Thompson Rivers University ~ Kamloops,BC

A nice sunny fall day and a drive around the campus of Thompson Rivers University makes for a great reason to share some photos.  We’ve cruised around here at times, just to see the changes but this visit shows some major growth happening.

OLd Main Building

This university began with small steps in September 1970 when it opened in the Kamloops Indian Band facilities until it could move into their new facility at the present location on McGill in 1971.  The campus was small and held 367 full time students and 200 part time.  In the 20 years following, it grew tenfold and now has an enrollment of 7500 students. 

A welcoming street to TRU

The City of Kamloops declared a November week in 1986 as “College Week”.  They recognized the role of Cariboo College in “shaping Kamloops culturally, economically, socially, recreationally and educationally” and these great contributions still continues. 

Living Facilities

The growth continued with Cariboo College becoming a university college in 1989 with the name change to University of the Cariboo College. UCC was granted their first Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998 and in 2003 they were able to offer Master’s degrees.

Building with a view

In March 2005 UCC became the newest university in BC and a name change to Thompson Rivers University or TRU.  Nancy Greene, the Canadian Olympian skiier was installed as the first Chancellor at TRU.  On a personal note, Nancy was a student at Nelson’s Notre Dame University when I was a young worker there and would cover my desk job when I was out to lunch, literally! lol

New construction

It really has been an amazing addition to Kamloops and continues to grow with several new buildings presently being built.  We are not sure what the new buildings are all for but some of them are to the stage where it is obviously living spaces for students.  

Landscaping pleasures

The 250 acre campus has been beautifully landscaped as it grows and offers plenty of sights to enjoy with grass, flowerbeds and trees that now offer autumn colors.

A great view of Thompson Rivers

The view of the Thompson Rivers cannot be beat and offers the perfect name for the university.

There is an Open House at TRU on Saturday, October 19^th, 2019 from 9am to 3pm at the Old Main Building and the invitation is for all to come and see what TRU has to offer.  More details here.

Summertime ~ Kamloops, BC

The first day of summer arrived on a Friday leading into a week of summer activities.  We wait for this day with great anticipation as we expect summer weather to be a constant sunny and warm.  That may be our normal summertime but it just doesn’t always happen.  We had a bit of Spring overlap.

He scores!

For the most part, the soccer tournament games were played between the weekend showers.  We only went to two of the games, one on each weekend day, and got rain neither one but there were scattered showers happening.  We did see our youngest grandson make a special goal, his very first!  I would have sat in the rain to see that. 

Westsyde Horse Show

Westsyde Park hosted a horse show on Sunday.  Several showed their horses by walking around the outside arena, being judged for things I would not have any idea about.  They were so enjoyable to watch, but what horse isn’t, especially when being ridden by someone who knows what they are doing. 

Mental Health Bike Ride

We saw many many bikes riding the Westsyde Road before they headed down to ride on the dyke that passes Westsyde Centennial Park.  They were supporting bringing mental health into the open.  The total ride was 25 km long, so good for all and thanks to those who participated for this worthy cause.

Entertaining Emu

The Little Farmer’s Zoo adjacent to Westsyde Park never lacks for some animal entertainment.  So many people enjoy watching the antics, especially of the goats, they do seem to know to perform.  I think my favorite is the Emu, who seemed as interested in my camera as I was in him.  He did give it a peck once, as his long neck gives him a long reach, but I think he was hoping for an edible.

Little Farmers Zoo

Little Farmer’s Zoo offers machines to purchase appropriate food for the animals to avoid feeding them food scraps that may do them harm.  Feed is very inexpensive and will definitely get the animals to the fence once they know you have something for them.  All animals are behind the fence but petting can still be accomplished for some.

TRU basketball

This basketball court is at Thompson Rivers University and has attracted several young players on this morning.  As regular classes are over for the year, I suspect these kids could be here for fun, practice or lessons?

Deer attending University

We see a local visitor on the grass of TRU enjoying a lunchtime snack.  She’s alone here and with all the construction going on at the campus I am surprised to see her.  This campus has grown.

McArthur Park Skateboarding

Kamloops has several skateboarding parks, and rarely are they empty but with summertime here, they will likely keep pretty busy.  This one is located at McArthur Island.

Brock Pool

This is a small group of swimmers at the Brock Pool compared to shortly after.  There were 5 school buses arrive in the parking lot while those who came on them had swimming or picnicking in the park.  Brock Park includes a playground area, swimming pool and tennis courts, as well as an inside ice arena.  Great place for any summer day, especially ones like this.

Mt. Paul and North Thompson River

What could be prettier that Mt. Paul and Mt. Peter reflected in the North Thompson River, which is great for kayaking, and is lined with lush green bushes and trees.  This pathway offers a nice walk along Schubert Drive on the NorthShore.

So many things to do in summertime Kamloops, an outdoor paradise.  Hopefully everyone has a safe and fun summer ahead of them.