sensational skiing, golfing, fishing, biking and hiking opportunities in the area. Tourism Kamloops recently branded the Thompson region's outdoor activites with focus on the family as "Playtime Redefined offering a spectacular landscape in the western sunbelt - visit www.tourismkamloops.com.
Numerous Federal and Provincial offices provide services the Kamloops area. Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops is the regional acute care facility and hospital.
The industrial base of Kamloops and the Thompson Shuswap is well diversified and has enjoyed job growth in most sectors, especially the service industries. The area is comprised of a very diverse economy and is not dependent on any one industry. According to the Human Resources Skills Development Canada Thompson Shuswap Environmental Scan 2005/2006, Kamloops has a well-educated diverse labor force of more than 49,000 workers (15+) who support a wide range of economic sectors.The largest portion of the working population in the Kamloops area is employed in the retail trade industry and service sectors. The top four industry sectors by number of workers in the Thompson Shuswap Area are manufacturing (38,000 people working), health care (27,000 people working) construction (24,200 people working) and accommodation, food and beverage (23,500 people working) in these industries.Skills training is available for our work force from multiple post secondary academic and vocational institutions. More than 1600 students graduate each year from Thompson Rivers University - Kamloops Campus, earning MBA designations, bachelor degrees, diploma programs and trade certificates.The Kamloops area's quality of life and low cost of living and access to major markets are the key advantages cited by senior level staff as the primary reason for moving to Kamloops.Employers report high satisfaction with the quality of labor in Kamloops (work ethic, education and work experience levels) and lists it as a major factor for locating their business here.
The industrial base of Kamloops and the Thompson Shuswap is well diversified and has enjoyed job growth in most sectors, especially the service industries. The area is comprised of a very diverse economy and is not dependent on any one industry. According to the Human Resources Skills Development Canada Thompson Shuswap Environmental Scan 2005/2006, Kamloops has a well-educated diverse labor force of more than 49,000 workers (15+) who support a wide range of economic sectors.
The largest portion of the working population in the Kamloops area is employed in the retail trade industry and service sectors. The top four industry sectors by number of workers in the Thompson Shuswap Area are manufacturing (38,000 people working), health care (27,000 people working) construction (24,200 people working) and accommodation, food and beverage (23,500 people working) in these industries.
Skills training is available for our work force from multiple post secondary academic and vocational institutions. More than 1600 students graduate each year from Thompson Rivers University - Kamloops Campus, earning MBA designations, bachelor degrees, diploma programs and trade certificates.
The Kamloops area's quality of life and low cost of living and access to major markets are the key advantages cited by senior level staff as the primary reason for moving to Kamloops.
Employers report high satisfaction with the quality of labor in Kamloops (work ethic, education and work experience levels) and lists it as a major factor for locating their business here.
K-12School District #73 (Kamloops/Thompson) includes Kamloops and the communities of Barriere, Clearwater, Vavenby, Blue River, Chase, Logan Lake, Savona, and Westwold.As of October 2007; 15,431 students were enrolled in the District. Several types of learning environments including a storefront school and a virtual school support the needs of students.Thompson Rivers UniversityThompson Rivers University (TRU) has an enrollment of almost 10,000 students with 1,800 students graduating each year. TRU is the largest post secondary institution in B.C. north of Vancouver with a wide range of industry-oriented academic, technician and trades training.The international education department, known as TRU World, has the largest proportion of international students in enrolled learning programs of any university in Canada.- reaching more than 1,000 students creating a $35 million economic spin-off in the local Kamloops community.The university has a unique combination of traditional degree programs, many allowing diploma and certificate program graduates access through laddering, along with flexible degree completion through distance education as the BC Centre for Open Learning. Visit TRU's facts & figuresTRU has more than 50 different undergraduate and graduate degree options, along with over 50 career diploma and job-entry certificate programs, including trade-entry and apprenticeship training and college preparation and upgrading courses for adults. The Office of Graduste Studies and Research at TRU is the liaison office between the private sector, industry and community groups wishing to establish joint research and development projects. The Graduate Office works with industry, First Nations and local governments. It's services range from a first point of contact to managing applied research projects. Since 1996, the centre has worked with over 200 manufacturing and technology businesses to develop and implement commercial applications of new and existing technologies and innovation.TRU research covers a broad spectrum of fields, with a focus on extensive undergraduate involvement, multidisciplinary work driven by strong connections between departments, and close ties with the regional communities we serve.TRU