I was saddened to open the Vancouver Sun this morning and see that the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Kamloops has destroyed by fire yesterday. George Uyeda, the Centre’s coordinator, was in the building at the time and was alerted by two off-duty firefighters who helped him try to extinguish the blaze. Despite their efforts, the fire spread before they could contain it. The Centre, located at 160 Vernon Avenue is only thirteen years old, but contains artifacts and memories going back many more years. I have visited the Centre several times over the years and was always impressed by the small but cohesive community that built and nourished this little cultural jewel. I have no doubt the Kamloops Nikkei community will rally again and rebuild their Centre.
It’s a shame this jewel of the interior was destroyed but the tight knit community of Kamloops has overcome adversity in the past. I have faith that centre will be rebuilt in no time.