Kamloops
The Shuswap tribe from the interior of the Salish Nation, made up of 3000 or so members were the first Canadians in the Kamloops district. They were a drifting group traveling to where the hunting, fishing, or berry picking was fruitful, and then in the winter they would settle in house villages.
In 1811, a few fur traders arrived at Thompson’s River and set up the first small fur trading post for the Astorians, followed by the Nor’westers who crossed the Rockies in 1813 and bought out the American company. By 1821, the North West Company combined with the Hudson’s Bay Company and the trade at Thompson’s River Post continued to be active. In 1843 the post moved closer to the point in North Kamloops which would be more convenient for horse ranges and hay meadows. This area provided a temperate climate and healthy grass, which was an excellent breeding ground for horses and other animals.
The discovery of gold brought with it many adventures in the late 1850’s. Most hopefuls came from the United States or China and some miners worked while others passed through the area of Kamloops heading to Cariboo riches. With the large demand for beef, pork, vegetables and grain, many of the first farms were established and became very productive.
In 1871, when British Columbia was officially considered a part of Canada, plans of a transcontinental railroad being built began, which would provide employment for local settlers as well as a market for their produce. Due to many political problems and delays, the construction of the railroad did not reach Kamloops until 1883 where a small village had grown on the south shore of the Thompson. After three years of continuous work the Canadian Pacific Railway was completed and the community boomed with hotels, churches, stores, schools and hospitals. Soon a fire department, telephone, water works and electrical light systems were all added to the community and by 1893 the city of Kamloops had grown a large amount.
In 1962 the Trans Canada Highway was finally completed and construction began on the Yellowhead Highway, which was opened in 1970. Due to the world wars and the depression, the growth that once came so steadily to Kamloops had slowed down causing difficulties to arise within the community. Even though the late 1930’s was a hard period to go through, Kamloops continued to stay strong and since then the pace has accelerated.
In June of 1967, North Kamloops combined with the order of South Shore Kamloops, and by 1973 Kamloops’ municipalities were also added to complete the quaint, and unique character that makes up this intriguing city.
There are 15 neighbourhoods within the city of Kamloops. They are:
Aberdeen
Barnhartvale
Batchelor Heights
Campbell Creek
Dallas
Heffley Creek
Juniper Ridge
Valleyview
Kamloops Junction
Knutsford
North Kamloops
Oak Hill
Ravleigh
Tranquille
Westsyde
City Of Kamloops Website
http://www.city.kamloops.bc.ca/
BC Wildlife Park Kamloops
http://www.bczoo.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamloops,_British_Columbia
Kamloops Fire and Rescue Services
http://www.kamloopsfirerescue.bc.ca/ - The mission of Kamloops Fire & Rescue Services is to protect the lives and property of our citizens and visitors by providing excellence in emergency response, fire prevention, and public education.
Recycling Council of British Columbia
http://www.rcbc.bc.ca/ - RCBC is Canada's oldest recycling council, and in BC, has earned the reputation of being the most widely respected environmental organization operating in the province today.
Gerald Teichroeb
RE/MAX Real Estate (Kamloops)
258 Seymour St., Kamloops, BC, V2C-2E5
Ph: 250-374-3331, Toll free: 1-877-374-3331
Email: gerald@kamloopsliving.com, Website: http://www.kamloopsliving.com
