COVID-19 Highlights the Importance of Connectivity

Sparwood Food Bank finds a forever home

Dedicated to serving the needs of their community, this spring the Sparwood Food Bank needed to find a new location fast. With support from the Trust, the food bank has found a permanent home to call their own.

A wetland gets vital attention

Restoring, protecting and speaking up for the land is at the heart of a five-year project being implemented by the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it First Nation, focused on the northern portion of Shottanana Lake.

A college gets mobile

In an effort to elevate and diversify the college experience for students, College of the Rockies introduced an innovative mobile classroom in 2023.

The Bucks claim their stompin’ grounds

The Cranbrook Bucks bring the joy of hockey back to Cranbrook after the departure of the Kootenay Ice in 2019.

Ready to yodel for a long time to come

The world’s largest free-standing cuckoo clock is getting a facelift. The Kimberley landmark, originally installed in 1972, has been in need of an upgrade for years. With recent support from the Trust, Happy Hans will be bringing smiles to the Platzl for years to come.

Growing small-town pride, one community at a time

Fernie Pride has brought together ten pride groups from across the Basin every month to foster collaboration, build capacity and ensure organizational sustainability.

Reviving the Columbia: Indigenous efforts to restore salmon

Since 1939, salmon have been blocked from returning to the Canadian portion of the upper Columbia River due to the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam. Despite this, Indigenous Nations have remained committed to the goal of salmon reintroduction.

Youth come first at Foundry

Foundry East Kootenay recently opened its doors becoming the latest in a string of Foundry Centres across the province. The Foundry is a network of integrated health and social service centres for young people between the ages of 12 and 24.

Upgrades to Edwards Lake Campground benefits community

Major upgrades to the Edwards Lake Campground will make the pristine area even more welcoming for Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it community members and visitors for years to come.

A beekeeper sweetens her skills

Business advisory services educate entrepreneurs, including this apiarist who keeps about 400 colonies of bees which produce award-winning honey in the Creston area.

Doubling down on wetland restoration in yaqan nuɁkiy

The community of yaqan nuɁkiy near Creston is currently restoring wetlands. Wetlands are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem.

Curtailing food waste while taking a bite out of climate change

Many organizations have implemented projects to reduce food waste and divert it from the landfill, check out some of these stories.

Beef business booms in Jaffray

Jaffray’s Bolen Livestock brings local food to the South Country and with support from the Trust’s Food Producer Wage Subsidy, the family business is growing in new directions.

Promoting safety, independence and calm

New amenities like loungers and an entranceway shoe rack are helping to make an environment that’s cozier and calmer while supporting comfort, safety and healthy childhood development.

Elk Valley Hospice leads with heart

Serving five communities in the East Kootenay region, the Elk Valley Hospice is run by a volunteer board of directors. They hired a new Coordinator in March 2023 and with the help of the Trust’s Non-Profit Advisors program, they developed a new Strategic Plan and clarified the non-profit’s vision and direction.

Giv’ Er Shirt Works levels up

With their recent participation in our Basin RevUp program, Give ‘Er Shirt Works not only grew their business, but their new 6,000 square-foot production facility and software upgrades are helping them stay on trend and reach new heights.

Convenient clean up in Lakeview Meadows

Homeowners in the new Lakeview Meadows community in Windermere decided on a mutual goal to improve their resilience to potentially disastrous wildfires.

Glass art heats up on social

Katherine Russell, glass artist, shifts her focus to improve her online presence and reach more people following one-on-one coaching from the Trust’s Basin Business Advisors Program.

A hall becomes more welcoming for seniors

The Wynndel Community Centre is undergoing enhancements to make it sustainable, safer, more accessible and more energy-efficient.

A recipe for long-term success

Theo Walta bought the Invermere Bakery in 2021 with financing from the Trust, an essential ingredient to support the succession and sustainability of a long-standing Invermere business.

Kimberley Commercial Kitchen Builds Community

Since opening its doors in 2018, Healthy Kimberley’s Food Recovery Depot has recovered over 315,000 pounds of food, 85% of which has been used to create over 25,000 frozen meals distributed to Kimberley residents in need.

Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it Improves its Wildfire-fighting Capabilities

To mitigate the wildfire risk situation, in spring 2022 Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ’it hired Wildfire Response Coordinator Brett Uphill. The latest step has been to purchase the gear and equipment the firefighters require, from jackets and helmets to a portable wildfire tank and hoses.

New Homes on the Way

Sparwood adds much-needed affordable housing.

How do Local Artists Showcase the Basin?

An artist explores how people in the region are “In This Together”

Student Intern Position Opens Pottery Studio Doors

The Trust supports full-time position for student in expanding Fernie Arts business

Committed to Serving Children and Families

ʔakisq̓nuk-based child care provides quality service by supporting its educators with Trust training wages and wage subsidies.

The Studio/Stage Door Finds Versatility in its Renovations

Trust support helps open new streams of revenue for Cranbrook Community Theatre

From Volunteer to Vet Tech

The Trust’s wage subsidy supports a Cranbrook student on her career path.

Protecting History

Constructed in 2019 with Columbia Basin Trust support, the Heritage Rail Car Building—more commonly known as the train shed—covers three tracks and nine of the museum’s 19 historic train cars.

Festival Season Came Back

Groove to live music…marvel at wall-sized art…go on a guided wetland wander…or laugh as your kids jump in a bouncy castle, their faces painted like butterflies. All of these are once again becoming possible, thanks to the return of festivals.

Wasa Rink Secured for the Future

Wasa community members pitch in to improve their outdoor rink.

WeCONNECT Focuses Its Future

An Invermere non-profit plans how to better serve its clients.

A Freight Company Takes the Road to Success

Basin RevUp helps Invermere’s Columbia Valley Freight expand their services.

Local, by name and experience

Local food store in Fernie connects shoppers to farmers.

Colleges refresh, revise and renew

Selkirk College and College of the Rockies are improving and enhancing program offerings.

Reviving an ecosystem with ancestral techniques

“This work is an important step for ʔaq̓am in protecting the remaining grasslands we have left here,” says ʔaq̓am’s Nasuʔkin Joe Pierre Jr.

Welcome home!

Fernie’s North End Court affordable housing project includes a 35-unit apartment building and 14-unit townhouse complex.

Beautification under construction

“Improving quality of place is a very important part of developing a community.”

Environmental education resource branches out

Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network expands its reach and impact in the Basin.

Community Hub Gets a Boost

Jaffray’s Community Hall has been welcoming people inside since 1939. Now, it has a new spacious timber-frame gazebo for outdoor events.

A Revamped Bookstore Continues to Deliver Whimsy

Cranbrook’s community bookstore, Huckleberry Books, adapts to change.

Society Preserves Historical Powerhouse

The Sullivan Mine & Railway Historical Society preserves historical powerhouse to add to user experience.

Volunteers Set Up for Success

Columbia Valley SAR Strengthens Operations to Match Specialized Rescue Measures.

Modern, Comfortable, Affordable Homes

Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it officially opened 11 new homes and updated 21 existing units, in March 2020.

Hope in a Time of Need

Hope Air helps patients access vital medical care far from home

A business booms in the Creston Valley

Unprecedented demand requires a solid foundation

Creston’s Red Elevator Is Measured to the Millimetre

3-D modelling brings high-tech accuracy to heritage conservation

Building Homes

First Nations communities create affordable, quality housing Leading-edge efforts mean that members of five First Nations communities in the Basin will benefit from over 50 new affordable housing units and improvements on over 150 existing ones….

Farm to Table, to Enjoyment

New owner of Soulfood in Cranbrook finds a model that works during the pandemic.

Transforming Lives and Giving Purpose

Spectrum Farms in Creston allows people with disabilities to thrive, where they enjoy a safe home and meaningful employment.

Feeding Fernie

Collaborating with community to serve residents during the pandemic Kirk and Linda Green, both majors with the Salvation Army and managers of its food bank in Fernie, are passionate about their community. With many years of…

Blending the Traditional and Modern

The ʔaq̓am Health and Wellness Centre provides holistic care for community members.

