The Investment that redefined Golden’s Future
Up to the late 1990’s, Golden was a picturesque stopover for travelers, rooted in rail and natural resource industries. The town’s charm came from its rugged mountain backdrop and its hard-working people, but its economy rose and fell with the tides of industry. Everything changed in 1999 when international investor Ballast Nedam committed to the development of a major resort, but only if a local partner came on board.
Columbia Basin Trust stepped in with a crucial anchor investment of $5 million to help transform the modest, community-run Whitetooth Ski Area into Kicking Horse Resort. That investment became the catalyst for a major reinvention of Golden’s identity and economy. “We were a logging and railroad town, a highway pit stop,” says Mayor of Golden, Ron Oszust. “With Kicking Horse, we became a destination.”
The resort’s development triggered a wave of growth. High-density construction brought new homes, lodges and jobs, from lift operators and engineers to tourism entrepreneurs. “That multiplier effect rippled through our whole economy,” says Oszust. “It attracted people who were just visitors at first, before they realized Golden was a good place to build a life.” What followed went beyond economic growth and turned into a cultural revival.
Golden has become a magnet for what Oszust calls lifestyle enthusiasts— people drawn by the incredible skiing, mountain biking and backcountry access who chose to stay and put down roots with families and businesses. “Golden has grown since I moved here in 2009. Businesses like restaurants and retail shops have sprung up around the world-class resort, but it’s still a tight-knit community,” says Andy Brown, Communications Manager, Tourism Golden.
The influx of new residents and visitors helped fuel vibrancy year-round. From adaptive trails and summer festivals to a thriving arts scene supported by Kicking Horse Culture, the town pulses with creative energy and civic pride. “I consider myself beyond lucky to live where other people vacation,” says Brown. “Beyond the access to the great outdoors, I’m surrounded by people who genuinely care about this place and each other.”
Attractions like the Golden Skybridge—Canada’s highest suspension bridge—have added new momentum, bringing a broader mix of visitors. Yet Golden has held onto its identity as an authentic mountain town. “There’s always been a roll-up-your-sleeves and get things done spirit here,” says Oszust, pointing to decades of volunteer-built projects like the Rotary Trail and the Golden Curling Club, which hosts the longest-running curling group west of Winnipeg.
The legacy of community action continues, even as residents navigate new challenges like affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure. With major developments underway, including two climate-resilient bridges over the Kicking Horse River and expanded residential projects, Golden continues to evolve, but its foundation remains unchanged. “Golden has always been community first,” adds Oszust. “The resort gave us the chance to thrive, but it’s our people who made it count.” The Trust’s early investment wasn’t simply financial—it was a bet on the future of a town ready for its next chapter. And Golden proved them right.