also has several community centers in Ashcroft, Barrier, Chase, Clearwater and 100 Mile House. Enrollment figures have increased steadily as TRU expands its curriculum and develops new programs. Including TRU's distance learning program Open Learning, the enrollment number increases from 10,000 as mentioned above to 15,000 students. TRU is currently working on several projects, including Masters Programs in Environmental Sciences and Education and Undergraduate programs in Physical Education, Interdisciplinary Studies and Water Treatment Technology.The main campus of Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is located in Kamloops. Satellite campuses are located in Ashcroft, Barriere, Cache Creek, Clearwater, Clinton, Logan Lake, Lytton and Merritt. In 2002 TRU had an enrollment of just over 19,000 students enrolled in a program. Kamloops Sprott-Shaw Community College Campus301 - 340 Victoria StreetKamloops, BC V2C 2A5Tel: (250) 314-1122Fax: (250) 374-9325Web: SprottShaw-KamloopsWelcome to Sprott-Shaw Community College, established in 1903, with a new state-of-the-art campus located in the heart of Kamloops. Come for the superior education experience, stay for the breathtaking skyline, pristine parkland, and diverse culture, and enhance your career possibilities at the same time. Known as a premiere Canadian career college in Kamloops and British Columbia, Sprott-Shaw Community College provides a friendly rewarding learning environment, in one convenient location, with all the services and amenities you would expect from larger college campuses.The Kamloops Sprott-Shaw Community College is a smart choice for students who work while studying, our quiet location allows you to stay focused on your studies, while our facilities are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for your convenience. Ample affordable housing in safe and quiet neighborhoods is nearby, and readily available.Centrally located along major transit routes, our Kamloops campus is close by to many shops, cafes, and cinemas. From fine dining to funky eateries; live theatre to vibrant night clubs, fun and excitement are just a footstep away for Kamloops Sprott-Shaw Community College students. Enjoy your course schedule breaks year-round with numerous recreation activities, from biking and hiking in the spring and summer, to skating and skiing in the fall and winter.For students of every age, interest, and ambition, Sprott-Shaw Community College is the only career college in Kamloops that has this much to offer.For more information on the Kamloops Sprott-Shaw Community College campus call (604) 310-Hire to speak with a friendly representative, or click below to request more information.Back to Top
School District #73 (Kamloops/Thompson) includes Kamloops and the communities of Barriere, Clearwater, Vavenby, Blue River, Chase, Logan Lake, Savona, and Westwold.
As of October 2007; 15,431 students were enrolled in the District. Several types of learning environments including a storefront school and a virtual school support the needs of students.
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has an enrollment of almost 10,000 students with 1,800 students graduating each year. TRU is the largest post secondary institution in B.C. north of Vancouver with a wide range of industry-oriented academic, technician and trades training.
The international education department, known as TRU World, has the largest proportion of international students in enrolled learning programs of any university in Canada.- reaching more than 1,000 students creating a $35 million economic spin-off in the local Kamloops community.
The university has a unique combination of traditional degree programs, many allowing diploma and certificate program graduates access through laddering, along with flexible degree completion through distance education as the BC Centre for Open Learning. Visit TRU's facts & figures
TRU has more than 50 different undergraduate and graduate degree options, along with over 50 career diploma and job-entry certificate programs, including trade-entry and apprenticeship training and college preparation and upgrading courses for adults.
The Office of Graduste Studies and Research at TRU is the liaison office between the private sector, industry and community groups wishing to establish joint research and development projects. The Graduate Office works with industry, First Nations and local governments. It's services range from a first point of contact to managing applied research projects. Since 1996, the centre has worked with over 200 manufacturing and technology businesses to develop and implement commercial applications of new and existing technologies and innovation.
TRU research covers a broad spectrum of fields, with a focus on extensive undergraduate involvement, multidisciplinary work driven by strong connections between departments, and close ties with the regional communities we serve.
TRU also has several community centers in Ashcroft, Barrier, Chase, Clearwater and 100 Mile House. Enrollment figures have increased steadily as TRU expands its curriculum and develops new programs. Including TRU's distance learning program Open Learning, the enrollment number increases from 10,000 as mentioned above to 15,000 students.
TRU is currently working on several projects, including Masters Programs in Environmental Sciences and Education and Undergraduate programs in Physical Education, Interdisciplinary Studies and Water Treatment Technology.
The main campus of Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is located in Kamloops. Satellite campuses are located in Ashcroft, Barriere, Cache Creek, Clearwater, Clinton, Logan Lake, Lytton and Merritt. In 2002 TRU had an enrollment of just over 19,000 students enrolled in a program.
