If you're thinking about buying a home in Kamloops, you're not alone. As we move through summer 2025, many prospective buyers are asking the same question: Is now the right time to buy, or should I wait?

With market conditions shifting, mortgage rates remaining high, and inventory trends changing, making the right decision takes more than guesswork. In this blog, we’ll break down what’s happening in Kamloops today so you can move forward with clarity.

1. Kamloops Home Prices Are Leveling Out

Over the past several years, Kamloops saw strong price growth, driven by high demand and limited supply. But 2025 has brought a noticeable change. Prices have begun to stabilize across many neighbourhoods, and bidding wars are becoming less common.

This market shift offers potential buyers more breathing room—especially compared to the fast-paced environment of 2021–2022. If you’ve been waiting for a less competitive time to buy, that moment may be here.

2. Inventory Is Up, Giving Buyers More Choice

As of July 2025, the number of active listings in Kamloops has increased compared to previous years. More homes on the market mean buyers now have more options to explore—and more power at the negotiating table.

From Sahali to Brocklehurst to Valleyview, buyers are seeing a wider variety of price points, styles, and property types. Sellers are also becoming more flexible when it comes to pricing and possession dates, especially if their property has been sitting on the market for a few weeks.

3. Mortgage Rates Remain High—but That Could Change Soon

Current fixed mortgage rates in BC are still in the 5.5% to 6% range. While that may feel discouraging, there’s reason to watch this closely.

If rates drop in the next 6–12 months—as some forecasts suggest—buyer demand could quickly increase again. When that happens, prices may rise and competition could return.

If you’re financially prepared and plan to stay in the home long-term, buying now at a higher rate and refinancing later may actually cost less than waiting for a market rebound.

4. Waiting Might Cost You More Later

There’s always uncertainty in real estate, but what’s clear is that today’s Kamloops market offers more opportunity and less pressure than in recent years.

If you find a home that fits your needs and budget, this could be your ideal window to buy. Trying to time the bottom of the market often leads to missed chances—especially in a growing city like Kamloops, where long-term demand remains strong.

5. Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Ask yourself the following to determine whether now is the right time for you:

• Am I financially prepared for a mortgage, taxes, and maintenance costs?

• Do I plan to stay in the home for at least 3–5 years?

• Are current home prices in Kamloops within my affordability range?

• Would buying now with a higher rate still make sense if I can refinance later?

If the answer is yes to most of these, this may be the right time to take the next step.

Final Thoughts

The Kamloops real estate market in July 2025 is giving buyers more options and negotiating power than we've seen in years. While mortgage rates remain a challenge, stabilizing prices and rising inventory suggest this could be a smart time to make a move—if you're ready.

Working with a knowledgeable local agent can help you navigate today’s conditions and avoid common pitfalls. The right time to buy isn’t just about the market—it’s about your goals, your finances, and your future plans.

Have questions about buying in Kamloops? Let’s talk about your options, your timing, and what makes the most sense for you.

Kevin Scharfenberg
Personal Real Estate Corporation
250-457-1795
Brokered by: EXP Realty
Helping clients across Kamloops and the surrounding areas.

Every year, thousands of preventable drowning incidents occur across Canada, highlighting the urgent need for stronger water safety awareness. As we recognize National Drowning Prevention Week, it’s crucial to spotlight how local communities—like Kamloops and beyond—are taking action to build a culture of water safety. From educational programs to strategic partnerships, these efforts are saving lives and shaping a safer future near lakes, rivers, pools, and coastlines.

Why Water Safety Matters

According to the Lifesaving Society, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death in Canada, especially among children under five and males aged 20-34. With British Columbia’s many recreational water sites—including the Thompson Rivers, Shuswap Lake, and Kamloops Lake—the need for consistent safety messaging, community involvement, and accessible training is greater than ever.

Key Facts:

• Over 400 Canadians drown every year.

• A majority of drownings occur during summer months.

• Many victims never intended to enter the water (e.g., falls or vehicle accidents near water).

Local Initiatives That Are Making an Impact

1. Kamloops Lifesaving Society Programs

The Kamloops chapter of the Lifesaving Society of BC & Yukon delivers lifesaving courses, first aid training, and swimming lessons that empower both children and adults to respond in emergencies. Their Swim to Survive program teaches essential skills: how to roll into deep water, tread for 1 minute, and swim 50 meters.

2. City of Kamloops – Aquatics Division

The City runs multiple indoor and outdoor pools and offers Red Cross Swim and Lifesaving Society programs. The city also raises public awareness during National Drowning Prevention Week through signage, safety workshops, and lifeguard demonstrations.

3. School Outreach and Summer Camps

Local elementary schools and summer camps partner with certified instructors to provide fun, age-appropriate safety lessons. These sessions include water hazard recognition, safe boating practices, and proper use of lifejackets.

4. RCMP and BC Coroners Service Education Drives

Kamloops RCMP and local emergency responders conduct outreach events to discuss real-life scenarios and statistics. They stress the importance of supervision, especially when children are around pools, rivers, or docks.

5. Indigenous Water Safety Initiatives

Partnerships with Indigenous communities aim to provide culturally relevant water safety education and improve access to swimming facilities and training, particularly in remote areas near large bodies of water.

Tips to Stay Safe Around Water

While education is a big part of prevention, personal responsibility also plays a key role. Here are water safety tips every family should follow:

• Always supervise children closely—even in shallow water.

• Wear a lifejacket when boating or participating in water sports.

• Learn to swim and enroll children in formal lessons early.

• Avoid alcohol when swimming or supervising swimmers.

• Know local conditions such as currents, drop-offs, and temperature.

