A passionate presentation from the local 4-H and agriculture community sparked thoughtful discussion at City Council this week, as representatives made a renewed push for an agricultural facility to be included in the city’s ambitious Build Kamloops initiative.
The facility, which would serve as a dedicated space for Agri-Sport, youth development, and equestrian events, is being championed by the Provincial Winter Fair and the Kamloops Exhibition Association. Proponents say the city — a hub of ranching and agriculture heritage — is the ideal location for such a centre, which could also offer partnership opportunities with Thompson Rivers University for agricultural research.
Land Needed Before Excitement Can Grow
“We’re pretty confident that we could fund construction if we had land,” said Carol Gillis, Vice Chair of the PWF Committee, during her presentation to council. She noted that while there’s enthusiasm for the concept, previous efforts have stalled without a dedicated site.
“It’s hard to generate excitement around a project that has no place,” Gillis said. “I have absolute confidence that if we had a site, we would be able to generate that kind of enthusiasm and we would be able to fund construction.”
The ideal location, she added, would be somewhere along the east-west corridor and would require a minimum of 30 acres, with up to 90 acres preferred for expanded research and programming.
Support from Council
Councillor Katie Neustaeter voiced strong support for the proposal, calling it “thrilling” to see young people engaged in agriculture — a foundational part of Kamloops’ identity.
“It’s harder every day to be in agriculture in any way,” she said. “Kamloops was built on — we’re a ranching community. That’s our roots. That’s who we are.”
She emphasized the importance of grassroots organizing, referencing the Performing Arts Centre as a recent success born out of sustained community advocacy and planning. “Projects are most likely to be successful if there’s a grassroots group that gets behind it, forms an executive, has a capital project plan,” Neustaeter said.
Youth Agriculture Programs in High Demand
Councillor Margot Middleton highlighted the popularity and growing community interest in youth agriculture, especially the PWF’s unique carcass competition — one of the few in B.C. — where 4-H youth are judged on the quality of the animals they raise.
When asked how residents could support or purchase 4-H-raised beef if they’re not part of a formal buying group, Gillis encouraged direct outreach.
“We would always encourage you, if you know any 4-H members, to reach out directly,” she said. “The carcasses are sold by the side, so you would only have to buy a side. That is one possibility.”
She also shared contact information for those interested: pwfsecretary@gmail.com, noting that she, Dána Levere (PWF Chair), and Doug Haughton, Electoral Area “L” Director (TNRD) accept proxy bids as well.
A Facility for the Future
Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson asked who would be the best contact for groups interested in helping bring the proposed facility to life. Gillis recommended Doug Haughton, a well-known name in Kamloops agriculture circles.
She also clarified the governance structure: “The Provincial Winter Fair is under the umbrella of the Kamloops Exhibition Association. That’s our parent organization, and that’s who ultimately would manage a facility — unless the city built one without them, which would be fine with us too. To be clear, we just want a facility.”
While some infrastructure projects in Build Kamloops have price tags reaching hundreds of millions, Gillis was quick to dispel assumptions about cost. “I don’t think it would be that [high] at all,” she said.
Call for Community and City Support
Though there’s no current site or formal proposal before council, the presentation served as a clear call to action — and a nudge for the City of Kamloops to consider agriculture as a core pillar of the Build Kamloops infrastructure plan, alongside arenas and performing arts venues.
“We’re ready,” said Gillis. “We just need a place.”