A Creston Farm Supports the Food Supply

With demand on the rise, local growers turn to Trust programs.

COVID-19 Highlights the Importance of Connectivity

The Basin’s regional districts, via the Regional Broadband Committee, have a user-friendly online platform to gather data on local internet performance. Are you curious about the internet speeds in your area? Take this two-minute speed test…

The Ultimate List of Basin Authors

Thanks to your suggestions, we have a compiled a list of your favourite Basin Authors.

Cattle Put to Work to Suppress Fires

Targeted grazing using new technology aims to keep the people of Cranbrook safe. Cattle lumbering across the rolling land, flicking their tails, cocking their ears and slowly chewing on grass. You wouldn’t think this would be…

An Interactive Trail for All

Thirty-five kilometers west of Creston, towards the Kootenay pass, you will find the beginning of the 1.7 km Ka Papa Cedars Trail. While you loop through the towering old-growth cedars, along the rich forest floor you…

Partnership restores computers, connects residents

A Cranbrook resident with a chronic illness that has him housebound is exploring the world from the comfort of his home, via a newly refurbished computer from the Cranbrook Computer Donation Project. He’s just one of…

Connecting LGBTQ2+ community in Elk Valley

Andrea Brennan is honoured to offer a blessing to kicking off the Elk Valley Pride Festival in Fernie with a welcome that encourages recognition, acceptance, and inclusivity.

Ready for Restoration

Creston grain elevator moves closer to a rejuvenated future Pass by Creston’s two grain elevators and they’ll look like they have for a long time—historically and visually fascinating but in need of repairs and a good…

Raw Success

A passion for pet health and happiness inspires a booming raw pet food business

Biology Intern Set on Career Course

Jeremy Benson spent most of his summer on the Koocanusa Reservoir, but he wasn’t camping or pursuing other recreational activities popular in the area. The Junior Biologist collected important water quality and biological samples that will…

Career for Kootenay Carpenter Apprentice

After completing a business degree and working in sales for a decade, Michael Greenfield was more than ready for a change. The mountains were calling, and answering that call led him to a new lifestyle and…

Growing Affordable Housing

Twelve new affordable housing units for families are ready to open their doors in Kimberley.

Investing in Basin Businesses

Giving local businesses a boost to meet demand Starting, purchasing or growing a business often requires financial support. Like other traditional lenders, the Trust welcomes smart investment opportunities—like these two examples. AN ESSENTIAL PLACE FOR PETS…

Playing in the Basin

Kids are getting active and getting support to lead healthy lifestyles through the Trust’s Basin PLAYS (Physical Literacy and Youth Sport) initiative. Here are some of the activities: YMIR TAKES IT OUTSIDE In Ymir, the community…

Fun and Games – with a Purpose

Developing leadership skills in youth It’s hard to keep all the balls in the air—literally. Picture a room of youth tossing juggling balls to each other, calling each other’s names, seeing how many balls they can…

Art Energizes Public Spaces

Communities celebrate their people and places It engages minds and offers broad learning experiences. It adds vibrancy to communities, attracts visitors and benefits local economies. It helps provide a living to those engaged in creative careers….

To Preserve and Enjoy

Partnerships allow purchase of key lands The Basin features innumerable natural and recreational opportunities in many environments: forests, beaches, mountains and wetlands. To protect areas like these while meeting local priorities, the Trust helps communities and…

Reviving Wetlands and a Traditional Hunting Ground

Culture, history and ecology take the forefront in yaqan nukiy project A new project is helping the yaqan nukiy—also known as the Lower Kootenay Band—restore traditional hunting grounds near the mouth of Goat River. This area…

Feeding Families While Reducing Waste

Creston Valley food recovery projects bring fruit products and skills to people in the Basin When July rolls around, cherries dot the Creston Valley landscape. Now, even more people in the Basin can look forward to…

Training Tomorrow’s Tradespeople

Education and experience are key to creating the workforce Basin businesses need “I’m absolutely loving being a carpenter,” says Angela Maio, who attended the 24-week carpentry foundation program at the Silver King (Nelson) campus of Selkirk…

Creating Destinations to be Desired

People in the Basin now have even more reasons to get active outdoors and lead healthier lifestyles, and although we’re heading into fall, it’s still a great time to enjoy some upgraded trails and recreation sites….

