Author

Lauren Kaljur

Lauren Kaljur is an Estonian settler who works with Discourse Community Publishing outlets to surface local, in-depth stories from people who have been excluded from public dialogue.

She’s passionate about innovation and collaboration in storytelling and her solutions reporting can be found in The Discourse, Reasons To Be Cheerful, Hakai Magazine, Maisonneuve, and many others.

She works from the homelands of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Lauren's Latest Articles

The Wren’s top reader requested stories of 2024

By Macarena Mantilla, Hollie Ferguson & Lauren Kaljur ● News ● January 7, 2025

From the history of the Red Bridge to concerns about 15 minute cities, The Wren’s top stories were informed by local questions and concerns.

A building window shows the words Interior Health

Involuntary addictions treatment: What experts want you to know before you vote

By Lauren Kaljur ● News ● October 16, 2024

The Wren reached out to mental health care experts to better understand how involuntary treatment currently works and asked Kamloops candidates for their positions on the issue.

A map of the new Kamloops Centre electoral district

Kamloops B.C. election guide

By Lauren Kaljur ● News ● September 17, 2024

What electoral district am I in? Who are the candidates? When is it again? All the election basics, covered.

‘Every little bit helps’: How Kamloops entrepreneurs are responding to social disorder and crime

By Lauren Kaljur ● In-depth ● August 27, 2024

As business owners, the city and social agencies call on more support from the province, these local entrepreneurs are turning frustration into action.

The North Shore is celebrated as a place to "live, dine, shop, play" on a welcome sign

How a Kamloops shoplifting poster sparked community conversations about deterring crime

By Lauren Kaljur ● Analysis ● August 27, 2024

As local retailers work to tackle a rise in shoplifting, some residents spoke out about ‘violent rhetoric’ in a business shoplifting poster.

A little free library in blue is in front of a green yard with three Robert Munsch books highlighted

New crowd-sourced map highlights Kamloops Little Free Libraries

By Lauren Kaljur ● Community ● June 18, 2024

Sun Peaks and Harper Mountain are shown from a Dec. 7, 2023 flight by local pilot Jan Nademlejnsky.

Q&A: What does the ongoing drought mean for Kamloops?

By Lauren Kaljur ● Analysis ● January 23, 2024

The Wren spoke with Tom Pypker, Thompson Rivers University’s natural resource sciences department chair, to learn about Kamloops’ drought and what residents can do about it.

The Thompson River in the winter during sunrise

How the Interior Crisis Line Network lends an ear to people in need

By Lauren Kaljur ● Community ● January 9, 2024

The crisis line is seeing a surge in suicide and mental health-related calls and needs local volunteers.

The Tranquille development is proposed on unceded Secwépemc Nation territory. What does this mean?

By Lauren Kaljur ● In-depth ● December 15, 2023

Legal experts say the rights of private landowners and First Nations are not necessarily incompatible if good-faith negotiations continue.

The MacDonald Park in Kamloops is shown from the side of the building, where a wide grate opens up to the dog park.

How will Kamloops become one of the most accessible cities in Canada?

By Lauren Kaljur ● In-depth ● November 14, 2023

Community members helped shape the city’s new accessibility plan.