Kamloops history

The history of Kamloops is rooted in deep antiquity, long before the appearance of Europeans on the map of North America. For thousands of years, these lands were the home of the Secwépemc (Shuswap) people. The name of the city itself comes from the indigenous word "Tk'emlúps", which translates poetically as "meeting of the waters".

The official date for the beginning of European settlement is considered to be 1811, when David Stuart of the Pacific Fur Company arrived in this region. By 1812, the first trading post was established here, which subsequently turned into a fort that became the core of the future city.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: The city emerged at the strategically important confluence of the North and South Thompson Rivers. This made it a natural transport hub for the movement of people and goods by water.
• Fur Trade: In the first half of the 19th century, the fort became a centre of commerce, passing under the management of various organisations, including the famous Hudson's Bay Company.
• Gold Rush: In the 1860s, Kamloops found a second wind as an important transit point for supplying prospectors heading in search of gold to the Cariboo region.

Early Economy and Culture

In the first decades of the settlement's existence, the economy was based exclusively on the fur trade, which facilitated close interaction between traders and the indigenous population. However, over time, the focus shifted.

Thanks to vast open spaces and a favourable climate, cattle ranching began to actively develop in the region. The appearance of large ranches formed the special character of the area. The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s, connecting the city with the coast and the eastern part of the country, finally secured the status of an important economic centre for Kamloops.

City Development Chronology

The history of Kamloops is a journey from a trading fort to a major sports and educational centre. Below are the key dates that defined the appearance of the modern city.

19th Century: From Fur to Railway

• 1812 — The first trading post (Fort Kamloops) is founded, marking the beginning of permanent European settlement in the region.
• 1821 — The Hudson's Bay Company takes control of the fur trade, making the fort an important link in its logistics network.
• 1850s — The start of the gold rush attracts many prospectors to the region, turning the settlement into a vital transit point.
• 1862 — The arrival of a group of settlers known as the "Overlanders" contributed to the growth of the permanent population.
• 1885 — The Canadian Pacific Railway passes through Kamloops, connecting the city with the rest of the country.
• 1893 — Kamloops officially receives city status (incorporation) and forms its first municipal government.

20th and 21st Centuries: Growth and Modernisation

• 1939 — Opening of Fulton Field airport, which provided air connections with other regions.
• 1967 — The amalgamation of the City of Kamloops with the neighbouring municipality of North Kamloops occurred, significantly increasing the city's territory.
• 1970 — Cariboo College is founded, becoming the region's main educational institution.
• 1993 — The city hosts the Canada Summer Games, for which large-scale sports infrastructure was built.
• 2005 — Cariboo College receives university status and a new name — Thompson Rivers University (TRU).
• Present Time — Kamloops develops the brand "Tournament Capital of Canada", annually hosting hundreds of sports competitions of various levels.

Stages of City Transformation

The development of Kamloops is a story of transition from a resource-based economy to a diversified model including education, tourism, and high technology. Below are the key milestones that defined the modern look and status of the city.

• Railway Boom (Late 19th – Early 20th Century):

  The construction of the Canadian Pacific (CPR), and later the Canadian National Railway (CNR), secured Kamloops' status as the main transport hub in the interior regions of British Columbia. This gave a powerful impetus to trade and allowed local ranches to export livestock to the coast.

• Industrialisation and Timber Processing (1960s):

  The opening of a large pulp mill (in 1965) became the foundation of the city's industrial power. The enterprise not only provided hundreds of jobs but also stimulated the development of related infrastructure, making the forestry industry the locomotive of the local economy for many years.

• The Great Amalgamation (1967):

  The merger of historic Kamloops with the municipality of North Kamloops was a crucial urban planning decision. This allowed for the creation of a unified management system, the modernisation of water supply, and the development of a coherent development plan for both banks of the Thompson River.

• "Tournament Capital" Strategy (1990s – Present):

  After the success of the 1993 Canada Summer Games, the city adopted a unique strategy for developing sports tourism. Massive investments in stadiums, pools, and arenas allowed for the diversification of the economy, reducing dependence on resources and attracting millions of dollars annually through hosting competitions.

