history of agriculture in kamloops and region€¦ · history of agriculture in kamloops and region...

89
History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction of the railways and the ability to ship local products to markets this way (Community Futures Development Corporation of Thompson Country, 2001). Agriculture has been an important livelihood and economic sector in and around Kamloops since this time. The following timeline is a snapshot of some of the key agricultural milestones and events taking place in Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Valley over time.

Upload: others

Post on 27-Jun-2020

5 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region

Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction of the railways and the ability to ship local products to markets

this way (Community Futures Development Corporation of Thompson Country, 2001). Agriculture has been an important livelihood and economic

sector in and around Kamloops since this time. The following timeline is a snapshot of some of the key agricultural milestones and events taking place

in Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola Valley over time.

Page 2: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

Acknowledgements

Written by:

• M.Luciani,MCIP, RPP

• KamloopsMuseum&Archives

with support from:

• T.Dubrowski,DevelopmentandEngineeringServicesClerk• E.Clark,PlanningAssistant

Page 3: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT

Pre-contact Agricultural Activity in the Region

Traditionally,theSecwepemcweresemi-nomadic,theirlifebasedonfishing,hunting, and plant gathering. They traveled great distances to procure food and other technological needs. The various landscapes they used provided everythingtheSecwepemcneededtosurviveandflourish.Secwepemcterritory provided the people with a wide diversity of animal and plant food, medicines, and technological resources. All food and material culture was obtainedfromthevariousenvironments.TheSecwepemcharvesteddeer,moose, elk, caribou, many smaller mammals, and many varieties of salmon andfish.Theygatheredover135speciesofplantsforfood,medicine,ceremonial, habitation, and technology.

Page 4: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENTTheSecwepemc,withtheirintimateknowledgeoftheirenvironments,basedtheir subsistence economy on balancing the use of resources and careful management regimes. They made use of food and materials that were in abundance, but also relied on other sources when their primary sources failed. TheSecwepemcpracticedintensivelandmanagementregimes,whichensured sufficient supply of needed items, not only for present needs but to ensure the resources were available for future generations. One example is landscapeburningtoensurebetterandmoreplentifulrootcrops.Survivalwas also dependent on ecological knowledge and cultural skills being passed down by oral tradition to the following generations.

Pre-contact Agricultural Activity in the Region

Page 5: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1812

• TwoEuropeanfurtradingpostswereestablishedinKamloopsin1812,utilizing Aboriginal skills to harvest animal populations, such as beaver.But 1826 the effects of trapping on these population were alreadynoticeable.

• The seasonal round shows that the pre-contact Kamloops economy hadthreesectors:fishing,gathering(rootsandberries),andhunting.Therelative importance of these has been much discussed in archaelogicaland anthropological literature. A reasonable guess for the ration ofthesectorsinthedietofthepeopleatthetimeoffirstcontactwithEuropeans(hencepriortotherelianceonEuropeanfoodstuffs)isintheregionofonethirdfish(principallysalmon),onethirdrootsandberries,and one third meat (Kamloops Territory in the 1860s, page 12).

Page 6: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1846

• Hudson'sBayCompany(HBC)mostlikelyresponsibleforfirstagricultural activity in the area with the cultivation of Timothy grass forforage for horses used in the fur trade.

• HBCimportscattleforbeefandsomedairycowsintoInteriorBC.Thisbuilds upon the existing native diet of salmon and berries adopted bythe fur traders.

• Potatoesareamainstapleproducedatthistime.• Dr.JohnMcLoughlinstartsthefirstbeefcattle

movement to BC.

Page 7: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1851

• HBCplants34kegsofpotatoesatthefarmontheNorthShoresiteofthefort.Theresultingharvestboasts400kegsinthefall.

Page 8: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1852

• PaulFraser,inchargeofFortThompson,growsbarleyandwheatandstarts a kitchen garden growing peas, carrots, onions, and melons.

Page 9: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1858

• Adam Heffley enters BC as a miner and packer during the gold rush. He raises racing horses on his land in Heffley Creek (named after him).

• ThefirstcattledriveofwhichwehavedefinitiveknowledgemovesnorthfromPortland,Oregan,inJune1858,ledbyGeneralJoelPalmer.UponreachingKamloops,Palmersellsthesuppliesandoxentotheminers,proceedingtotheFraserRivertosellhisherd.

