City takes first steps to convert Stuart Wood to a museum

Apr 25, 2017 | 5:20 PM

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops is moving forward with a plan to transform the former Stuart Wood Elementary School into a museum.

CAO David Trawin says it’s believed the property would be a good future home for the Kamloops Museum and Archives.

Trawin says the grounds would be made into a more park-like setting, and it’s hoped the Memorial Park and Cenotaph could remain unchanged.

A century-old trust dictates the city must use the building for a school, or else it reverts to the Crown.

Trawin says it took some stickhandling to convince the province a museum fits the educational spirit of that trust.

“What we are moving forward with was determined the best direction from the province and the city. The province also did agree that it is best to bring First Nations in on this, and work with them on also potential referral on this property,” said Trawin. 

Council has voted to draw up a letter referring the issue to local First Nations, and asking for their approval.