DOWNTOWN
KAMLOOPS
HERITAGE
WALKING
TOUR
This is a stop on our self-guided tour is designed to be followed along with a physical version of the map available at the Kamloops Museum and Archives or simply enjoy the information below. View all tour stops.
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Museum Hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday & Monday: Closed -
Archive Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 1:15pm - 4:00pm
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday & Monday: Closed
The Wing Building
1st Mayor of Chinese Descent in North America | Stop #07
Table of Contents
Peter Wing: A Life of Civic Service Rooted in Kamloops
Peter Wing’s story begins and ends in Kamloops. In between, his life helped shape the city’s growth, spirit, and place in Canadian history. Born in 1914 to Chinese immigrants, he became a successful businessman, community advocate, and the first mayor of Chinese descent in North America. Through decades of service, Wing built bridges across cultures, generations, and political divides, all for the city he loved most.
Early Life in Kamloops
Peter Wing was born on May 4, 1914, in Kamloops, British Columbia. His father, Eng Wing Him, arrived from the Canton region of China in 1901, opened one of the city’s first Chinese-run restaurants, and entered the import grocery trade, and eventually managed downtown buildings through his family business. His mother, Leung Lin, arrived in 1913 and was one of the first Chinese women to settle in Kamloops. Peter, their eldest child, started school at Stuart Wood in 1920.
Though academically gifted, Wing left school after grade nine to support the family business. His father’s store, Cash’ n Carry, sat on the corner of Third Avenue and Victoria Street and was one of the first of its kind in the Interior; like many young people during the Depression, Wing learned by doing. He gained experience in business, community service, and building relationships.
A Career Built on Service and Connection
In 1932, Wing married Kim Kwong of Revelstoke. She would become a lifelong partner and supporter, and he often credited her for much of his success. Together, they raised a family while contributing to the growth and character of Kamloops.
In the 1940s, Wing began operating an orchard in Valleyview. He quickly became active in the BC Fruit Growers Association and later helped form Sun Rype Products. After selling the orchard in 1957, Wing entered the real estate industry, purchasing the Hall and Pruden firm. In 1959, he launched Peter Wing Real Estate and remained in the business until his retirement in 1980.
Wing’s public service started early. At age 20, he was elected to the Kamloops Board of Trade. He joined the Kamloops Rotary Club in 1942 and remained an active member for more than six decades. He later served as district governor and continued to attend meetings well into his later years. He also held leadership roles with the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, the Union of BC Municipalities, and the Canadian Federation of Municipalities.
Breaking Barriers in Canadian Politics
In 1958, Wing entered civic politics and was elected as an alderman. In 1965, he was elected mayor of Kamloops, making history as the first person of Chinese descent to hold that position anywhere in North America. He would serve three consecutive terms, guiding Kamloops through a period of major expansion and change.
His time in office included the successful amalgamation of Kamloops and North Kamloops in 1967. He helped oversee new infrastructure, services, and planning during a time when the city’s population and budget were rapidly increasing. He recalled with pride that during his tenure, the city’s budget exceeded one million dollars for the first time.
Wing’s leadership style was steady and respectful. He worked across political lines and was known for his diplomacy and quiet persistence. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for the city’s long-term growth.
Honours, Legacy, and the City He Loved
After retiring from office in 1972, Wing remained active in public life. That same year, he was named Freeman of the City of Kamloops. His many honours included the Order of Canada in 1976, the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 1977, the Order of British Columbia in 1990, and BC Senior of the Year in 1994. Through it all, he stayed engaged in local affairs and continued to speak at events and mentor others.
Peter Wing passed away in Vancouver on December 27, 2007, at the age of 93. He is remembered not only for breaking barriers but for the way he led—by showing up, listening closely, and staying committed to the community that raised him. His legacy lives on in the stories of civic progress, cross-cultural respect, and quiet determination that helped shape Kamloops into the city it is today.
Community Groups
The Kamloops Chinese Cultural Association (KCCA) 甘露市中华文化协会 are a non-profit organization working to enhance the Chinese community in Kamloops and contribute to the betterment of society. The Association has a University Scholarship and Bursary Foundation Fund and is contributing to the City of Kamloops in order to enhance the Kamloops Chinese Heritage Cemetery. The Kamloops Chinese Freemasons Association (KCFA) is a historical and community-oriented organization in Kamloops, British Columbia, dating back to 1895. They are known for their role in maintaining the Kamloops Chinese Heritage Cemetery and providing cultural support to the community.
Photos From The Archive
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