Page 10: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1860

• Duetoperiodicfloodingatthefortsite,HBCdevelopstheCalumetFarmseveralmilesuptheNorthThompsonRiver.Thecompany'sdairycowsaremovedtothislocationwherethefirstbutterofthedistrictismade.ExcessproductissoldtogoldminersatTranquilleandJamiesonCreek.

• The Calumet Farm is short-lived, and crops are limited to potatoes and wheat.

• IndividualsfromtheHBCdocontinuewithagriculturalexperimentationandaresuccessfulgrowingcropssuchascabbage,cauliflower,corn,pumpkins, potatoes, and rhubarb.

Page 11: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1860s

• Agricultural activities in the Kamloops District are taken over by early settlers, some of whom left the employ of the HBC. Cattle and horses are raised and oats, wheat, barley, and potatoes are grown for sale back to the HBC.

Page 12: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1862

• Jerome and Thaddeus Harper purchase ranchland on the north side of theSouthThompsonRiverjusteastofKamloops.Thisranchisthefirstin the Kamloops area.

Page 13: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1865

• CharlesCooney,apioneeratTranquille,startsoneofthefirstorchardsinBC.

Page 14: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1870s

• Fodder crops such as rye, clover, rape, vetches, and corn are added to production, with sainfoin (in the pea family) being the most popular fodder crop by the 1890s.

• Alfalfa, a crop that had been tried, is not popularly grown for fodder untilsometimeafterWorldWarI.

Page 15: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1872

• JohnThomasEdwardsbuysHeffley'slandtobecomeaprominentrancherandbusinessmanintheSouthernInterior.

Page 16: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1878

• ShuswapMillingCompanybeginsoperationwhereRiversideParkislocated.Thesawmillandgristmillproduceslumberandflourandslaughters hogs for bacon.

Page 17: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1890

• KamloopshoststhesecondannualInlandAgricultureAssociationevent.Localcropsandlivestockaredisplayed.

Page 18: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1892

• With the expansion of the railway, ranchers and farmers begin to organize themselves in different ways to form the Kamloops Agricultural Association. The main purpose of the association is to promote the annual fair where local products get displayed. The greatest success comes in sending exhibits to New Westminster, which revealed the qualityandvarietyofKamloopsproducts.

• First agricultural exhibition takes place.

Page 19: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1895

• Kamloops canning and preserving industry gets underway.

Page 20: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1899

• Obtaining and maintaining prime land for City parks begins in 1899 with theestablishmentofRiversidePark.

Page 21: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT1900

• KamloopsbranchoftheBCFarmer'sInstituteisorganizedtoinformmembers on issues such as freight rates, irrigation, and experimental orchards. The organization also attempts to serve to alleviate tensions between stock raisers and farmers.

• Atthistime,ranchingisbeingforcedbackontotheuplands.Manyranges are overgrazed by the turn of the century.

Page 22: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Kamloopsispromotedasan"AgriculturalEden".• Kamloops is famous for its sheep ranching and wool production.

Early 1900s

Page 23: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheShuswapMillingCompany,whichwaslocatedinRiversidePark,burns to the ground, making way for the development of the park as the City purchases the site shortly after.

1901

Page 24: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• CanadianRealProperties,withheadquartersinLondon,England,beginsdevelopinganextensiveirrigationsystemontheNorthShore.

• JohnandRoseAndersonarethefirsttosettleintheRoseHillarea.

1903

Page 25: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheInlandSentinelpublishesapromotionalsupplemententitled"TheLandofHeart'sDesire",distributedwidelyinCanada,England,andtheUnitedStates.

• Fruitlands (North Kamloops) development begins.

1904

Page 26: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• ManyhomesteaderscometoKamloopsbetween1905andWorldWarI,but few know much about farming or the need for irrigation.

1905

Page 27: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• EstablishmentoftheKamloopsandDistrictFruitGrowersAssociation.

1907

Page 28: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• EstablishmentoftheThompsonValleyCanningCompany.

1908

Page 29: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• CanadianRealPropertiesisincorporatedasBCFruitlandswitha"homefarm" and overseeing manager.

• The irrigation development originally consists of 6,000 acres calling for extensiveirrigation,includinga$50,000,18mileditch,tobringwaterfrom Jamieson Creek.

• BC Fruitlands becomes incorporated.• First apple trees are planted in the Kamloops region, in the town of Walhachin,whichmeans"LandoftheRoundRocks"intheNlaka'pamux(Thompson) language.

1909

Page 30: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• BritishspeculatorsestablishthefirstorchardsinthetownofWalhachin.

