Over the past six weeks, the Trust hosted open houses and guided conversations around the Basin, plus hosted several online meetings. We want to say thank you to all of you who attended an event, spoke with staff, submitted your thoughts online and shared your perspectives. As we work to renew the Columbia Basin Management Plan, we want to let you know that this would not be possible without you. We are looking forward to further engagement at three Symposia coming up in May and June!
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The Golden Seniors Community Centre’s future is bright thanks in part to recent lighting upgrades to the facility.
Established in Golden in 2016 by Kent Donaldson and Mark Nagao, Whitetooth Brewing is renowned for its Belgian-inspired and West Coast-influenced ales.
Invermere auto repair company levels up with support from the Basin RevUp program.
The Valemount Community Bus Society recently invested in a new passenger bus that is now on the move, connecting seniors, youth, and children to the places and outings they love.
Five-year project in the upper Kicking Horse Canyon is enhancing 112 hectares so Rocky Mountain elk can better use this land in the winter.
A project in Valemount broadens opportunities within the trail system while enhancing and protecting the opportunities that already exist.
A major expansion at the Golden freeride park is transforming the park block into a space that is open, accessible and used by a full spectrum of people.
Robson Valley Community Services recently launched Valemount Youth Wilderness Initiative, a program that focuses on youth building resiliency and positive self-image, while fostering community and collaboration with local Indigenous groups.
With the support of the Trust’s Career Internship Program, Jason Jones hired Elizabeth Lyle to strengthen and grow his landscape architecture business in Golden, BC.
Kat Cadegan Jewellery is going through a growth spurt.
New equipment comes to Valemount’s library.
The Revelstoke Local Food Initiative gets support to continue to help get their community growing.
“It’s really good to be here.”
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre improves energy efficiency in a unique space.
Valemount Entertainment Society livestreams to the world.
From its new location, the Golden Food Bank continues its essential work of providing food hampers to people in need.
Dynamic Avalanche, based in Revelstoke, hires an intern with the right set of skills.
thinkBright Homes hires an apprentice to help build eco-friendly homes.
Shade Sails in Revelstoke push their prospects even higher.
Hope Air helps patients access vital medical care far from home
A Revelstoke farmers market favourite, may soon be in a store near you.
Partnerships build housing capacity and job opportunities
Nakusp Sets Historic Rail Line in Motion with Authentic Exhibit
Creativity plus business skills equals future success Take a look at the Om Organics website and you’d never know that, not long ago, the business was a one-woman show operating out of a kitchen. Now, in…
The Shuswap Band has started to restore and enhance over five kilometres of Shuswap Creek and its watershed.
Robson Valley Community Services gets creative to serve the community of Valemount through the pandemic.
The Revelstoke food bank ramps up its efforts to meet demands during the pandemic.
A vital Columbia Valley organization continues to aid the community “The hospice is an oasis where no one dies or grieves alone.” This is how Michèle Neider describes the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley. And…
Child care centres continue to benefit families As the proverb says, it takes a village to raise a child. But when COVID-19 shut down most services in BC in March 2020, all villages were challenged to…
Golden adapts its offerings, including a rolling curbside concert series Performer Ricky Diamonds commands centre stage in a smoking jacket and greased-back hair, dressed to impress a Las Vegas crowd. But he’s not entertaining in Sin…
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…
Thanks to your suggestions, we have a compiled a list of your favourite Basin Authors.
The Nakusp climbing wall, located in the local high school, will open to the public once the pandemic allows.
In its new location on the top floor of the state-of-the-art Columbia Valley Centre, the Invermere Public Library has expanded its services with more books, activities and programs. It also extends beyond its physical space, providing…
Outside the Revelstoke Railway Museum sits a vibrant yellow caboose. Not long ago, the caboose was showing its age. Now, with help from the Trust’s Heritage, Museum and Archive Grants, Ed Koski and Jimmy Young from…
The new $4-million Columbia Lake Recreation Centre is the largest project the community of Ɂakisq’nuk has ever undertaken. “This project was an absolute priority for this community,” says Heather Rennebohm, Economic Development Officer. The 22,400-square-foot complex…
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…
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…
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…
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….
