St. ANDREW’S – Restoration work on historic church enters its final phase

Restoration work at St. Andrew’s on the Square will enter a more comprehensive phase in the coming weeks, as the building is restored to its pre-fire condition with improvements to accessibility, code compliance, and overall functionality.

In May 2024, the facility sustained fire damage. While most of the impact was limited to the exterior and attic, the interior was primarily affected by smoke and water.

A City of Kamloops news release said Thursday (Oct. 2, 2025) the restoration will include a wide range of improvements designed to preserve the building’s heritage character while ensuring it is “safe, functional, and welcoming for all members of the community.”

Key facility upgrades will include:

• Building Integrity and Safety: replacing damaged siding and roof, and upgrading electrical systems, emergency exit signage, and audio/visual wiring to support modern use.
• Comfort and Functionality: installing a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system to improve climate control, and upgrading the kitchen to support event management, catering, and day-to-day operations. Kitchen improvements include new appliances, flooring, lighting, wallpaper, floating shelving, countertops, and a deep basin sink for proper cleaning and waste management. Additional equipment upgrades include furniture and audio equipment.
• Lighting and Accessibility: Expanding corridor lighting with energy-efficient, period-appropriate fixtures. Accessibility upgrades include automatic door openers, an upgraded entry ramp, and widened doorways. A gender-neutral washroom has been added with inclusivity and accessibility in mind. The redesign of the washroom will also create a new custodial closet.
• Heritage Restoration: Restoring the front door, and installing heritage-style flooring, crown moulding, full-profile baseboards, coordinated trim, paint, and wallpaper to preserve the building’s character while refreshing its appearance.
• Community-Oriented Enhancements: Adding built-in millwork in the rear vestibule to create a functional coat area for events.

Scheduled for completion in February 2026, the upgrades have been developed in collaboration with the Kamloops Heritage Engagement Group and the Kamloops Heritage Society, the press release said.

Built in 1887, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is the oldest public building in Kamloops. Constructed of wood using lumber from James McIntosh’s Shuswap Milling Co., the church held its first service on Christmas Day that same year.

It closed in 1942, later becoming the Calvary Temple under Reverend Phil Gaglardi and his wife Jennie. The City purchased the building in 1991, and restoration began in 1997.