Downtown Kamloops.

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At least three well-established businesses in the Kamloops downtown core are closing in the span of three months.

Two restaurants and a beauty salon will be shuttered by the end of June for a variety of reasons including increasing social issues like crime and drug use, declining foot traffic, staffing shortages and the lingering impacts of COVID-19.

Executive director of the Kamloops Downtown Business Improvement Association, Howie Reimer, has his thumb on the pulse of the downtown business scene and says it's not all doom and gloom. He is feeling hopeful improvements can be made. There are things his association is working on to mitigate the issues.

“We have a fantastic downtown and a fantastic community that has been hit with numerous factors over the past few years,” he said. “We still have labour challenges, and crime and vandalism. Some people have not been able to make ends meet through the pandemic or are frustrated and fed up. Others are able to forge ahead because they are in a better position.”

READ MORE: Another long-term downtown Kamloops business closing

The downtown McDonald's location in Kamloops shut its doors permanently in March citing increasing social issues and declining foot traffic as the biggest factors in the decision. Genesis Beauty & Boutique is closing on June 28 due to COVID-19, crime and staffing shortages, while German restaurant Passeks Classics is closing on June 30 due to staffing shortages and lower foot traffic. 

“It is very unfortunate anytime you see a business close,” Reimer said. “We see the social issues making an impact. It seems to be a Band-Aid here and there – and we haven’t really been able to stop the bleeding on a number of fronts. We hope we see some changes in the opioid crisis but are still waiting on complex care for our area.”

Reimer said the association is working with all levels of government along with other businesses to create solutions. They are working on a number of initiatives with the city's Community Services Officer department.

“The Chamber is offering vandalism grants and we have our (customer care and patrol) team patrols,” he said. “We have partnered with the Mustard Seed and an outreach worker who is working with those mentally ill and homeless. We still have a lot of work to do.”

Reimer said he is seeing signs of hope like an uptick in tourism brought by the Rocky Mountaineer train and the reopening of patios. He is seeing more foot traffic than there was last year.

“As we are seeing the end of COVID we are seeing a lot more people coming into the downtown,” he said. “Maybe not pre-pandemic levels yet, but certainly many businesses are doing well.”

READ MORE: Kamloops restaurant cites lack of staff, reliance on delivery apps for closure

The association is working to host exciting community events to draw people to the downtown area.

“We just had a successful Hoops in the Loops basketball tournament,” he said. “The more events we have the more we are activating these spaces and having a positive presence, bringing people to the downtown helps mitigate these issues.”

There are things individuals can do to support local businesses and help the downtown core flourish.

“People can come down and occupy space, go shopping and support local businesses,” he said. “Every time you come downtown you are helping it thrive.”

READ MORE: Kamloops Ribfest returns after being COVID-cancelled for two years

The association has many exciting events planned for the next few months, such as Hot Night in the City, the Pride parade and the Rotary Ribfest in Riverside Park.

You can keep up-to-date with events here. 

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