Adaptive trails in Nakusp and Fernie spread the joy of outdoor physical activity.
The Radium Library tackles big ideas. The Radium Library is growing by leaps and bounds. Not only did it increase its space by 80 per cent when it moved into the new Radium Hot Springs Centre…
Youth from around the Basin may have a lot in common, from favourite video games, to shared hobbies, to wanting to see the same changes in their communities. They’ve also told the Trust they’d like to…
“The health of the land is so critical to our lives here.” Karen Barraclough owns the B-E Ranch in Skookumchuk. She and her husband Doug took over management of the family ranch from her father in…
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…
“You don’t need an appointment. Just drop in for a coffee or tea and a chat,” says Linley McLean, Executive Director of the Golden Women’s Resource Centre. Located in downtown Golden, the centre offers a safe…
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…
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…
“We were small. We had a dozen kids from families that made up our fewer than 50 members. We were what you would call a mom and pop club.” Darren Tamelin was part of one of…
Food Banks Embody the Spirit of Giving—All Year Round
“There are so many amazing artists in Revelstoke and we have such great community spirit here; we decided we could do something that the whole community could be a part of that shines a light on…
The Columbia River is beautiful and impressive—and important for many cultural, ecological and economic reasons. In August 2018, 16 youth launched on an 11-day journey down the river to understand this waterway and its values. Through…
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…
Youth are a vital force in the Columbia Basin and the Trust’s Basin Youth Network is tapping into that energy.
Purchasing a business, expanding one or implementing other major changes often requires financial support. Like other traditional lenders, the Trust welcomes smart investment opportunities. Here are three of the Basin businesses it has invested in. Out…
Cronometer is a nutrition and fitness app that Aaron Davidson created in 2005 to keep track of his own habits. He also decided to offer it free online, and the user base grew. By 2011, maintaining…
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’…
Corner Stones Child Care Centre in Revelstoke is a busy hub for child care and child health activities. At one end of the hallway is an indoor play space for toddlers. At the other end, an…
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…
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…
For the first time in 30 years, new housing is coming to the Shuswap community
When the Town of Golden welcomed the Freeride World Tour in February 2018, a powerful broadband network became critical. FlexiNET Broadband, a local Internet service provider, worked with Columbia Basin Trust to make it happen.
The Trust has partnered with JA British Columbia (JABC) to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in local youth and inspire community mentors through Be Entrepreneurial. The program is facilitated by local business people who bring their expertise into the classroom at the invitation of a host teacher.
Members of Ɂakisq’nuk First Nation in Windermere are making a community dream for a recreation centre come to life, and Columbia Basin Trust is providing $500,000 to support their efforts. “This project is an absolute priority…
It looked like an ordinary Facebook post: a snapshot of a flyer announcing a 2017 Valentine’s Day contest at the Nakusp Hot Springs. The text encouraged viewers to “like” the page and share the post to…
Often it’s the dramatic natural beauty and restorative peace and quiet that draw people to the Columbia Basin initially, and keep them coming back year after year. And that’s what attracted Rick Chartraw here as well, a few years after he retired from a 10-year hockey career that included four Stanley Cup wins with the Montreal Canadiens.
On the western shore of Lower Arrow Lake, about an hour and a quarter south of Nakusp, the tiny community of Edgewood is home to a thriving business that is all about celebration. Okanagan Ribbons manufactures…
Residents of Meadowbrook near Kimberley banded together to protect the area surrounding Cherry Creek Falls.
