On May 2, 2024, St. Andrew's sustained fire damage that resulted in the closure of the facility.
Ongoing restoration work at St. Andrew’s on the Square will enter a more comprehensive phase in the fall of 2025 as the building is restored to its pre-fire condition with improvements to accessibility, code compliance, and overall functionality. The restoration project 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. Read more.
Follow along and learn more about the restoration project at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/CapitalProjects
St. Andrew’s on the Square is the oldest public building remaining in Kamloops. It was built as the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church shortly after Canadian Pacific Railway construction was completed through Kamloops. The church was built of wood in the days before brick construction in Kamloops. The lumber came from James McIntosh’s Shuswap Milling Co. located in what is today Riverside Park. Construction on the church began in September 1887 with the first service held in the completed church four months later on Christmas Day.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church closed its doors as a church building until 1942 when the local Pentecostal congregation purchased the building. In 1945, Reverend Phil Gaglardi, and his wife Jennie, became pastors in the old church which was renamed Calvary Temple. The City of Kamloops bought the old church from the Calvary Temple congregation in 1991. The restoration of the church began in 1997.
Considered a significant Kamloops heritage building, St. Andrew’s on the Square is a community resource that presents the historic charm of the past with a unique path forward to the future.
Booking an Event at St. Andrew's on the Square or Gaglardi Square
Bookings for this facility are currently not available.
St. Andrew’s on the Square is available for public rental for use as a wedding venue and multi-functional hall. The building is maintained and managed by the City of Kamloops.
You may want to consider booking St. Andrew’s on the Square for the following:
- wedding ceremony
- concerts and recitals
- memorials, celebrations of life, and funerals
- arts and craft activities
- meetings, workshops, and seminars
- Yoga and wellness classes
St. Andrew’s on the Square is available to host events 7:00 am–11:30 pm, 7 days a week, excluding statutory holidays.
Rates and Amenities
Gaglardi Square is located next to St. Andrew’s on the Square and features a well-manicured garden with a quaint water fountain that operates during the spring and summer months. This venue is ideal for intimate outdoor events and weddings which can be booked independently or in conjunction with St. Andrew’s on the Square.
St. Andrew's on the Square has a maximum capacity of 130 people. Expand the sections below to learn more about rates, fees, and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What events can I book at St. Andrew's on the Square?
St. Andrew’s on the Square is a significant Kamloops heritage building and valued community resource, offering historic charm with a modern purpose. It is an ideal venue for a variety of events, including:
- wedding ceremonies
- concerts & recitals
- arts and craft sales
- private functions
- meetings and seminars
- Yoga and wellness classes
Do I require insurance?
Insurance is required and is an additional cost outside of the rental rate. Insurance varies and is booked with the City of Kamloops when you book your event.
Is a site visit orientation required?
Yes. A site visit orientation is required for all rentals and will be scheduled a few weeks prior to your event. This visit familiarizes renters with the facility and planning considerations. An orientation form must be signed and added to your booking file. If you have completed an orientation at St. Andrew’s on the Square within the past three years and the form is on file, you do not need to attend another orientation.
Can I book a wedding reception at this facility?
Wedding receptions are not permitted at St. Andrew’s on the Square. We offer a Champagne Reception, with no food, for one-hour maximum.
Can I have my wedding outside in Gaglardi Square?
Yes. Weddings are permitted in Gagliardi Square, which is an urban park. You can book both St. Andrew’s on the Square and Gaglardi Square at the same time. Please keep in mind that this is an open park space, and the public can be there. No food, drink, or equipment from St. Andrew's on the Square is permitted outside in the park. You are permitted to have signage in the park.
Gagliardi Square is not included with a St. Andrew's on the Square facility rental, and must be booked separately.
Can I bring food to my event?
Light catered food is permitted for events; however, additional fees apply when food is brought into the facility:
- $150 added to the rental fee
- $1000 deposit
Only prepared food is allowed, no cooking is permitted on the premises, and all food dishes must be removed or disposed of at the end of the event.
Can I have alcohol at my event?
Yes. Alcohol is permitted. You are responsible for obtaining a liquor licence in accordance with City of Kamloops policy.
Can I decorate at St. Andrew's for my event?
As a designated heritage building, St. Andrew’s must be treated with care. No taping, pinning, or stapling decorations to the walls is permitted. All decorations must be removed once your rental is complete.
Items permitted:
- battery-operated candles
- flowers
- signs
Items not permitted:
- rice
- confetti
- helium balloons
- burning candles
- hanging décor
- stapling or taping decorations or signage to walls
- paint
Who is responsible for the setup and takedown of my event?
For weddings and celebrations of life that include an Event Attendant, setup and takedown are included; for all other bookings, renters are responsible for the setup and takedown of tables, chairs, and pews. Please note: any personal items left behind will be disposed of.
How do I book an event at St. Andrews or Gaglardi Park?
A request to book St. Andrew's on the Square and/or Gaglardi Park can be made by completing the online web form.
If you require assistance with requesting a booking, please contact the Kamloops Museum and Archives museum@kamloops.caor call 250-828-3576 Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Payment is due on the date your booking is confirmed.
Is a damage deposit required?
Yes. A damage deposit of $500 is required for events with no food or drink, while a $1,000 damage deposit is required for events that include food, beverages, or alcohol. The damage deposit will be refunded within 15 days following the event, pending no damage to the facility.
What is the cancellation policy?
- 100% refund if cancelled 60 days prior to your event
- 50% refund if cancelled 30 days prior to your event
- No refund if cancelled less than 30 days prior to your event
Will we be provided with parking?
Your permit entitles you to three parking spots at the rear of the building, with additional street parking available at metered locations (free on Sundays and after 6:00 pm), as well as parking at the Seymour Street Parkade (240 Seymour Street), which offers free parking on weekends and after 6:00 pm.
