Why Columbia Valley?

Affordable lifestyle living*

Life-Affirming Outdoor Recreation

Business and investment opportunities in growing tourism, tech, agrifood and value-added manufacturing sectors

* 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 business and investment interests

Advanced broadband available.

Commercial land in Akisqnuk, Canal Flats, and Invermere.

Market access to 10500 permanent plus 13000 seasonal residents, Calgary 3 hours, US border 2.5 hours, international airport in Calgary and Cranbrook (1.5 hours).

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.

Investment Opportunities

Tourism Infrastructure:

Accommodation/resort, RV/campground, specialty shops, food services, vehicle/recreation equipment repair.

Sport tourism

Event booking service, equipment rental/repair.

Recreation

Entertainment-style 9 hole golf course, family-fun businesses (bike/go-kart track, mini-golf), backcountry guiding.

Residential

Contractors/trades, building systems/components, rentals.

Downtowns

Work-live mixed use, business hub/shared spaces, speciality retail/craft food products, professional services, health and wellness services, education services, adaptable spaces (pop-up, adjustable, smaller).

Light Industry

Transportation distribution, Internet business, metal/wood fabrication, repairs, technology, data centre, specialty wood products, agrifood (incl. craft production, beverage, greenhousing), renewable energy.

Commercial development lands/lease:

  • Main street property in Radium Hot Springs.
  • Commercially-zoned opportunities in Invermere.
  • High traffic commercial corridor at crossroads area of Highway 93/95 and Athalmer Road in Invermere.
  • Columbia Lake Technology Center employment lands (400 acres) in Canal Flats – green power, gigabit fibre broadband, water availability (agrifood). Integrated industrial ecosystem vision.
  • Innovative housing construction/rentals – Canal Flats

Here are some investment/business ideas that align with Valley economic activity and growth to get your thoughts percolating:

Search Imagine Kootenay for opportunities to purchase established businesses in Columbia Valley.