In September 2022, a small group of business and commercial property owners began looking for positive solutions to the challenges and concerns that businesses along the East valley corridor face.

Approaching the City of Kamloops, a steering committee was formed, with great support and leadership from the North Shore BIA. Responses from businesses were overwhelmingly positive, and through time, process, and partnership with the City of Kamloops, the East Kamloops Business Improvement Association was formed. The EKBIA has been operational since May of 2025.