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….
The mountains…the mighty Columbia…the mystical Kootenay…the freedom of spirit amidst nature’s cathedral, the deeper connectedness of people and place in the Columbia Valley are…right here…calling to you.
Why Columbia Valley?
Supporting your desire for lifestyle living
Supporting your business and investment interests
* Median monthly shelter costs – owned dwellings 15-40% lower than BC, 35-50% lower than Calgary. Median monthly shelter costs – rented dwellings up to 30% lower than BC, 15-35% lower than Calgary. Median value of dwellings 25-50% lower than BC, 15-45% lower than Calgary.
Src: Census Canada, 2016
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.
Valley Population
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.
- We have developed and linked key industry-sectors.
- We foster collaboration to support a healthy, sustainable & inclusive community.
Moving Our Region
Forward.
KEY INDUSTRIES
THE LAND
Dynamic. Diverse.
The land enables vibrant forestry and mining sectors. Nature’s inspiration – with its warm, four-season climate and both active and peaceful outdoor recreation – sustains a large and growing tourism industry and motivates folks to pick up their lives and relocate to a Valley that elevates the soul. This dynamic is attracting investment and business growth in increasingly diversified economic sectors including value-added manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, professional services, creative industries, technology, construction, and retail.
OUR VISION
Powerful Productive Community
7 Communities. 1 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.
- We have developed and linked key industry-sectors.
- We foster collaboration to support a healthy, sustainable & inclusive community.
INVEST Opportunities
400 acres in Canal Flats – green power, gigabit fibre broadband, water availability (agrifood).
Integrated industrial ecosystem vision.
Search Imagine Kootenay for opportunities to purchase established businesses in Columbia Valley.
TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY + THE SWEETEST LIFESTYLE
Main street property in Radium Hot Springs.
Commercially-zoned opportunities.
Top 5 Exporting Industries
Top 5 Industries – Employment
Fastest Growing Industries
Fastest Growing Occupations
Business Successes
Meet our Creative Spirits
The Valley inspires creativity….so much so that many move here to pursue their creative passions. Writers. Painters. Musicians. Sculptors. Performers. Film. Digital Media. Join Us!
Film Production Returns to the Columbia Valley
NEWS RELEASE – IMMEDIATE RELEASE Film Production Returns to the
Craig Moritz – Singer/Songwriter
While drawn to music from a young age – especially country – one could say Craig’s North American touring gigs these days were a bit of a journey in the making.
Cesar Fuertes – Stained Glass Artisan
The Columbia Valley inspires Cesar’s focus on mountain themes and landscapes in a variety of pieces – including lamp shades, flower vases, window panels, china cabinet panels, and napkin holders.
Leslie Cartwright – Painter
Born and raised in Canal Flats, Leslie Cartwright grew up in the outdoors – camping, hiking, and wildlife watching. It left an impression – inspiring a world of landscapes and wildlife created at the end of a paintbrush.
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
In the News
Retrofit Fair 2024 – Program
Columbia Valley Retrofit Fair
Sunday November 10, 2024
12:00 – 4:00pm
Columbia Valley Centre (646 4th St Invermere)
FREE Entry!
Join us for the Columbia Valley Home Retrofit Fair on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at the Columbia Valley Centre. This casual, trade show-style event offers free entry and a unique opportunity for homeowners to learn about energy-efficient upgrades, meet local contractors, and participate in informative presentations throughout the day. The Retrofit Fair is organized by Columbia Valley Community Economic Development and Wildsight with support from many partners.
Presentation Schedule & Description
12:15-12:45 pm – What is an Energy Assessment?
Presented by EnergyAdvise – Nate Sereda
This session will explain the concept of energy assessments and their role in optimizing retrofit projects, offering valuable insights for homeowners.
12:55-1:20 pm – Trends in Renewable Energy
Presented by Infinity Solar Group Ltd
Discover the latest developments in renewable energy and how these trends can be integrated into your home.
1:30-2:10 pm – What Makes a Quality Retrofit?
Presented by thinkBright Homes Ltd & HPSC
Learn what distinguishes high-quality retrofits, including the importance of selecting qualified contractors and adopting a “House-as-a-System” approach.
2:20-2:45 pm – DIY Heat Pump
Presented by K-Country Homes
Explore the fundamentals of installing a heat pump, a cost-effective solution for reducing heating expenses.
2:55-3:20 pm – Retrofit Assist: Free Support for Your Home Energy Upgrades
Presented by Community Energy Association – Amber Davis
Join Amber as she discusses the Retrofit Assist program, a free service for homeowners in the East Kootenay region, providing guidance on rebates and financing options.