1910

Walhachinplowingfortheorchards.Photobyunknown.

Page 31: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• ExcellentgraincropsareraisedintheRoseHillandLong(Brigade)LakeregionjustsouthofKamloopsduetoseveralwetyears.

• Severalfarmersareultimatelyforcedtoleaveorturntocattleranchingdue to lack of regular irrigation in the dry belt.

• Liverystableswereneededasgarages,butceasewhenthehorsestopsbeing the primary method of transportation.

• T.D.Costley'slivery,atthecornerofLorneStreetandVictoriaStreet,issoldtoCPRtomakewayfordoubletracking.

1911

Page 32: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• HeffleyCreekbecomesacentreforagriculture.Itgoesontoshowcaseafirstevereventthatfeaturesagriculturalexhibitsinthefall.

• MapleLeafMillingCompanyopensthefirstsmallgrainelevator.

1912

Page 33: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• The Walhachin Cannery (Anglesey Canners) is established.• MiltonBlackwellpurchasesafarmeastofBarnhartvale,andBlackwell

Dairy Farm is established. Today, the fourth generation farm produces a fulllineoffluidmilkproducts,includingsourcreamandcheeses.

• The Kamloops Agricultural Hall is erected inRiversidePark.

1913

BlackwellDairyProcessingPlant

Page 34: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheBCStockBreedersAssociationbeginsandpresentstheBullandLivestockShowandSale.

• ThefirstcommercialcreameryafterHBCexperimentsisestablishedatHeffley Creek.

• Aroundthistime,abeekeepers'associationisformedtofulfillspecialized needs.

• Thefirstformalfarmers'marketbeginsonJune6,1914,onthepresentsiteofthePlazaHotelat4thAvenueandVictoriaStreet.Thereare16 vendorssellingfreshvegetables,poultry,eggs,seeds,andflowers.

1914

Page 35: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• ThefirsttomatocanneryisestablishedinNorthKamloopsbyNixonandWork.4,000tinsoftomatoesarecannedinthefirstyear.

1915

Page 36: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• By this time, the "home farm" has 100 acres of orchards, primarily apples;2,500headofcattle;andacresofvegetableandfoddercrops.

• Apples in Kamloops are found to have a higher sugar content than those grown in the Okanagan region due to lower night temperatures in Kamloops.

• The10thAnnualConventionoftheWesternCanadaIrrigationAssociation is held in Kamloops.

• Basedontheintroductionofthefirstcreamerytwoyearsprior,theKamloops District Creamery Association is formed.

• The Kamloops District Creamery opens.

1916

Page 37: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Asheepherders'associationisformedwithannualsalesinconjunctionwith the Fall Fair.

• Nixon and Work moves its cannery to the Agricultural Hall located at the North Kamloops Fair grounds. 20,000 tins of tomatoes are canned.

• InApril,theBCWoodGrowersAssociationisformed.

1917

Page 38: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Thefarmers'marketcontinuesthroughtheyearsofWorldWarI,despitecomplaintsofunfaircompetition,finallyclosingin1919.Thecanningindustry provided an outlet for excess vegetables for many of the producers.

• ThefirstbullsaleisheldonMarch26,1919,attheCPRcorralswestofthecityontheroadtoMissionFlats.

1919

Page 39: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• The "home farm" has expanded to 20,000 acres and includes an experimental farm.

• The tomato cannery established two years prior packs over 20,000 cases of product.

• KamloopsCanneriesisestablishedat116LorneStreet,usingoldequipmentfromWalhachin.Itemploys30peopleandinadditiontotomatoes, processes beans and pumpkins.

• The British Columbia Hereford Breeder's Association is established in Kamloops to promote cattle breeding in the province.

• TheKamloopsBullSaleismovedtoRiversidePark.

1920

Page 40: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• AgriculturalresearchbeginsinKamloopsonascientificbasis.• TheSinghfamilycomestoKamloops,farmingvegetablesandfruitto

sell in fresh markets and local canneries.

1920s

Page 41: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• 75,000casesofproducearepackedatKamloopsCanneries,whichnowemploys 200 people. The cannery purchases property west of town (formerCityPublicWorksyard).

1924

Page 42: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• JamesSkellybuysfarmlandinValleyview,plantingover4,000appletrees.

1925

Page 43: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheofficeandbarnfortheBCLivestockAssociationisconstructedatthelocationofthePavillionTheatre.Atonetime,thislocationisalsohometotheKamloopsExhibitionAssociation.

