TO MAKE DIVERSITY OUR STRENGTH.
We foster partnerships, drive research, and lead local action that support and empower our newcomer populations.
Newcomers enrich our community, workforce, and cultural life. The Kamloops and District LIP exists to ensure that our systems—across employment, education, health, and civic life—are ready to support their success, and in turn, strengthen the fabric of our entire region.
What is a Local Immigration Partnership?
Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) don’t provide direct services to newcomers — instead, they bring communities together! By focusing on research, planning, and collaboration, LIPs help create inclusive, welcoming spaces where newcomers can feel at home and thrive in every part of life — socially, culturally, economically, and more. Since 2008, LIPs have been building stronger, more connected communities across Canada.
What is Kamloops and District LIP?
The Kamloops and District Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) is a collaborative community initiative that brings together local organizations, service providers, community members, and newcomers to build a welcoming and inclusive community.
Serving Kamloops and nearby communities, we coordinate services and resources to make them easier to access and create opportunities where immigrants and refugees can succeed, helping build a stronger, more connected community for everyone.
Want to get involved? Check out our upcoming community events…
July 18, 2026, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm Repeats every week until October 31, 2026 200 block St Paul Street The Kamloops Farmers' Market is a longstanding tradition in Kamloops, with roots extending back to the early 20th century! Free, no registration necessary. Come every Saturday throughout the summer! The… June 11, 2026 12:00 pm – July 19, 2026 11:00 pm Riverside Park Bandshell Join fellow football fans at Riverside Park as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ takes centre stage in Kamloops From June 11 to July 19, every match will be shown live… July 19, 2026, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Repeats every week until August 30, 2026 (1 date skipped) Swelaps Market The Ḱwséltkten Markets are a vibrant weekly gathering held at the Sweláps Market, celebrating Indigenous culture, community, and local creativity in the heart of Kamloops. Running on selected Sunday's from… July 14, 2026, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Repeats every day until August 31, 2026 Riverside Park Bandshell The City of Kamloops and BCLC are proud to present another great season of Music in the Park from July 1– August 31, 2026. This signature summer classic has been…
Saturday Kamloops Farmers’ Market
Riverside Park Watch Parties
Ḱwséltkten Sunday Markets
Music in the Park
Meet Our LIP Council Members!
Canadian Mental Health Association – Kamloops
City of Kamloops
FINLIT-Financial Literacy to Capability
Interior Health
Interior Women’s Centre Society
Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce
Kamloops & District Elizabeth Fry Society
Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association
Kamloops Family Resources Society
Kamloops Food Policy Council
Kamloops Immigrant Services
Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre
Literacy in Kamloops
Open Door Group – WorkBC Centre
School District 73
Thompson Rivers University
Thompson-Nicola Regional Library
United Way BC – Thompson Nicola Cariboo Region
Venture Kamloops
Volunteer Kamloops
YMCA BC – Kamloops
Meet Our
LIP Council
Members!
Canadian Mental Health Association – Kamloops
City of Kamloops
FINLIT-Financial Literacy to Capability
Interior Health
Interior Women’s Centre Society
Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce
Kamloops & District Elizabeth Fry Society
Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association
Kamloops Family Resources Society
Kamloops Food Policy Council
Kamloops Immigrant Services
Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre
Literacy in Kamloops
Open Door Group – WorkBC Centre
School District 73
Thompson Rivers University
Thompson-Nicola Regional Library
United Way BC – Thompson Nicola Cariboo Region
Venture Kamloops
Volunteer Kamloops
YMCA BC – Kamloops
Join Our LIP Council!
Collaborate with community leaders, service providers, and newcomers to shape real change. The Council guides with their expertise, share insights, and strengthen local services so everyone in our region can feel included and supported.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome representatives from:
- Community organizations
- Indigenous communities
- Employers and business associations
- Health, education, housing
- Municipal and regional government
- Newcomer voices and lived experience
Time Commitment
- Quarterly meetings
- Occasional consultations or working groups
- Opportunities to contribute expertise and help shape local priorities
What can you help achieve
By joining the LIP Council, you’ll help:
- Foster inclusive hiring and service delivery
- Influence local policies and planning
- Support long-term integration and social cohesion
Our Community Plan 2025-2028
The Kamloops and District Local Immigration Partnership Community Plan 2025 to 2028 shares our community’s priorities to better support newcomers. This plan is based on what we heard from newcomers, community partners, and local research. It focuses on improving access to services, supporting employment, building belonging, and increasing newcomer representation. Together, we are working to create a welcoming and inclusive Kamloops for everyone.
Guiding Principles
Kamloops is a community defined by connection—across cultures, landscapes, and generations. The Kamloops LIP reflects that spirit by supporting innovative collaboration across sectors and voices, including those with lived experience.
Through coordinated strategies, shared research, and inclusive dialogue, we help shape policies, programs, and events that foster belonging and opportunity for all.
Quick Stats
2021 census states nearly one tenth of Kamloops population was immigrants (9330 or 9.9%), continuing to increase over the past decade (9.2% of population in 2011).
Additional 2675 Non-Permanent Residents
(study, work, refugee status)
Countries of origin:
India, Philippines, Nigeria, Syria, China, Korea, Bangladesh, Ukraine, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Cameroon, Algeria, Sudan
- over 36% of people working in accommodation and food services
- nearly 38% of those working in the transportation and warehousing sector
- over 34% of those working in professional, scientific and technical services
- over 20% of those working in construction
Our Vision & Goals
Vision:
A connected, more inclusive Kamloops where all newcomers feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Goals:
Strengthen community capacity through data-driven planning and cross-sector collaboration.
Identify and address service gaps to improve the newcomer experience.
Promote awareness, education, and dialogue on diversity and inclusion.
Support policies that create equitable opportunities for immigrants to contribute socially, economically, and culturally.
Get In Touch