Kimberley Embraces Technology

Down on the carpet—parts, tools and blueprints laid out—the children carefully assemble the pieces. They’re at the Kimberley Public Library but their activity isn’t book-related. Rather, they’re building do-it-yourself computers. The workshop was held in partnership…

A Fun Ride for All Abilities

Adaptive trails in Nakusp and Fernie spread the joy of outdoor physical activity.

Over 80 Years Strong

From electricity to education, a group’s efforts help Grasmere flourish “We are independent and resourceful. We are advocates for our community,” says Judy-Lou McDonald, President of the Triangle Women’s Institute in Grasmere. “We have had amazing…

A Trail for Everyone

The first four kilometres of the trail are “inclusive,” meaning they’re carefully designed—wide, gravelled, with minimum grades—so that all people can access the backcountry, irrespective of ability.

Keeping Wild Things Wild

Wildlife like cougars and bears are impressive, and usually spend their time doing their own things and going their own ways. But add an unexpected human, or possible temptations like unsecured garbage or fruit trees, and…

Hope Takes Flight

In her 70s, Margaret discovered she had breast cancer and a large mass in her pelvis. To get the tumour removed, she needed surgery in Vancouver—a long, expensive trip from her home in Salmo. She turned…

A Brighter Future for Families

How can businesses be better employers to parents, especially ones with children who have extra needs? How can funders support programs and projects that will impact children in important ways? How can city council members and…

Closer to Home

Matt says hiring an apprentice has multiple benefits for his business. Freightliner of Cranbrook is a full-service parts, sales and service dealership for commercial trucks. Service Manager Matt Johnson recently hired apprentice Cameron Brown with support…

Upgraded Housing for Lower Kootenay

17 affordable housing units in Creston Valley’s Lower Kootenay Band (yaqan nuʔkiy) community are getting upgrades.

New Centre Will Bring ʔaq̓am Community Together

From a new gymnasium to a new gas station, several recent developments are positively impacting the ʔaq̓am community. The latest is a new Health and Wellness Centre, which will house health practitioners and activities, plus serve…

Behind the Walls

“It’s all behind-the-walls stuff. It’s not something you see, but something you feel,” says Peter Schalk, Board Chair of the Cranbrook Community Theatre Society.

Opportunity Knocks for Fernie Business

Started out of their barn by the Pask family in 2003, Fernie Brewing Co. was the little business that could. Now distributing its products across western Canada from BC to Manitoba, Fernie Brewing has grown from…

Students “Do and Learn” in their Wild Backyards

With patches of snow on the ground, it’s a day for jackets and hoods up to protect ears from the cold. It’s Wednesday, November 14, 2018, and a group of ninth graders is traipsing across an…

The Spirit of Giving

Food Banks Embody the Spirit of Giving—All Year Round

Kootenay Knitting

Olympic-sized dreams can be realized in the Columbia Basin with a bit of help.

Seeing Opportunities: Flashback to Symposium

A year ago this weekend, Colonel Chris Hadfield took a small trip compared to his many voyages to space—but a big trip in the eyes of Columbia Basin residents. That’s because the Canadian astronaut travelled to…

Engaging Our Youth

Youth are a vital force in the Columbia Basin and the Trust’s Basin Youth Network is tapping into that energy.