Kamloops and BC: A Model for Safety and Prevention

The initiatives led in Kamloops are proof that community collaboration works. By integrating municipal services, local schools, non-profits, and Indigenous leadership, BC is building a foundation that other communities can replicate. As more people understand the risks and how to mitigate them, fewer lives will be lost to preventable drowning.

Final Thoughts

National Drowning Prevention Week is more than just a campaign—it’s a call to action. With every swimming lesson, safety sign, or lifejacket loan program, we're investing in safer summers and stronger communities. If you’re in Kamloops or anywhere in Canada, take the time to educate, participate, and advocate for water safety. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Mental health has become one of the most important public conversations of our time. Whether it's checking in on a loved one, responding to a concerning situation, or accessing support services for yourself, knowing how wellness checks work—and what alternatives exist—can make a real difference.

In Kamloops, British Columbia, a growing network of wellness and mental health support is helping to meet the needs of individuals, families, and vulnerable community members. This blog post explores the role of wellness checks, how they are conducted, their limitations, and the emerging support systems that are reshaping how care is delivered in our community.

What Is a Wellness Check?

A wellness check—also known as a welfare check or safe-and-well visit—is a type of response often initiated when someone is worried about another person’s wellbeing. Usually, it’s requested when a person suddenly stops responding to calls or texts, is displaying signs of mental or emotional distress, or is known to be at risk of self-harm, isolation, or medical emergency.

In most Canadian cities, including Kamloops, wellness checks are typically handled by law enforcement. Kamloops RCMP officers are trained in Crisis Intervention and De-escalation (CID) to safely manage these sensitive situations. Their role is to conduct a non-intrusive visit, confirm the individual’s safety, and determine if medical or psychiatric assistance is required.

When Should You Request a Wellness Check?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but these are some common scenarios:

• A family member hasn’t responded for several days and lives alone.

• A friend is posting concerning content online or expressing thoughts of hopelessness.

• You hear signs of distress or shouting from a neighbor’s home.

• An elderly person hasn’t been seen and their routine seems disrupted.

In Kamloops, you can call the RCMP non-emergency line to request a wellness check if there’s no immediate threat. However, if you suspect that someone is in urgent danger, always call 911.

The Limitations of Police-Led Wellness Checks

While police play a valuable role in crisis situations, there’s growing awareness that not all wellness checks are best handled by law enforcement.

In fact, in Kamloops and across Canada, community voices—including residents, mental health professionals, and advocacy groups—are urging a shift toward non-police interventions for mental health and substance-use-related crises. In certain cases, the presence of uniformed officers may heighten distress, especially for individuals living with trauma, anxiety, or paranoia.

This is why many cities are working to build community-based wellness models that prioritize support over enforcement. Kamloops is beginning to take important steps in this direction.

Community-Based Wellness Support in Kamloops

Kamloops is becoming a model for integrating health care, social services, and mental wellness into everyday community life. Whether someone needs immediate support, ongoing treatment, or simply a safe space to talk, several organizations in Kamloops offer life-changing services.

1. TELUS and ASK Wellness Society: Mobile Health Clinic

In 2024, TELUS partnered with the ASK Wellness Society to launch a Health for Good Mobile Clinic in Kamloops and Merritt. This state-of-the-art mobile unit delivers primary care, harm reduction, and mental health services directly to those who need it most, including individuals experiencing homelessness, addiction, or systemic barriers to care.

Staffed by health professionals and outreach workers, this clinic is designed to prevent crises before they happen, giving vulnerable individuals access to regular check-ins, prescription support, and compassionate care on the street or in shelters.

2. STEPS Community Health Centres

STEPS operates multiple community health clinics across Kamloops, including locations in Valleyview, North Shore, and Sun Peaks. These centers provide a holistic approach to wellness by offering:

• Mental health and addiction counseling

• Medical treatment and follow-up care

• Support navigating housing, employment, and benefits

• Referrals to specialized programs

STEPS is especially valuable for people who may feel lost in the traditional healthcare system, providing long-term relationships and community-based healing.

3. YMCA of Kamloops: Mental Wellness Programs

The Kamloops YMCA offers a range of evidence-based mental wellness programs for youth, adults, and seniors. Programs like Y Mind Teen and Y Mind Adult teach participants how to manage anxiety through mindfulness, group support, and cognitive behavioral techniques.

For older adults, the Aging Mindfully program blends movement, meditation, and social connection to reduce loneliness and improve resilience. These programs are free and accessible, creating safe spaces where people can grow, heal, and thrive without stigma.

When to Use Which Type of Wellness Response

Knowing what type of response fits the situation is critical:

Community Voices: A Growing Conversation

In online forums like Reddit Kamloops, many residents share personal stories and frustrations around traditional wellness checks—especially when mental health is involved. The consensus is clear: Kamloops needs more mental-health–first approaches that remove fear and empower healing.

While programs like STEPS and the TELUS mobile unit are major steps forward, continued collaboration between health, housing, and public safety sectors will be essential in creating a truly supportive wellness ecosystem.

Final Thoughts: Moving Toward a Healthier, More Compassionate Kamloops

Wellness checks play a vital role in keeping our community safe, but they’re only one part of a much bigger picture. As Kamloops evolves, so does the way we care for one another. From mobile clinics to community-centered health hubs, this city is redefining what it means to show up for those in need.

If you’re worried about someone, or if you need support yourself, remember: help is closer than you think. And with the right information and the right team, a wellness check can be more than just a visit—it can be the first step toward healing.

Local Wellness Resources in Kamloops:

RCMP Kamloops (Non-Emergency): 250-828-3000
STEPS Health Centres: www.stepshealth.ca
ASK Wellness Society: www.askwellness.ca
Kamloops YMCA Wellness Programs: www.kamloopsy.org