The Ministry of Municipal Affairs says while work to select a municipal adviser to work with the City of Kamloops will begin soon, the person appointed to that role won’t be able to recommend the dismissal of elected officials.

In an email to Radio NL, spokesperson Alanah Connie says the Ministry will work with the City to “better understand how an independent advisor can support their specific needs.”

“A procurement process will then take place to select a contractor,” she wrote. “It is important to note that some time will be required for the ministry to work with individuals from the City to understand their needs in order to procure the right type of resources.”

“Once appointed, a municipal advisor can work with council and staff to facilitate improved communications, solidify awareness of roles, and provide recommendations to council that support council decision-making.”

During their Sept. 26 meeting, Kamloops City Council unanimously voted to ask the province for help to deal with “dysfunction and discord” that has plagued Mayor and Council since the election last fall.

“They have certainly helped out other municipalities and local governments, so we didn’t think it was a big stretch for us to ask for that,” Councillor Margot Middleton, who put forward the motion, told Radio NL.

“They concurred that they could supply us with that help and that we are probably a municipality that is needing this.”

Responding to a question whether the adviser could recommend the dissolution of the entire council – or some members – Connie said there was no such mechanism for that to happen.

“Local governments are democratically elected and are responsible and accountable to the people they represent,” she said. “There is no mechanism for the Minister of Municipal Affairs to dissolve the council or remove democratically elected council members from the council.”

Kamloops is one of a handful of municipalities that have requested a municipal adviser since 2017. The province is currently contracting municipal advisers to both Harrison Hot Springs and Silverton.

“Both are experienced contractors with local government expertise who are providing support and recommendations directly to the councils,” Connie said, noting a municipal adviser was also in place in the Village of Lions Bay this year, as well as in the District of Wells in 2022, and the Village of McBride in 2017.

“Municipal advisors are independent contractors who have worked in the local government space and can provide support and recommendations directly to the council, including a final report on their findings that will help guide future council decision-making.”

Kamloops taxpayers will not be on the hook for the municipal adviser as the province provides the service to municipalities at no charge.