Here’s what The Wren’s readers want to know ahead of the 2026 general election in Kamloops

Ahead of the 2026 general election in Kamloops, The Wren asked readers to share what they want to know from candidates running for council and mayor. 

The Wren has shared questions with each candidate in the race, and this article will be updated with responses on Tuesday, Sept. 22. To learn more about when and how to vote, and review the full list of candidates, visit our voting guide. 

Addressing homelessness was the most common topic in the survey, with 62 per cent of respondents choosing it as an issue they want candidates to cover. Affordability, housing and crime were the next most common topics, at 57 per cent, 54 per cent and 44 per cent respectively. 

“How will you bring all partners to the table to discuss and deal with homelessness and affordability,” one reader asked.

To prime readers for candidate responses, below are a few stories The Wren has published looking at homelessness, housing affordability and social disorder.

Other common queries came around public transportation, which 33 per cent of respondents shared as being a high priority. The Wren interviewed candidates on public transportation ahead of the 2022 election, many of whom are running again. Here’s what they said then:

Thirty-three per cent of respondents also wanted to know how candidates will support recovery services in Kamloops. 

“How will you support wrap-around services to support those with mental health challenges to secure care, housing, work and food supports,” one respondent posed to candidates. 

The Wren has done in-depth reporting on recovery in Kamloops through our Roadmap to Recovery series. Read them all or pop on the series’ podcast to learn more about what recovery in the city looks like ahead of candidate responses.

Lastly, readers wanted to know how candidates would regulate AI data centres. With six AI data centres finding a home in the region, readers asked council hopefuls: What are your thoughts on AI data centres and their long term effects on the community and how would you aim to regulate them?

To learn more about AI Centres in Kamloops, read our article here:

Thank you to The Wren’s readers who contributed to our survey. It is now closed. 

When and where to vote

The election will be held Oct. 17. Early voting opportunities will be Oct. 7, Oct. 10 and Oct. 14 at Heritage House, 100 Lorne St. and McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, 1665 Island Parkway.

Visit Maps.Kamloops.ca/Election2026 for information on the 16 polling locations in the city, including addresses, accessibility information and bus route details. All polling locations will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the application to vote by mail will be available beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8.