• ShareholdersmergewithfourcanneriesintheOkanaganandatthecoasttoformonecompany,theWesternPackingCorporation.

• KamloopsCanneriesbecomesaffiliatedwithWesternPackingCorporation.

1926

Page 44: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Tobacco growing is tested on the experimental farm.• The Broder Canning Company of New Westminster, later renamed RoyalCityCanners,opensaplantinKamloopsin1927andsellsittoFrank Carlin, a vegetable wholesaler in the city, in 1928.

1927

Page 45: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• An entomology laboratory to study insect pests is started.

• BC Fruitlands (a private company owning 22,000 acres) produces4,500 tonsoffruitsandvegetables.

• ThelargerfirmofWesternPackingCorporationgoesbankrupt,butthelocaloperationisstillviable.InSeptember,CharlesBickfordtakesoverasowner.

• RoyalCityCannerssellsitsplanttoFrankCarlin,avegetablewholesalerin the City.

1928

Page 46: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• BC Cattlemen's Association is formed to represent the interests of beef cattle producers in BC.

• BCSheepBreedersAssociation(formallytheBCWoodGrowersAssociation)isformedtoaccommodatethegrowing industry

• The wool warehouse is built to accommodate the industry and the more than 200,000 of sheep in Kamloops.

1929

Page 47: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Thereisaninfluxofsettlers,manyofwhichareGermanfamiliesemployed by BC Fruitlands. They later form the Brocklehurst community.

• By this time, the Kamloops District has more than half of BC's sheep production.

1930

ProposedlayoutfortheBCFruitlandsLimitedEstatein Kamloops

Page 48: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• The Desmond's and Hugh Vicars start a large farm in Valleyview where they grow tomatoes, alfalfa, and potatoes.

• Antonio and Cesira Comazzetto start a dairy farm in Valleyview. • Tom Bones Heritage House is built on a prominent piece of farmland on theNorthShoreknownfororchardsandfieldsfarmedbyBC Fruitlands.

1930

Page 49: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• There are now three canneries, but consumer demand and prices are low. Only a small portion of the produce grown in Kamloops is handled by the canneries, with many tomatoes, beans, potatoes, onions, and apples being sold to eastern and western markets.

• ElectricalpowertooutlyingareaspermitsadditionalareasintheThompsonValleytobeirrigatedbypump,including650acresontheIndianReserve.

• TheSkellyland,knownasJimevaFarms,ispurchased.ThefamilymovesfromCalgaryandplants4,000appletrees.Theyalsoattempttogrowtomatoes and raise pigs and minks.

1930s

Page 50: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• ThecanneryonLorneStreetisdestroyedbyfireandrebuilt,onlytobedestroyedbyfireagainin1938.

• BCFruitlandsleases46acrestotheCityofKamloopsonwhatisnowtheKamloops Airport.

1931

Page 51: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Kamloops Cannery attempts to revive after some dormant years. A new board of directors, with Charles Bickford as operator, runs the cannery.

1934

Page 52: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Rangeproblemsleadtotheestablishmentofaresearchstation.Today,theAgricultureCanadaResearchStationalongOrdRoadcontinueswithagricultural research operations.

1935

Page 53: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Harry Ord, one of the earliest Brocklehurst settlers and farmers begins planting hops. The dry climate initially gives good results. Ten years later, his hops cover 20 hectares.

1936

Page 54: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• AnentomologyfieldlabisbuiltatMissionFlats.

1938

Page 55: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheProvincialWinterFairmovestoKamloops.Thefairisanagriculturalshowcaseand4-Hevent.

1939

Page 56: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Successfullyoperatingsince1934,KamloopsCanneriesisboughtoutbyRoyalCityFoods,andCharlesBickfordretires.

1945

Page 57: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheharvestatJimevaFarmshitsapeakof40,000boxesofapples.Severelyfrigidconditionshitthenextyear,andtheorchardisneverproductive again.

• Thecoldweatherin1949-1950destroysthegrowingindustry,asmanyorchardsandmarketfarmsdisappear.75%oftheapplestreesinBrocklehurst were killed.

1949

Page 58: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Improvedhighwaynetworksresultinmorerelianceonimportedproduce from out-of-country due to cost savings.

• The canning industry in Kamloops comes to an end. • One severe early frost kills a large portion of the fruit trees in

Brocklehurst (BC Fruitlands), which adds to the pressures on orchard and tomato growers to subdivide their land for housing.