301 - 340 Victoria StreetKamloops, BC V2C 2A5Tel: (250) 314-1122Fax: (250) 374-9325Web: SprottShaw-Kamloops
Welcome to Sprott-Shaw Community College, established in 1903, with a new state-of-the-art campus located in the heart of Kamloops. Come for the superior education experience, stay for the breathtaking skyline, pristine parkland, and diverse culture, and enhance your career possibilities at the same time. Known as a premiere Canadian career college in Kamloops and British Columbia, Sprott-Shaw Community College provides a friendly rewarding learning environment, in one convenient location, with all the services and amenities you would expect from larger college campuses.
The Kamloops Sprott-Shaw Community College is a smart choice for students who work while studying, our quiet location allows you to stay focused on your studies, while our facilities are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for your convenience. Ample affordable housing in safe and quiet neighborhoods is nearby, and readily available.
Centrally located along major transit routes, our Kamloops campus is close by to many shops, cafes, and cinemas. From fine dining to funky eateries; live theatre to vibrant night clubs, fun and excitement are just a footstep away for Kamloops Sprott-Shaw Community College students. Enjoy your course schedule breaks year-round with numerous recreation activities, from biking and hiking in the spring and summer, to skating and skiing in the fall and winter.
For students of every age, interest, and ambition, Sprott-Shaw Community College is the only career college in Kamloops that has this much to offer.
For more information on the Kamloops Sprott-Shaw Community College campus call (604) 310-Hire to speak with a friendly representative, or click below to request more information.
Employee retention is high and turnover is low in Kamloops because people love to live here. Kamloops offers a relaxed lifestyle in a spectacular, natural setting and mix of sage lands, pine forests, mountains, lakes and rivers. The summers are hot and dry, while in winter, snow falls at the higher elevations and mild temperatures prevail in the low lying area. Kamloops receives more than 2000 hours of sunshine annually.Opportunities abound for world-class hiking, mountain biking and skiing. Two hundred lakes, all within a 40 mile radius of downtown Kamloops, provide unlimited opportunities for fishing and water sports. Numerous tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, pools, and fitness centers facilitate the avid sports buff. The Kamloops Art Gallery and Museum are both located downtown and offer ever changing shows and exhibitions. The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and the Western Canada Theatre Company perform regularly and there is always something happening at Interior Savings Centre, home to the Kamloops Blazers (three time winners of the Memorial Cup) of the Western Hockey League. The nightclubs, pubs and coffeehouses often host local entertainers and each night during July and August, there is Music in the Park.The many parks in Kamloops, (McArthur Island Sports Centre, Riverside Park, Pioneer Park, and Kenna Cartwright Park) are wonderful places to walk, jog, cycle and roller blade. The Kamloops Wildlife Park, which is nationally recognized for excellence in its efforts to conserve and preserve 72 indigenous animal species and the environment. Many provincial parks around Kamloops are also popular with local residents. "It's easy to understand why the people of Kamloops say, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."
Employee retention is high and turnover is low in Kamloops because people love to live here. Kamloops offers a relaxed lifestyle in a spectacular, natural setting and mix of sage lands, pine forests, mountains, lakes and rivers. The summers are hot and dry, while in winter, snow falls at the higher elevations and mild temperatures prevail in the low lying area. Kamloops receives more than 2000 hours of sunshine annually.
Opportunities abound for world-class hiking, mountain biking and skiing. Two hundred lakes, all within a 40 mile radius of downtown Kamloops, provide unlimited opportunities for fishing and water sports. Numerous tennis courts, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, pools, and fitness centers facilitate the avid sports buff.
The Kamloops Art Gallery and Museum are both located downtown and offer ever changing shows and exhibitions. The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and the Western Canada Theatre Company perform regularly and there is always something happening at Interior Savings Centre, home to the Kamloops Blazers (three time winners of the Memorial Cup) of the Western Hockey League. The nightclubs, pubs and coffeehouses often host local entertainers and each night during July and August, there is Music in the Park.
The many parks in Kamloops, (McArthur Island Sports Centre, Riverside Park, Pioneer Park, and Kenna Cartwright Park) are wonderful places to walk, jog, cycle and roller blade. The Kamloops Wildlife Park, which is nationally recognized for excellence in its efforts to conserve and preserve 72 indigenous animal species and the environment. Many provincial parks around Kamloops are also popular with local residents.
"It's easy to understand why the people of Kamloops say, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else."