Volunteers built the sports facilities in Edgewater 20 years ago, and it will be volunteers doing a lot of the work to make improvements to the community park this year. The Edgewater community park project will…
It’s easy to fall in love with the Columbia Basin. You may have lived here all your life. You may have left for a while and been drawn back. You may have arrived as a tourist…
Second-generation loggers Dennis and Brian Hoobanoff have seen quite a few changes in forest industry practices since their dad started cutting timber in the 1960s, and they say the changes have had a profound effect on…
“When you talk to old-timers, they’ll tell you how the snowbanks used to be higher and winters colder. It’s true—they were. I don’t think a lot of people truly understand the magnitude of the changes we…
Restoring a Tradition Opened in 1898, St. Eugene Church near Cranbrook is one of the few late-Victorian wooden churches remaining in BC, complete with a towering steeple, buttressed corners, hand-cut shingles and stained glass windows from…
Amidst the Victorian architecture of downtown Revelstoke, at the foot of the Selkirk Mountains, sits an unassuming brown brick building. During the summer months its exterior crawls with ivy and things are relatively calm inside. In…
Get Intimate with Your Watershed Delivered by Wildsight, the Trust’s Know Your Watershed program teaches grade eight students where their community’s water comes from, how it’s treated and where it goes—and has reached almost 3,100 students…
Small-town living, for all its wonderful attributes, can leave the calendars of youth a little lacking in social life, extracurricular activities and opportunities. But in New Denver, the historic and picturesque community of 600 on the…
After 20 years it’s time for Revelstoke’s craft brewery to expand it’s operations. For nearly 20 years, Mt. Begbie Brewing Co. has been satiating people with its craft-brewed beers, served throughout British Columbia and into Alberta,…
“Zebra” and “quagga” may sound perfectly paired to star in a kids book, but their presence in the Basin is anything but playful.
For over a decade, the people of Golden had known there were gaps in the local child care offering.
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.
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.
In an effort to elevate and diversify the college experience for students, College of the Rockies introduced an innovative mobile classroom in 2023.
The Cranbrook Bucks bring the joy of hockey back to Cranbrook after the departure of the Kootenay Ice in 2019.
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.
Fernie Pride has brought together ten pride groups from across the Basin every month to foster collaboration, build capacity and ensure organizational sustainability.
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.
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.
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.
Business advisory services educate entrepreneurs, including this apiarist who keeps about 400 colonies of bees which produce award-winning honey in the Creston area.
The community of yaqan nuɁkiy near Creston is currently restoring wetlands. Wetlands are an integral part of a healthy ecosystem.
Many organizations have implemented projects to reduce food waste and divert it from the landfill, check out some of these stories.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Homeowners in the new Lakeview Meadows community in Windermere decided on a mutual goal to improve their resilience to potentially disastrous wildfires.
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.
The Wynndel Community Centre is undergoing enhancements to make it sustainable, safer, more accessible and more energy-efficient.
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.
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.
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.
Sparwood adds much-needed affordable housing.
An artist explores how people in the region are “In This Together”
The Trust supports full-time position for student in expanding Fernie Arts business
ʔakisq̓nuk-based child care provides quality service by supporting its educators with Trust training wages and wage subsidies.
Trust support helps open new streams of revenue for Cranbrook Community Theatre
The Trust’s wage subsidy supports a Cranbrook student on her career path.
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.
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 community members pitch in to improve their outdoor rink.
An Invermere non-profit plans how to better serve its clients.
Basin RevUp helps Invermere’s Columbia Valley Freight expand their services.
Local food store in Fernie connects shoppers to farmers.
Selkirk College and College of the Rockies are improving and enhancing program offerings.
“This work is an important step for ʔaq̓am in protecting the remaining grasslands we have left here,” says ʔaq̓am’s Nasuʔkin Joe Pierre Jr.
Fernie’s North End Court affordable housing project includes a 35-unit apartment building and 14-unit townhouse complex.
“Improving quality of place is a very important part of developing a community.”
Columbia Basin Environmental Education Network expands its reach and impact in the Basin.
Jaffray’s Community Hall has been welcoming people inside since 1939. Now, it has a new spacious timber-frame gazebo for outdoor events.
Cranbrook’s community bookstore, Huckleberry Books, adapts to change.
The Sullivan Mine & Railway Historical Society preserves historical powerhouse to add to user experience.
Columbia Valley SAR Strengthens Operations to Match Specialized Rescue Measures.
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it officially opened 11 new homes and updated 21 existing units, in March 2020.