• Establishment of a University Centre (2005):

  Granting the local college the status of Thompson Rivers University (TRU) radically changed the cultural environment. The expansion of the campus and the influx of international students rejuvenated the city's population, stimulated the rental housing market, and the development of the service sector.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Kamloops reflects its transformation from a trading fort and railway junction into a modern educational centre. There is no medieval antiquity in the city, but the evolution of North American urban planning is clearly traced: from wooden frontier buildings to modern eco-friendly complexes.

The Railway Era and Early City (Late 19th – Early 20th Century)

The period of the city's formation after the laying of the Canadian Pacific Railway left a legacy in the form of brick buildings in the historic centre and wooden residential houses.

• Victorian Style and Carpenter Gothic: Characteristic of early religious and residential structures. The use of wood, carved decor, and steep roof slopes reflected the availability of materials and the tastes of British settlers.
• Edwardian Classicism and Beaux-Arts: In the early 20th century, with the growth of prosperity, administrative buildings began to be built of brick and stone, striving to give them monumentality and an official look.

Post-War Modernism and Expansion (1950s–1980s)

Municipal amalgamation and industrialisation led to the spread of Modernism and functionalism. During this time, the North Shore was actively developed. Architecture became more utilitarian: simple geometric forms, flat roofs, and widespread use of concrete and glass in public buildings and schools.

Contemporary Architecture (21st Century)

The newest stage of development is connected with the expansion of Thompson Rivers University and sports infrastructure. Post-modernism and "West Coast Style" prevail here, accentuating eco-friendliness, the use of natural wood, stone, and glass, as well as the integration of elements of indigenous cultures.

Landmark Buildings that Shaped the City's Look

• St. Andrew’s on the Square (1887): The oldest public building in the city. A vivid example of Victorian Neo-Gothic, miraculously preserved to this day.
• Old Courthouse (1911): A majestic structure of red brick with elements of the Beaux-Arts style, a dome, and a slate roof. For a long time, it served as the main architectural dominant of the centre.
• CN Railway Station (1927): An example of station architecture of the first half of the 20th century, emphasising the role of the railway in the life of the region.
• House of Learning (TRU): A modern university building that has become a new icon of the city. Its design is inspired by the traditional dwellings of indigenous peoples and is distinguished by the large-scale use of wooden structures and glass.

Distinguished Figures Associated with the City

The history and culture of Kamloops have been shaped by people whose achievements went far beyond the region. From pioneers of the gold rush era to modern Olympic champions, these individuals made an invaluable contribution to the development of the city and glorified its name.

Historical Figures and Politicians

• Catherine Schubert — Pioneer
  The only woman in the famous "Overlanders" group of settlers of 1862. She overcame the dangerous journey through the Rocky Mountains while pregnant and became a symbol of the resilience and courage of the region's first European settlers. The Schubert Drive embankment is named in her honour.
• Peter Wing — Politician and Community Leader
  Entered history as the first mayor of Chinese descent in North America (elected in 1966). Under his leadership, Kamloops went through important stages of modernisation and amalgamation, and Wing himself became a symbol of Canada's multiculturalism.
• Phil "Flying Phil" Gaglardi — Minister and Preacher
  A charismatic politician from Kamloops who served as the Minister of Highways for British Columbia. Thanks to his efforts, a modern highway network was built connecting the interior regions of the province with the coast, which gave a powerful boost to the city's economy.

Sports and Arts

• Mark Recchi — Ice Hockey Player, NHL Legend
  A Kamloops native, three-time Stanley Cup winner, and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. His successful career inspired thousands of young athletes, and a street in the city (Mark Recchi Way) near the main ice arena is named in his honour.
• Michael Shanks — Actor
  Gained international fame thanks to the role of Dr. Daniel Jackson in the cult sci-fi series "Stargate SG-1". He grew up in Kamloops and received his education at the local Thompson Rivers University.
• Dylan Armstrong — Track and Field Athlete
  Medalist of the Olympic Games and World Championships in shot put. He lives and trains in his hometown, actively participating in the development of sports infrastructure and supporting Kamloops' status as the "Tournament Capital of Canada".
• Nadine Caron — Surgeon and Scientist
  The first female from Canada's First Nations to become a general surgeon. A native of Kamloops, she is a recognised leader in the field of healthcare and the protection of indigenous rights.