If you speak to anyone who has lived in Kamloops for a while they can direct you toward “Tranquille farms”. If you ask locals what kind of place “Tranquille” is you will get a variety of answers. Built in the early 1900s, “Tranquille” has had a few incarnations over the years.
It was originally called “King Edward VII tuberculosis sanatorium” and was built at the same time as “Riverview” Hospital in Vancouver. (Fans of TV & Film will be well aware of the filming that takes place at Riverview). From 1907 to 1958 until it was closed, the centre housed patients with TB. In 1959 “Tranquille” was re-opened as a facility for individuals living with mental disabilities and then closed again 1984 when government funding dried up. The property changed hands a few times and has been host to a variety of film and TV shows.
Many of the original buildings still stand on the site and a few can be seen from the Kamloops Rivers Trail which runs between “Tranquille” and Kamloops Lake. The part of the trail near the old hospital site is suitable for cars, bikes and hikers. The farm is private property so please don’t tresspass. It’s quite easy to take photos and enjoy the area from the trail.
There are still people around who are willing to tell ghost stories and spooky tales about the old buildings if you’re willing to listen. But, times have changed again for the lovely land out there and it has now become “Tranquille Farm.” It doesn’t take long at all to realize that the farm is now a welcoming place. There are families living at “Tranquille” now, kids laughing and playing, dogs, people whipping past on mountain bikes; it’s a busy place. Saturdays and Sundays there is a farmer’s market. The old calf barn has been converted and now houses stalls for artisans and farmers. There are bee hives, literally, buzzing with activity and soon visitors to the market will be able to buy honey.
The market runs from the end of May until the middle of October – dare we hope for a spooky pumpkin patch for photos? Hours of operation are Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm and Sundays 10 am to 4 pm. There are already vegetables available from the farm and some produce has been brought in from other locals. As the growing season progresses look for more fruit and honey in addition to a wider variety of vegetables.
If you’re able to make to journey out to the farm then Sunday, June 10th is a great day to go. The market will be open at 10 am and at 2 pm there is a concert by “Three Worlds”. Tickets are $10, bring your lawn chair and sit a spell. For more information on the concert and the band Check out this article.
If the journey out to the farm is a bit too far for you – don’t worry – produce from “Tranquille” is available in town at the Kamloops Farmer’s market on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Market hours are 8-12, April 21st to October 27th. Saturday Markets are held in the 200 block of St Paul St. and Wednesday markets are in front of the Downtown Branch of the Kamloops Library.
If you want some more information about the farm and their produce check out their website at http://tranquillefarmfresh.ca. You can also add them on facebook or follow them on twitter.
Photos: C.Kinzie
Kinzie Things 