Hope Air helps patients access vital medical care far from home
Unprecedented demand requires a solid foundation
3-D modelling brings high-tech accuracy to heritage conservation
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….
New owner of Soulfood in Cranbrook finds a model that works during the pandemic.
Spectrum Farms in Creston allows people with disabilities to thrive, where they enjoy a safe home and meaningful employment.
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…
The ʔaq̓am Health and Wellness Centre provides holistic care for community members.
With demand on the rise, local growers turn to Trust programs.
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…
Thanks to your suggestions, we have a compiled a list of your favourite Basin Authors.
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
A passion for pet health and happiness inspires a booming raw pet food business
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…
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…
Twelve new affordable housing units for families are ready to open their doors in Kimberley.
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
Adaptive trails in Nakusp and Fernie spread the joy of outdoor physical activity.
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…
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
17 affordable housing units in Creston Valley’s Lower Kootenay Band (yaqan nuʔkiy) community are getting upgrades.
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…
“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.
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…
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…
Food Banks Embody the Spirit of Giving—All Year Round
Olympic-sized dreams can be realized in the Columbia Basin with a bit of help.
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…
Youth are a vital force in the Columbia Basin and the Trust’s Basin Youth Network is tapping into that energy.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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’…
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…
“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.
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…
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…
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…
Twelve species of bats call the Basin home, such as the Yuma myotis and endangered little brown myotis, and fulfill important functions in ecosystems like wetlands and forests, including consuming a significant number of insects.
The Fauquier Community Club has taken action to upgrade its well-used community hall, ensuring it’s prepared for future emergencies while reducing its environmental footprint and operational costs.
This summer, the Rotary Club of Nelson installed a long, blue path that leads to the lake, suitable for people in wheelchairs, or even families with strollers.
The Selkirk College Blacksmithing and Metal Art Program received a recent upgrade with the installation of four new state-of-the-art forges.
The Trust’s Basin RevUp program is helping businesses like Micah’s Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in the Nelson area accelerate into the future.
Edgewood is a quaint community of 250 residents on the western shore of Lower Arrow Lake. A town with a big heart, and residents that are willing to go the extra mile to help their community flourish.
Cassandra Qiu was awarded a 2023 Youth Community Service Award from Columbia Basin Trust for her outstanding volunteerism.
School District 8’s Youth Pow Wow brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and community members to celebrate Indigenous culture through dance, music, regalia and educational teachings.
The new playground in Fauquier features something for all ages, including new park equipment and walking trails. Adjacent to the community hall and outdoor pavilion, the park is poised to enhance the quality of life for locals, as well as assist in sustaining a strong community.
Many organizations have implemented projects to reduce food waste and divert it from the landfill, check out some of these stories.
Barks and Recreation has provided the Trail area with pet services for more than a decade. Their recent completion of the Trust’s RevUp program has them poised to continue growing as a small business.
Accessing the Trust’s Food Producer Wage Subsidy Program has helped Robin Mercy of Mr. Mercy’s Mushrooms in Kaslo hire the people he needs to meet a growing demand for his locally grown delicacies.
The Harrop‐Procter Community Co‐operative created four educational films on wildfire risk reduction with the goal of attracting and keeping the interest of an audience spanning the entire province of BC and beyond, all while creating jobs for professionals in the arts sector.
Now a community-purpose building, The Heart is at the centre of the Boswell’s community life, welcoming residents to meetings, events, workshops, programs, performances, and readings as well as providing a small museum and library.
Recent energy retrofit upgrades at the Salmo Ski Hill lodge and patrol building, breathe new life into original structures from the 1960s and enhance energy efficiency to cut operational costs.
A wage subsidy has enabled Spearhead Inc. to focus on training intern Spica, without worrying about losing staff time that could have been spent on client projects.
Progress on the community garden and kitchen renovation at the community hall is well underway since Arrow & Slocan Lakes Community Services received funding from Columbia Basin Trust, which included expert guidance from a food advisor, who helped draft a comprehensive food access and recovery plan.
