The general election is under a month away and there are 23 candidates vying for one of the eight councillor seats in Kamloops.

This will be Kelly Hall’s first run for city council.

Hall moved to Kamloops in 1983 and began working Black Press Media and Kamloops This Week in the early 1990s. He worked in sales and became the publisher in 1998, a position he held until 2017.

Currently, he works with Stingray Media. 

“My media experience, and work alongside the municipal government, has given me an understanding of what’s needed to be an active city councillor,” states Hall. 

“I have a keen knowledge of policy development, a desire to collaborate and negotiate with others, and a willingness for open and transparent communication when it comes to decision making.”

Photo Credit: Kelly Hall

His campaign, “Let’s Grow Kamloops,” focuses on economic growth, community safety, achievable housing, urban transportation and expansion on the revitalization tax exemption.

Other priorities include continuing to work with Kamloops business leaders to support the city’s identity, reviewing Venture Kamloops to increase commercial and residential land availability, and working with all levels of government to better support healthcare workers and those struggling with addictions and mental health.

Hall says he would like to see more thought put into the future of transportation infrastructure in the city and the creation of an Achievable Housing Reserve Fund.

Besides his work in media, was part of the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation for seven years and was on the board of directors for the YMCA for 12 years. 

He is also a member of the fundraising cabinet for the BC Wildlife Park and is on the board of directors for the TRU Sports task force.  

Finally, Hall describes himself as a lover of all sports and is a coach for minor hockey and Hockey BC.