1950s

Page 59: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Harry Ord’s hops farm closes.

1952

Page 60: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheBritishColumbiaDepartmentofAgricultureAnnualReportfor1955notesthat"farmersandranchershavefounditextremelydifficultto obtain sufficient labour. The wages offered by industry cannot be metinagricultureatpresentrelativeeconomiclevels.Insufficientmanpower adds further to costs of production".

• Privateranch,FrolekCattleCompanyisestablishedin1955.• The Comazzetto's Home Dairy Farm closes.

1955

Page 61: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• InBritishColumbia,CanadianCanners,whichownfourplantsintheprovince,ispurchasedbytheDelMonteCorporationofCalifornia.

1956

Page 62: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• RoyalCityCannerycloses.

1958

Page 63: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Bythistime,threeofthefourcanningplantsboughtbyDelMonteareclosed.

1960

Page 64: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• InKamloops,theoverallacreageforcommercialvegetablesdropsfrom876acresin1951to238acresin1961.

1961

Page 65: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• FergusonEquipmentopensitsdoorsat852SeymourStreet.Thenewbusinessfeaturedtopqualitylawnandgardenproductsandgoodoldfashioned customer service.

1969

Page 66: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheAgriculturalLandReserve(ALR),aprovincialzoneinwhichagriculture is recognized as the priority use, is established on April 18 in BC. Farming is encouraged and non-agricultural uses are controlled within this zone.

• TheAgriculturalLandReserve(ALR)isestablishedthroughcooperativeeffortswithregionaldistrictsandmembermunicipalities.LocalinputonanALRplanisgainedthroughaPublicHearingprocess.

1973

Page 67: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheBCLivestockAssociationvacatestheoriginalcattlebarn.TheWestern Canada Theatre Company moves into the building.

• By1973,hopsproductionceases.

1973

Page 68: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT•

1974 to 1976

Page 69: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheKamloopsFarmers'MarketisestablishedandheldeverySaturdayandWednesdaybetweenthemonthsofAprilandMay.Themarketencourages and supports local production of food and provides an outlet for local produce and foods in order to promote local food security.

1978

Page 70: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheProvinceofBCenactstheMilkIndustryStandardsRegulation.

1981

Page 71: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• The Blackwells build their own pasteurization facility, after many years of selling raw milk to plants in Kelowna, Armstrong, and Vernon.

1983

Page 72: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheCrestlineGarden,Kamloops'firstcommunitygarden,isestablished.Today there are more than 18 community gardens throughout the City.

1984

Page 73: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheSahaliCommunityGardenisestablished.

• The Dhaliwal family begins farming and selling to the local farmers' market and later buys land in Heffley Creek where they still operate a successful potato and onion farm today.

• Agriforum'85ishostedbyCaribooCollege(nowThompsonRiversUniversity) and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce. The event is for food producers interested in information about agriculture production and potential in the Thompson Valley.

1985

Page 74: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• GinsengfarmingintheKamloopsandsurroundingareabeginstoblossomandproduceaqualityproductthatisrecognizedworldwide.

• Atonepointintime,Chai-Na-Ta,locatedjustoutsideofKamloops,istheworld's largest grower and exporter of North American ginseng.

1986

Page 75: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• KamloopsFoodPolicyCouncilisestablishedtopromotepubliceducation on food security issues as well as work on concrete food systemprojects.

1995

KAMLOOPSFoodPolicyCouncil

Page 76: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheInvestmentAgricultureFoundationofBritishColumbia(IAF),anindustry-led,not-for-profitorganization,isestablishedwithamandateto administer federal and provincial industry development programs.

1996

Page 77: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheBCAgricultureCouncilisformedinresponsetoaneedforaunifiedprovincial organization that would represent farmers in all sectors and all regions of the province.

1997

Page 78: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Tk'emlupsIndianBandpurchasesandincorporatesSpiyu7ullucwRanchCorporation(formerlyHarperRanch);

- Thedeededlandisapproximately4,763acres; - Itencompassesapproximately16,000acresofprovincialgrazing

leases; and - Alfalfaisplantedonapproximately500acres.

1999

Page 79: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• Community Futures, Thompson Country (CFTC) commissions a study called'BacktotheLand-AgriculturalOpportunities',whichexaminesalternative crops that could be produced on small acreages to diversify the income of these producers.