The Village of Kaslo’s FireSmart committee decided to focused on engaging youth in the community in 2023 by hiring Youth FireSmart Coordinator, Kenya Blouin.
Accessible support like the Trust’s Early Childhood Educator Training Wage Program ensures a bright future for both ECEs and the young children growing up in Basin communities.
This non-profit received support from the Trust and other community partners to purchase a commercial building that will benefit the public on a long-term basis.
The Trust’s Food Producer Wage Subsidy Program has supported Silver in employing six employees from May through October for the past three years.
Knowing that comfortable, affordable and safe space is available opens up the Basin as an option when people are considering their futures.
Beth Campbell approached the Trust’s Basin Business Advisor’s, which offers free, one-to-one, confidential business counselling–to take her business to the next level.
A range of actions address wildfire risk and improve fish habitat in the Slocan Valley.
Over 340 non-profits supported through Trust advisory program between 2015 and 2023.
Faced with the challenge of retaining staff for seasonal work, Bent Plow Farm was in search of a solution. The Trust subsidized their intern Sarah’s salary and now she has a permanent role as Lead Farm Hand.
Over recent years, the iconic Langham Cultural Centre has completed a long list of renovations with Trust support, making it one of “BC’s 100 Best Buildings”.
With Trust support, Nelson Community Food Centre has increased their capacity to provide access to healthy food in a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for people facing adversity.
Columbia Basin Trust is supporting Selkirk College and College of the Rockies to undertake projects that enhance student experience.
The Ktunaxa Nation Council partnered with the Government of British Columbia, Columbia Basin Trust, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society and Yaqan Nuʔkiy (Lower Kootenay Band) to successfully manage the bullfrog population through a three-year project.
Over the course of eight months in 2020, President Jesse Ewing and Vice-President Greg Kreutz participated in Basin RevUp, Columbia Basin Trust’s advanced business accelerator program that supports high-achieving companies poised for rapid growth.
A playful mural highlights the surrounding environment.
A community creates a plan to defend itself.
37 career interns have gained permanent, full-time positions since 2018.
A Rossland homebuilder goes commercial.
The Nelson site is now on its way to offering local care, including 75 new long-term care suites for seniors.
Major maintenance keeps a Trust investment strong.
A project supports the complex biodiversity of a wildlife corridor.
13 farmers’ markets supported to help respond to the demand for local food in 2022.
A rejuvenated trail in Riondel links to the community’s past.
Indigenous student follows the footsteps of those who inspired her
The Nature of Conservancy of Canada restores whitebark pine.
The Taghum Hall Outdoor Revitalization Project transformed the area into beautifully landscaped grounds, exemplifying the Taghum Hall motto: “Building community, one event at a time.”
In his new role with Columbia Basin Trust as Community Liaison, Patrick Checknita is looking forward to getting out into communities and conversing with Basin residents in person.
Prescribed burns renew Slocan Valley landscapes.
The Village of Kaslo’s Historic (Water)mark
Selkirk College and College of the Rockies are improving and enhancing program offerings.
Nelson Youth Action Network keeps youth engaged, supporting social connectivity and their physical and mental health.
Creston’s West RightWay Vehicle Specialist keeps the wheels turning.
A co-op student helps the City of Rossland map its underground assets
Fashion design student and Nelson local Daisy Morrison weaves wonders at the Stitch Lab’s after-school sewing club.
“People in this town were really excited about a hobby shop.”
Designing Resiliency from the Ground Up
A non-profit organization provides dental care in the West Kootenay/Boundary region for low-income residents.
In Trail, there is a new dedicated ceremonial space to promote inclusion and remove barriers for Indigenous-led ceremonial practices.
Hope Air helps patients access vital medical care far from home
At the Procter Village Café, the swirly cinnamon buns are topped with sweet, gooey icing—and are in very high demand. The socially distanced lineup for their cinnamon buns stretched out the door.
Nelson Brewing Company owners refine their business skills for continued growth
The Kaslo Community Fitness Co-op provides a top-notch resource to a small town
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….
Castlegar’s Waterline climbing area remains accessible for generations to come.
New design optimizes the space on the south shore of Slocan Lake.
