Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce News

Wildfire Information and Support for Evacuees

Updated 23.08.30 – 3:00pm

Page will be updated on Wednesday, September 6


Information for evacuees:

  • If you do not require ESS assistance, you do not need to attend the reception centre. In many cases, home or tenant insurance actually provides greater support than what is available through ESS, so be sure to speak with your insurance representative to see what’s available to you.
  • If you do require ESS assistance for shelter, food, or incidentals, you must visit a reception centre to apply and complete an eligibility interview. Registering online is not enough. Due to the high volume of evacuees at the Kamloops ESS, evacuees should expect a delay in this process.  
  • To speed up the processing, evacuees requiring ESS assistance should:
    • Register online at https://ess.gov.bc.ca/. This will allow the ESS volunteers at the reception centre to find your file and process you more quickly.
    • Download and activate the BC Services Card App from Google Play or the Apple App Store. While this is not required to access ESS supports, it will allow evacuees to receive supports via etransfer. 
  • To qualify for ESS support, your primary residence must be located within an evacuation order area. People evacuated from vacation rentals or owners of secondary residences in the evacuation order area are not eligible to receive ESS assistance. 
  • For updates on current evacuation orders and alerts, please check with your local authority or First Nation. 
  • For updates on wildfires, visit BCWildfire.ca

Information for residents:

  • The Kamloops ESS team cannot accept walk-up volunteers. ESS is a provincial program that requires a police information check, as well as specific training and courses that cannot be provided on the spot during an emergency event. 
  • Residents who wish to become a qualified volunteer to support future events can register at Kamloops.ca/ESSVolunteer. A volunteer coordinator will reach out regarding future training opportunities as capacity allows following this event. 
  • Please do not bring donations of any kind to the ESS Reception Centre at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre. The purpose of this reception centre is to process evacuees’ applications for ESS assistance. Volunteers do not have the capacity to manage the intake or dispersal of donations at this location. 

The Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation for the frontline workers who are working to protect the land, homes, people, animals and businesses in the affected areas.


