Work. Elevated.
Columbia Valley – A Place To Raise Your Bar
Give Your Life a Lift
For the millennials and younger generations looking for a place to live more affordably, more soulfully…to raise a family. For the entrepreneurs, creators and digital workers craving lifestyle at the core and today only needing a fast Internet connection. For all those who are restless and yearning for the better life….
Why Columbia Valley?
Supporting your desire for lifestyle living
Lake-based recreation on Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake
Natural wonderment in Kootenay National Park, the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges, the birthplace and first travel of the mighty Columbia River, a world-class (we don’t say it lightly) Kootenay River, and the largest continuous wetlands in North America.
Hot springs (Radium, Fairmont, Lussier)
Thrill seeker? Try hang-gliding off Mt. Swansea, mountain bike one of many local trails, hike to soaring vistas (or great views, like the Hoodoos), hop on an ATV and check out the immense backcountry, or take on rapids with a rafting trip down Toby Creek. Limited only by imagination….
Unlimited year-round outdoor recreation including Nordic and downhill skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, mountaineering, white-water rafting, snowmobiling, and bird watching.
The unique Windermere Whiteway – a winter, 35 km groomed track that is a paradise for skaters and skiers and creates a recreation area used by anglers, curling bonspiels, hockey tournaments and more.
Championship golfing with 15 courses located within the region.
Safe, family-friendly communities bustling with activities and educational opportunities, including:
- Organized sports and arts programs include freestyle, downhill and Nordic skiing; hockey; gymnastics; dance; martial arts; music and more.
- Cultural activities such as festivals, films, live music and visual arts.
Post-secondary education available through College of the Rockies; excellent pre-schools and public schools serve all communities.
Accessible health care with Invermere & District Hospital serving the Columbia Valley and family doctors available for new residents.
Mild climate with winter temperatures typically ranging from 00C to -50C; warm summers and long shoulder seasons – golf, hike and bike March through October.
Our Vision
The Columbia Valley is a resilient, connected community with opportunities for year-round employment, innovation & expansion generated locally and via external investment in competitive economic sectors.
Moving Our Region
Forward.
KEY INDUSTRIES
INVEST Opportunities
Search Imagine Kootenay for opportunities to purchase established businesses in Columbia Valley.
Business Successes
Did you know?
Population
Columbia Valley’s permanent population growth rate from 2011 to 2020 exceeds that of BC.
Big River
Canal Flats is the source of the Columbia River – the 9th longest and 2nd largest by volume river in North America, the 36th greatest flow of any river in the world, and the largest hydroelectric power producing river in North America.
Data Centre
Australia-based Iris Energy is expanding its data centre (currently Bitcoin) operation in Canal Flats to 30MW – which would make it the 5th largest data centre in Canada.
Aquacourt
Parks Canada recently invested $5.7 million dollars to restore and improve the Radium Hot Springs aquacourt facility.
Real Estate
Invermere real estate sales were up 66% in 2020.
School
School enrolment rose 11% in Columbia Valley between 2016 and 2020.
Golf
Four Valley golf courses are ranked in the top 25 in BC:
- Greywolf, Panorama #4
- Copper Point (Point), Invermere #17,
- Radium Resort (Springs), Radium Hot Springs #19
- Eagle Ranch, Invermere #25