Safeguarding Against Wildfire

The threat of wildfires is real and present in the Basin, and the City of Fernie is very aware of its vulnerability—the entire community was destroyed by wildfire on August 1, 1908. Ted Ruiter, Fernie’s Director…

Seniors Beat the Heat Affordably

Erickson Golden Manor is more than simply an apartment building in Creston for low-income seniors. It’s a home, where residents frequently visit each others’ rooms or gather in the social room to play cards or work…

Then, Now and Next

Wooden grain elevators are a Canadian symbol. Unfortunately the grain elevators are rapidly disappearing. In all of British Columbia, only four still stand—and two of these are in Creston. Built in 1935 and 1936, Creston’s elevators…

Building a Sustainable Future

The Basin is home to a rich and diverse Indigenous peoples’ history, heritage and cultures. Indigenous peoples and First Nations communities in the region have deep relationships to the lands and waters—the significance of which enables…

Making Space for Arts and Culture

From a colourful splash of paint, to the strum of a guitar, to the projection of an actor’s voice, arts and culture are essential elements in keeping Basin communities vibrant and exciting. They top up residents’…

Strengthening its Foundation

The hand-drawn poster is colourful. In large letters it reads: Thank you to the Elk Valley Thrift Shop! It’s from the students and staff at Sparwood Secondary School, thanking the shop for its donation to the…

The Three E’s of Going Solar

“We have all this wonderful sun in the Kootenays. Why not make use of it?” So says Lynda McNutt, resident of the small community of Edgewood and President of the Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department Society.

2018 Snapshots

Putting a priority on play What has “learning logs,” “toadstool seats” and an “ocean wave spinner”? The wilderness-themed Devonian Playground in Elkford’s Creekside Park. Until recently, the park had a range of options for active people—including…

Taking Advice to Heart

Non-profit groups are the backbone of Columbia Basin communities. In 2015, Columbia Basin Trust launched its new Non-profit Advisors Program, offering information and expertise in board governance, strategic planning, human resources and financial, legal and administrative…

New Community Hub Breaks Ground

Members of the Tobacco Plains Indian Band will soon have a safe and welcoming space where they can access services and come together. Yesterday was an important day as the community and supporters gathered to break…

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Basin Stories

Our Trust Monthly Newsletter

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Northern Region

A centre upgrades its lights to benefit Golden seniors

Crafting a Golden brewery

Cleanline Automotive expands capacity and operations

Valemount’s new bus keeps the community rolling

Improving wintering grounds for elk

Lengthening the Grind

A vibrant park, an active wonderland

Valemount Program Gets Local Youth Outdoors

A Landscape Architecture Firm Grows

A Sparkling New Career for a Young Creative

Tech Expands Horizons

Securing Local Food—and the Non-profit That Promotes It

Coming home

Heating up a historic arts space

A community TV station expands the picture

Growing community abundance

A Smooth Start to a Hazard-focused Career

Building homes the thinkBright way

A Sunny Future for a Shade-making Business

Hope in a Time of Need

Hot Sauce Proves a Hot Product

Breaking New Ground in ʔakisq̓nuk

Basin Community Rallies Behind Rail History

Om Organics Naturally Moves Ahead

Collaborating to Restore a Watershed

Extraordinary Times Call for Extraordinary Measures

Gathering Forces to Provide Food

Hospice Services Temporarily Shift Online

Win-win: Kids Stay Safe and Get Outdoors

Arts and Culture Bring Hope and Connection During COVID-19

COVID-19 Highlights the Importance of Connectivity

The Ultimate List of Basin Authors

Learning to Climb in More Ways Than One

Bringing the Library to the People

An Eye-catching Restoration

Community Dream Comes True

Investing in Basin Businesses

Playing in the Basin

Fun and Games – with a Purpose

Creating Destinations to be Desired

A Fun Ride for All Abilities

Road Map for the Future

Finding Community and Confidence

Life on the Range

Keeping Wild Things Wild

A Safe Space

Hope Takes Flight

A Brighter Future for Families

Community Connections on Ice

The Spirit of Giving

Nocturnal Art and Wonder

People, Land and Paddles

Seeing Opportunities: Flashback to Symposium

Engaging Our Youth

Giving Business a Boost

Stimulating Business Success

Making Space for Arts and Culture

Meeting Child Care Needs

2018 Snapshots