Queen visit to Kamloops in 1959 (Image Credit: Don Davies)

By Connor Gunn

Queen Elizabeth

Locals reflect on Queen’s long reign and trips to Kamloops

Sep 8, 2022 | 5:24 PM

KAMLOOPS — The death of Queen Elizabeth II has sent shock waves around the world and in Kamloops, locals remember her life and her influence.

“Her impact in the entire Commonwealth — but certainly here in Canada, in British Columbia, and in Kamloops — has been significant over 70 years of her reign and her dedication to her duty as Queen of Canada was remarkable,” says Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian.

“I’m in shock because I really admired her,” one Kamloops woman told CFJC Today.

“It is an end of an era and I think it’s sad because we are a part of the monarchy and she’s been a class act,” added another woman.

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Some locals were awed by the news that came out of Buckingham Palace on Thursday (Sept. 8) and Mayor Christian added that the City has recognized her passing.

“The entire community has been taken back by this news today and we have lowered the flags here at City Hall and they will remain at half-staff until the sunset of the day of her funeral,” adds Christian.

The Queen and Prince Philip came to Kamloops twice. In May of 1959, they arrived at the Canadian Pacific Railway Station and toured the city.

Christian says although she would spend much of her time in England, she made many visits to Canadian communities.

“Any royal visit is a big deal but when the Queen comes, it’s a huge deal. That’s part of our history as a city and that’s something that we should be proud of and I think it’s indicative of her dedication to seeing every corner of the Commonwealth,” says Christian.

Kamloops Museum archives recorded her visit in 1971 and newspapers detail the time locals were able to meet her.

On one of her North American trips, she toured North Kamloops, Brocklehurst, and the Fulton Field airport.

Many locals say it truly is a sad day.

“Oh my goodness. She would smile and… I’ve had experiences in Ottawa where she was driving around the corner with her husband and you’d say, ‘Oh my goodness, it’s my queen.’ It was really cool. I think she had a big impact on all of us whether you want to admit it or not,” says a local.

“I think it’s to be remembered that we are part of their kingdom and that we have the benefits and the blessings because of people like her,” a Kamloops man said.

“It’s sad certainly for the royal family and for the nation and I think we should just take time to reflect on the positive things she has brought in her term as leader,” Christian added.