3:30-4:00 pm – Deep Retrofits with Passive House EnerPHit
Presented by Think Design Consult – Kevin Brown
It’s possible to retrofit homes for health, comfort and energy efficiency using the Passive House EnerPHit standard. This is an introduction to this standard, with key guidelines, with a heads up on the issues that need addressing during any retrofit. Kevin Brown has over 30 years experience in new construction and renovations – including heritage buildings – and has recently relocated from Calgary to Kimberley. Kevin is a Certified Passive House Designer, a Passive House Tradesperson and a Trainer.
Show Specials:
Get Involved in the Columbia Valley’s Film Scene 🎬 ✨
Exciting news for Columbia Valley locals! An upcoming film production will be shooting right here in our region from approximately November 9 to December 7, and there are multiple ways to get involved. Whether you’re a film industry pro, curious about behind-the-scenes work, or want to step in front of the camera, this could be your chance to join the crew or be a background actor.
Local Crew Positions Now Hiring
The production is looking for local crew members for various paid positions with meals provided on set. Here’s what they’re looking for:
1. Location Production Assistants (PA)
– Work on location helping set up and manage various elements of the shoot. Some heavy lifting is required. Mostly night shifts
2. Art Department Production Assistants (PA)
– Join the Art Department, helping dress and prepare the sets for filming. Some heavy lifting may be needed.
Schedule may vary.
3. Off-Hours Security (PA)
– Keep an eye on equipment and trucks during off-hours. This role mostly requires early mornings, with some weekend nights. Must have a reliable vehicle.
How to Apply:
Send your resume or a brief outline of your experience to ced@investcolumbiavalley.ca
Background Acting Roles
For those interested in being in front of the camera, the production is also looking for background actors to help bring scenes to life. This is a fantastic way to experience a movie set firsthand. No previous acting experience is required for background acting, so if you’ve ever wanted to try it, now’s the time.
• People with bartending or waitstaff experience
• People for an upscale party with upscale wardrobe
• Teens/Young Adults (age 18-25) as passerbys
• Couples
• People who like to play pool
• a guy with a pick up truck
• a guy with a cowboy hat.
• Everyday folks who may once in a while stop by their neighbuorhood pub
All ethnicities welcome and age range 18 – 65.
Must be able to work as a local in Invermere or Radium Hot Springs. Needed for 1 – 2 days between mid November to beginning of December.
If interested, please email by Oct 31: ahcalltimes@xtracasting.com.
Please not in the email if you are a UBCP/ACTRA member or not.
Joining a film production can be a memorable experience, and with so many roles available, there’s room for locals with all kinds of backgrounds. Come be part of the action and help bring a film to life right here in the Columbia Valley!
Home Retrofit Fair 2024
Columbia Valley homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to make their homes more energy-efficient, and the upcoming Home Retrofit Fair 2024 is set to be the perfect event to meet that demand. Organized in partnership with Columbia Valley Economic Development, Wildsight, East Kootenay Energy Hub, and the Community Energy Association, the fair will bring together businesses and residents for an afternoon of learning, networking, and inspiration focused on sustainable home renovations and retrofits.
Taking place at the Columbia Valley Centre on Sunday, November 10th, from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, the event offers an excellent opportunity for local businesses to showcase their products and services to homeowners eager to adopt greener living practices. The fair is designed to connect residents with businesses that provide energy-efficient solutions for home upgrades, whether through insulation improvements, energy-efficient appliances, solar installations, or other retrofit options.
Why You Should Participate
For businesses, the Home Retrofit Fair provides a free registration that includes several valuable perks:
- A display table where you can exhibit your products and services to an engaged audience.
- Light refreshments to keep the energy flowing throughout the event.
- A comprehensive advertising and marketing package to ensure your business reaches as many potential customers as possible.
- Logo placement on all digital advertising, giving you exposure leading up to the event.
- The exclusive chance to host a 30-minute workshop or information session, where you can dive deeper into the benefits of energy-efficient retrofits and showcase your expertise.
This event offers a rare opportunity for local businesses to not only promote their services for free but also directly engage with a community that is eager to learn more about sustainable living.
If you’re a business owner in the Columbia Valley specializing in energy-efficient products or services, this is an unmissable chance to expand your reach and make a positive impact on your community. For more details, don’t hesitate to reach out to the event organizers.
Mark your calendars, and we look forward to seeing you at the Home Retrofit Fair 2024!
Economic Development Strategic Priorities
