For over a century, a City Hall has stood at the corner of 1st Avenue and Victoria Street West in Kamloops. Historically, City Hall shared its space with the courthouse, police station, jail, and general assembly hall, creating a central hub for civic affairs.

The jail and prisoners’ yard once sat behind the courthouse, facing Seymour Street West. It was here, beginning in 1886, that Kamloops’ earliest hangings took place with spectators watching from the hillside across the street, now the site of the current courthouse.

The city’s first official City Hall opened on this site in 1893, the same year Kamloops was incorporated. At that time, the mayor also served as a judge in certain cases. One of the most notable trials held here was the 1906 prosecution of infamous train robber Bill Miner.

The current City Hall building was constructed in 1963–64, continuing its long-standing role as a civic anchor. For decades, RCMP headquarters and holding cells remained on site, maintaining the historical connection between City Hall and law enforcement. That link was finally severed in 1988–89 with the construction of a new RCMP station on Battle Street.

More information about this site will be added as research continues. If you have questions, comments, or stories to share, feel free to contact the Kamloops Museum and Archives at [email protected] or call 250-828-3576. Our team will make sure your message gets to the right place.