After a term of internal conflicts, the residents of Kamloops, B.C., have elected a new mayor to lead the city.
Mike O’Reilly secured victory in the election with 13,235 votes, surpassing the incumbent Reid Hamer-Jackson by over 9,600 votes. O’Reilly, who previously served two terms as a councilor after being first elected in 2018, comes from a business background and works in real estate development.
In October 2025, O’Reilly announced his candidacy for mayor, citing a desire to address the perceived “chaos” within city hall.
Since Hamer-Jackson’s election in 2022, the Kamloops council has frequently made headlines due to conflicts between the mayor and other council members.
Recently, a judge ruled that the former mayor must cover legal expenses and damages related to a defamation lawsuit against Katie Neustaeter.
O’Reilly emphasizes his ability to build consensus, drawing on his experience in Kamloops’s finance committee and various board positions. He pledges to be a leader who listens to constituents and acts accordingly.
Regarding the budget, O’Reilly aims to ensure that developments outside the city contribute to municipal services like parks and recreational facilities. He proposes expanding city boundaries to include the New Gold mine for additional property tax revenue.
To address crime and disorder in the streets, O’Reilly plans to relocate emergency shelters away from commercial and residential areas. He envisions a “campus of care” on city-owned land and advocates for increased community policing and rapid-response cleanup services.
On environmental issues, O’Reilly highlights the importance of climate adaptation, particularly in preparing for wildfires and floods. He supports enhanced cycling infrastructure and trail networks to connect neighborhoods and communities.
O’Reilly’s platform also includes plans for a mayor’s task force to identify suitable locations for emergency shelters in collaboration with community groups and business leaders.