(JESSICA WALLACE / iNFOnews.ca)

The City is considering designated zones for medical marijuana grow operations at the Nov. 27 council meeting.

Changes would come through an amendment to Zoning By-law 5-1-2001 regarding the siting of federally-licensed medical marijuana grow-ops in Kamloops.

It is being considered to identify local issues with Health Canada's existing regulations as well as prepare for anticipated federal legislative changes that would commercialize licensed medical marijuana production and phase out residential neighbourhood grow-ops.

'Twin box' system expected to go, letter to council from Canada Post

After writing Canada Post for clarification about the fate of the mail sorting facility in Kamloops, the company cited increased competition and declining mail volume as reasons.

Council expressed concern over loss of jobs and longer wait times for mail in October because effective Nov. 4, all Kamloops local mail is being sent to the Vancouver Mail Processing Plant for processing.

"The majority of the mail being picked up in Kamloops is intended for locations outside the city and is already being handled by the VMPP. Eventually we will be eliminating the 'twin box' system in Kamloops," said the letter addressed to council from Canada Post.

It said the changes will reduce operational costs and ensure better productivity at the Vancouver plant.

It also said the company faces significant challenges from increased competition and declining mail volume that is not expected to rebound.

"This has had a huge financial impact on Canada Post, leading to multi-million dollar loses in 2011 and likely beyond."

Inaugural arts festival seeks financial support from City

The B.C. Living Arts is requesting $75,000 from the City at the Nov. 27 council meeting for support for the first annual Kamloops THRIVE festival, June 21 to 23, 2013.

The event is expected to become a signature artistic event in the City showcasing local arts and community organizations.

With several big-name sponsors already on board, including Tourism Kamloops, TRU, Ajax and New Gold Mines, the money would be used for retaining artists, securing venue and equipment, developing a website and producing promotional materials.

News from © iNFOnews, 2012