Supports from Kamloops and area businesses

Updated 23.08.30 – 3:00pm

Page will be updated on Wednesday, September 6

Business Name Type of offerAccess viaTo access support Link
Accommodation (other than Evacuation Centre)
Delta Hotels KamloopsGovernment Rate for Evacuees and Emergency PersonnelDelta Hotels Kamloops – 540 Victoria StCall Delta Hotels to book – 250 372 2281Facebook
Sandman Hotel GroupGovernment Rate for Evacuees and Emergency PersonnelSandman Signature – 225 Lorne StCall Sandman direct to book – 250-377-7263
DoubleTree by Hilton KamloopsGovernment Rate for Evacuees and Emergency PersonnelDoubleTree by Hilton Kamloops – 339 St. Paul StreetCall for details –  250.851.0026Facebook
Pinantan Lake ResortRV Sites and a couple CabinsPlease call or email to confirm before showing up, 250-573-3534 / pinantanlakeresort@gmail.com
Pet friendly, room for a couple horses if need be.
Facebook
The Vista InnGovernment Rate for Evacuees and Emergency PersonnelThe Vista Inn – 626 Columbia St WCall 250-214-6800 to bookEmailed into Chamber 
Food 
Kamloops Food BankFood itemsRegister at ess.gov.bc.ca or visit reception centre at MacArthur IslandFacebook
BOLD Pizzeria1/2 price food menuDine-in – In store – 196 – 945 Columbia Street W.Come into store, show valid IDFacebook
Nutters Kamloops15% discount on regular priced items In store – 440 Seymour StreetCome into store, show valid ID
Sage and PlateFood by donation on Tuesdays or Thursdays.Email – theplatesteam@gmail.comProof of addressPaige Badminton (@sageandplate) • Instagram photos and videos
Hatsuki SushiFree Chicken Donburi (Special Edition) to any heroes related to wildfire424 Tranquille RoadProof of involvement with wildfire situation (either ID badge or other) Emailed into Chamber 
Harvest by NandiSpecial menu created for evacuees to have access to full meals without having to pay anything extra above what is provided from the ESS program. Also created discounts on regular menu to keep under the ESS provided meal amounts.339 St. Paul StreetCome in restaurant, located in DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, provide ESS registrationEmailed into Chamber 
Afrofusion 20% off meals101C – 340 Victoria StreetCome into store, show valid IDEmailed into Chamber 
Health
STEPS Urgent CareEvacuated people displaced and staying in Kamloops or Sun Peaks can access STEPS Urgent Care (care required within 24 – 72 hours)Call to book an appointment – 778-765-5398Sun Peaks – 3115 Creekside Way, Sun Peaks Resort                                         Orchard’s Walk Medical Clinic – 102 – 3200 Valleyview DriveAbout STEPS (stepshealth.ca)
Prevail PaintingFree N95 Masks for Kamloops Residents In Store – 2045 Lac Le Jeune Road Unit 8Come into store, show valid IDFacebook
Brogan Fire & Safetyfree N95 masks983 Camosun CrescentUntil supplies run out (have 18000 masks to give out), available to all local residents until they run out, just pop into our store to pick up.Website
Animals / Cattle 
BC Livestock Producer’s CoopCattle support250-319-8587Call for cattle support – can bring a trailer to move cattle Facebook
Petland Kamloops15% off any pet suppliesIn Store – 905 Notre DameCome into store, show valid IDFacebook
Four Paws Food Bank FoundationSupport for animalsfourpawsfoodbank@gmail.comReach out to their email or Facebook pageFacebook
Kamloops BCSPCABC SPCA is here to help pets and people affected by evacuation orders. Can provide supplies, food, emergency boarding and other pet related support. Free of charge.Call 1-855-622-7722 or visit at McArthur Island ESS Site – 1655 Island Parkway OR 2816 Tranquille RoadCall 1-855-622-7722 or visit at McArthur Island ESS Site – 1655 Island Parkway OR 2816 Tranquille RoadFacebook
Kamloops Ruff Start Rescuecrates, food and supplies for evacueesReach out to their email or Facebook pageFacebook
Personal Items/ Services
Second Chances Thrift StoreClothing, itemsIn Store – 1211 8th StreetCome into storeFacebook
Straight 8 BarbersFirefighter complimentary haircutsAll Kamloops locationsCome into store, show valid IDFacebook
Tumbleweed ToysColouring books, crayons, a space to decompress with childrenIn Store – 1201 Summit Drive Come into store, show valid IDFacebook
Mamas for Mamas KamloopsSupport for essential items such as, diapers, wipes, formula, baby clothing, bottles, grocceriesConnect in advance via email or social mediaEmail – kamloops@mamasformamas.orgMamas for Mamas Kamloops (@mamasformamas.kamloops) • Instagram photos and videos
Kamloops Florist10% off items for those who are evacuated until the end of AugustIn Store – 605 Victoria StreetCome into store, show valid IDEmailed into Chamber 
Raven Hair Beauty BarFree haircuts to the FirefightersMake appointment – 250-318-0681Come into store, show valid IDRaelle Ayako Raven (@ravenhairbeautybar) • Instagram photos and videos
Sapien Integrative Wellness1 Free – 30 minute acupuncture or cupping treatment to those directly affected by the wildfires and firefighter personal for stress and anxiety reliefCall or text – 250-682-4556Follow prompts here – https://www.sapienintegrative.com/ Home – Sapien Integrative Wellness
Aina Organic SpaWe are offering the complimentary use of our salt booth. Halotherapy helps with respiratory issues, asthma, COPD, cold symptoms and smoke inhalation. It is a 20 minute long session and we will be offering it for free until the wildfires are a bit more under control.Those interested do need to book it with us, and can email info@ainaspa.ca or call 778 471 6411 to do soBook appointment in advance. Call – 778-471-6411 or email info@ainaspa.caAina Organic Spa (@ainaorganicspa) • Instagram photos and videos
First Choice HaircuttersTaking donations for Mamas for Mamas https://www.firstchoice.com/homeCan make a donation or add it to your servicehttps://www.facebook.com/FirstChoice/
Once Upon A Child15% discount on purchase#119 – 805 Notre Dame Drivepresent your proof of evacuation at the time of purchaseFacebook
