Every city has its stories, the kind that remind us that growth and change can be both exciting and emotional. In Kamloops, one such story belongs to Pinky, a cheerful pink house that once stood on Nicola Street, where City Gardens is now taking shape.
When the house was carefully relocated to make room for the city’s largest residential community, it didn’t just move addresses; it moved hearts. That remarkable journey has now been brought to life in a children’s book, Pinky’s Moving Story, written by local author and recently retired Thompson Rivers University Professor Dr. George M. Johnson.
The book tells the story of Pinky, a little house facing the uncertainty of moving somewhere new, a feeling many of us can relate to. It’s a story about resilience, belonging, and the hope of fresh beginnings.
“Pinky’s Moving Story is a story about the anxiety of not knowing what the future holds in the face of big changes, which is something we can all relate to, especially in this uncertain time,” said Dr. Johnson. “I’m proud that Pinky is a made-in-Kamloops story. I was inspired by Valerie Rampone and Dave Whiting’s amazing photographs of Pinky’s move. Retired Kamloops School of the Arts teacher Dawn Burn brought my words to life in a vibrant way. This project shows the power and strength of collaboration in the arts, and for that I am grateful.”
Designed for children ages 4-8 and those young at heart, this story conveys a crucial environmental message as well, something that environmentalist George Johnson cares deeply about. It underlines the importance of recycling materials, even as large as houses, to keep them from landfills. Pinky’s story also underscores the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations. It’s a reminder that the evolution of a city is not just about buildings, it’s about the stories that connect us.
As City Gardens rises on the same site where Pinky once stood, her story lives on as a symbol of optimism and renewal. Just like Kamloops itself, Pinky reminds us that change, when embraced with hope, can lead to something extraordinary.