2000

Page 80: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• CFTC undertakes a massive fence removal and replacement program for local ranchers who lost theirfencestothewildfiresof2003.ThroughjobcreationpartnershipswithServiceCanada,50.8kmoffive-strandbarbedwirefencesareremovedandreplaced for local area ranchers.

• TheProvinceofBCenactsaMeatInspectionRegulationundertheFood Safety Act. The regulation governs the slaughter of animals for food sales in BC.

• TheBCFoodProcessorsAssociationisformedtodevelop and support the food processing sector across the province.

2004

Page 81: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• CFTCpartnerswithWesternEconomicDiversificationCanada,MinistryofAgricultureandLand,InvestmentAgricultureFoundationofBCtohosttheInteriorLivestockMarketingSeminar,whichprovidesinsight into the realities of the implementation of the meat inspection regulations that became commonplace for abattoirs throughout the region.

• The ginseng farming industry in Kamloops and surrounding area begins to suffer from competition from cheaper ginseng growing markets in Asia. This results in most of the ginseng farms in the region closing their operations.

• Cattledriveiscancelledafter14yearsasaresultofcompetition,insurance costs, and problems at the previous year's event.

2005

Page 82: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheInteriorHealthAuthority,CityofKamloops,andKamloopsFoodPolicyCouncilpartnerto undertake the Community Food Action Initiativeprojectin2006.Thegoaloftheprojectistoengagestakeholdersineffortstostrengthen and support food planning, policy, and practices in the Kamloops region.

2006

Page 83: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• BestPracticesinUrbanAgriculturebackgroundreportiscompletedfor the City of Kamloops to support the development of an urban agriculture strategy.

• InNovember,thePremierofBritishColumbiaconvenesanAgricultureClimateActionForuminKamloops.ItincludespresentationsbytheMinisterofAgricultureandLands,industryrepresentatives,andmembersoftheprovincialClimateActionSecretariat.Inresponsetotheissuesidentifiedintheforum,theInvestmentAgricultureFoundationofBCandtheBritishColumbiaAgricultureCounciljointlyestablishtheClimateActionInitiativeprojecttoassesstheimpactofclimatechangeon agriculture and agri-food and assess the sector's challenges and opportunities to respond within an agricultural Climate Change Action Plan.

2007

Page 84: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• CFTCpartnerswithHeartlandQualityFoods,theInvestmentAgricultureFoundationofBC,andtheKamloopsFoodPolicyCounciltoconductan agriculture feasibility analysis to determine the marketing and distribution challenges facing the local food producers.

2008

Page 85: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• FriendsoftheNewVictoryGardensbeginhostinganannualSeedySaturdayeventtopromotesaving seeds and growing food locally.

• The world's largest grower/exporter of North American ginseng, Chai-Na-Ta, closes its doors.

2009

Page 86: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• One of the last remaining apple orchards in the City of Kamloops is subdivided and listed for sale for residential housing.

• Farm-to-table living is promoted through a new master planned sustainablecommunityinKamloopscalled"TranquilleontheLake".Thefullyoperationalurbanfarmadjacenttotheresidentialareawillbea model for the latest in sustainable, green farming practices, setting a new standard in environmentally responsible agricultural stewardship. Residentswillalsohaveaccesstocommunitygardenswheretheywillbe able to grow their own produce.

• The BC Cattlemen's Association, which has operated in Kamloops since 1929,movesnorthandholdsitsannualmeetinginWilliamsLake.

2010

Page 87: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• KamloopslosestheProvincialWinterFairasitmovestoBarriere.For72 years, farmers from around BC have been drawn to this agricultural showcase.

2011

Page 88: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• TheCityofKamloopsbeginsplanningforaCityAgricultureAreaPlantodevelop policies, strategies, and programs to promote and protect the long-term sustainability of local agriculture and local producers.

• ThompsonShuswapFoodConnectionsprojectisinitiatedbyCFTCtostrengthen the local food economy by identifying opportunities to diversify local farm production and expand local markets.

• ThompsonRiversUniversity'sFriendsoftheGarden(FOG)planforKamloops 1st Annual Tomato Festival.

2012

Page 89: History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region€¦ · History of Agriculture in Kamloops and Region Kamloops has been a self-sufficient food producer since the 1880s with the introduction

LIVIN

G

DOCUMENT• BCMuseum&Archives• Community Futures Thompson Country• Tourism Kamloops• BeyondCityLimits-RuralHistoryinBritishColumbia:R.W.Sandwell

References