Our Footprints Eco Store and Refillery20% off store wide and free sample of Kombucha until Sept 15, 2023#620 – 1055 Hillside DriveCome into store, show valid IDEmailed into Chamber 
Lansdowne Central Liquor Store5% discount on any products purchased450 Lansdowne Come into store, show valid IDEmailed into Chamber 
Foxy Box KamloopsFirst Wax or Zap on the house – First Free Wax includes: Bikini, Underarm, Upper Lip, Nose, Ear, Half Back. They are also giving the opportunity to upgrade should anyone want to try a larger service on first visit at 50% off.   50% Off First Wax includes: Brazilian Wax, Full Back | First Free Zap (Laser Hair Removal) Includes: Bikini, Underarm, Upper Lip, Chin, Nape of Neck259 – 4th AveCome into store, show valid IDEmailed into Chamber 
Indigenious Services CanadaOn site status card assistance for evacuees with issuance of paper laminated Certificate of Indian Status268 Tranquille Road, United Way OfficeAugust 30, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, line cut off before 2 pm, First Nation members who have been evacuated will be prioritized, but all are welcome to apply if their cards have been expired. Please note, that ICS will not be issuing the secure status cards, the process to apply for those are either online, through a designated ISC office, and/or Band Indian Registry Administrator (IRA).Saw on FB
Vehicle 
Notre Dame TireTire repairs, Air pressure checks, Retorques or Brake safety checks – free of charge, parts heavily discountedIn Store – 797 Notre Dame Dr.Come into store, show valid IDNotre Dame Tire (@notredametire) • Instagram photos and videos
Activities
Kamloops Art GalleryFree admission for wildfire evacuees. A safe place where individuals can find comfort, inspiration and a brief escape from current circumstancesIn Gallery – 101- 465 Victoria StreetCome into store, show valid IDFacebook
The Kamloops Gymnastics and Trampoline CentreFree gymnastics and trampoline camps for children and families who have been displaced910 McGill Road Call 250-374-6424 or email info@kgtc.caFree gymnastics, trampoline camps for children who have been evacuated – Kamloops This Week
BIG Little Science CentreFree family drop-in for families that are displaced by the fires458 Seymour StreetOpen 9:30am – 5:00pm, Tues – Sat – come in store and let them know
The Fun Factor Fun CentreFree game of bowling (valid up to 4 people in immediate family)910 Tranquille RoadValid ID or proof of residence in affected area needed, valid once per day until September 5Facebook
Let’s Move StudioFree Yoga, Dance & Fitness Classes to anyone displaced 831 Victoria StreetPlease email info@letsmovestudio.com to register. Schedule posted at: Schedule – Let’s Move Studio (letsmovestudio.com)Emailed into Chamber 
Kamloops Film SocietyIf you are an evacuee affected by the wildfires or a first responder, the Kamloops Film Society welcomes you to come and enjoy any KFS screening at the Paramount for FREE503 Victoria StreetDoes not include sold out shows or external rentals. Please bring valid ID and proof of addressFacebook
Kamloops Museum and ArchivesOffering fire evacuees free admission. The Kamloops Museum and Archives aims to provide a safe space where individuals and families can find comfort, inspiration and a brief escape. 207 Seymour StreetThe Museum offers a welcoming environment with children’s activities, comfortable seating, reading materials and local history exhibitions. Fire evacuees can identify themselves to staff for free entry until September 30.Emailed into Chamber 
Zaaz Eatery & PlayChildren play free425 Mount Paul WayJust bring ID Facebook
Places to use – places to decompress
Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce Use of Boardroom and wi-fi Email – acacia@kamloopschamber.ca Email to ensure availability, on first-come, first-served basis. Pending availability 
Centrepoint50% off meeting space Connect with Annettta – 778.471.8199Would be happy to assist anyone who requires some office or meeting space with the 50% discount of the regular rates. I am also happy to negotiate the price according to the budget if there is a need.Emailed into Chamber 
No Limits FitnessHot Shower and place to de-stressIn Store – 905 8th StreetCome into store, show valid IDFacebook
F3 FitGym open to those who have been displaced by wildfires. Can work out and enjoy a hot showerIn Store – 667 Victoria StreetCome into store, show valid IDFundamental Foundation Fitness (@f3fit.ca) • Instagram photos and videos
Kamloops KiaLot open for parking essentials, trailers, shelter, Contact us at 250-376-2992 or text our General Manager after hours at 250-819-9679.Facebook
Aberdeen MallOvernight parking is available at Aberdeen Mall to campers, RV’s trailers and/vehicles displaced due to fires. 1320 Trans Canada Highway WestContact for more information – 250-314-6257 or kristi.williams@cushwake.comEmailed into Chamber 
Financial
ScotiabankTo aid the challenges Scotiabank customers are facing, Scotiabank is providing financial consideration and assistance to impacted curstomers. Call 1-800-4-SCOTIA or visit local branch to discuss needs.Call 1-800-4-SCOTIA or visit local branch to discuss needs.Emailed into Chamber 
ScotiabankScotiabank branches can accept donations to the Canadian Red Cross to support those who have been impactedCall 1-800-4-SCOTIA or visit local branch to discuss needs.Call 1-800-4-SCOTIA or visit local branch to discuss needs.Emailed into Chamber 

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The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce is situated on the traditional and unceded lands of the Tk'emlups Te Secwepemc within Secwepemc'ulucw, the traditional territory of the Secwepemc people. We are honored to live and work and play on this land and acknowledge the complicated history and humbly move forward in a spirit of collaboration and gratitude.