For small communities like Silverton and Harrop, gathering places like the Silverton Memorial Hall and Harrop Schoolhouse play vital roles—roles that sometimes remain the same for decades. Whatever their histories, these buildings remain at the centre…
EduFunder Technologies helps kids stay busy and post-secondary students afford their education.
Child care centres continue to benefit families As the proverb says, it takes a village to raise a child. But when COVID-19 shut down most services in BC in March 2020, all villages were challenged to…
A farming family in Rossland scales up to feed as many as possible “Farming is at the heart of us,” says Miche Warwick. “Being involved in community food security is some of the most rewarding work…
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…
Thanks to your suggestions, we have a compiled a list of your favourite Basin Authors.
Meadow Creek Museum invites visitors to explore a pre-dam home. To travel back in time to pioneer life in the Basin, soon all it will take is a step into the restored Billy Clark cabin in Meadow…
Donning his favourite blue ‘Summer Games’ bowling shirt, Robert Tarko smiles when asked whether he’s competitive. The Special Olympics British Columbia athlete has participated in every summer sport imaginable, plus curling, and is currently competing in…
In the Salmo Valley Youth & Community Centre, kids toss basketballs. Some shimmy hula hoops around their waists. It’s the place to go to play ultimate frisbee, or for seniors to take fitness classes. There are…
Some of North Mountain Construction’s work is highly visible in Nelson, including the new Kootenay Co-op building and the Savoy Hotel. Other work isn’t so visible, including a huge mountaintop mansion. From luxury custom homes to…
The City of Nelson hires a Co-op student to tackle projects.
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…
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…
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…
A Castlegar business gains momentum Leeza Zurwick of Castlegar hardly has time these days to be amazed at the rapid growth of her home-based water kefir business—she’s too busy filling orders. “Water kefir is like pop—it’s…
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…
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….
Youth from around the Basin may have a lot in common, from favourite video games, to shared hobbies, to wanting to see the same changes in their communities. They’ve also told the Trust they’d like to…
What started six years ago as a basement hobby for Ryan and his wife Jill has grown to a 1,400-square-foot workshop on Ymir Road just outside of Nelson.
A thriving community where people come together around good food for all.
“Emergency planning for communities is sometimes like having a difficult conversation in a family; everyone knows you need to have it, but it can be hard to tackle. We are having that conversation about how our…
On the main strip in downtown Kaslo, near the pharmacy and a short stretch from the historic S.S. Moyie sternwheeler and beach, a chicken holding a cleaver hangs from a sign. Inside the building, a chalkboard…
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…
This weekend, the Trail Beer Refinery will throw a birthday party. A little over two years ago, this business in downtown Trail started brewing its first batch of beer. It then opened the doors to its…
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…
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…
Embarking on an educational journey takes a large dose of determination to be successful. Pushing off on a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing pathway as a single mom with a three-year-old daughter requires resolve and…
There’s a special new spot in the Slocan Valley. Backcountry huts are typically hot spots for tourists seeking authentic adventures, so for locals, it can be a challenge booking time even in a hut nearby. Rossland…
Food Banks Embody the Spirit of Giving—All Year Round
The thrift store of the Rossland Health Care Auxiliary is a popular spot. With folks waiting in line for the shop to open each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday to search out what new gems have made…
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…
Youth are a vital force in the Columbia Basin and the Trust’s Basin Youth Network is tapping into that energy.
“I’m happily employed,” says Winlaw resident and logging truck driver Alfred Moore. This is something he couldn’t say often back when he was working in the construction industry. “I was getting lots of random layoffs at…
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’…
“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.
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…
The Trust has partnered with JA British Columbia (JABC) to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in local youth and inspire community mentors through Be Entrepreneurial. The program is facilitated by local business people who bring their expertise into the classroom at the invitation of a host teacher.
By mid-June, vibrant green Simpson and Red Sails lettuce are ready to pick at Cranbrook’s 3 Crows Farm, with Salanova and Romaine coming along soon. These are some of the Columbia Basin-grown greens, grains, meats and…
