In my role as chair of the steering committee for the Rural BC Project, I became focused on the importance of economic development.
We need more business activity in rural communities.
And we need to support those businesses that have invested in our communities. So I am proud and happy that we have new businesses springing up in Christina Lake and some strong, long-time businesses are finding new owners.
How do people come to decide why they want to do business in our community? Let me share some of these stories with you.
Start off the new owners of Christina Pines Campground.
This couple’s roots are in northern Alberta. They have experience running campgrounds.
Philip Weibe wanted a new challenge. Elivira definitely did not want to come to B.C., let alone a place she hadn’t heard of.
But Philip saw the listing and used his influence to get her here. Needless to say she fell in love with the site and the community.
How do you get from Drayton Valley, Alta. to Christina Lake? Turns out all you need is a customer at your spa in Drayton Valley who loves Christina Lake to tell you all about it.
That’s how Connie and Harvey Miner ended up buying the Lakeview Motel. They decided they wanted “that B.C. lifestyle experience.” When they studied the Lakeview opportunity they were hooked.
People in Christina Lake have long wished for a pharmacy to locate here. It was with a lot of excitement that we welcomed the new Pharmasave.
This business not only provides excellent goods and services for our residents and visitors; it is also a key in ensuring that medical concerns can be addressed right in the community. Laura and Graeme Carlson decided to make the investment to stretch from their store in Grand Forks.
Patrick Hallam and his wife Trudy have been cottagers at the lake. They decided that they needed a lifestyle change so moved to the lake permanently.
Patrick started a new business in Christina Lake this spring. Grassroots Property Care is ready to respond to any kind of request for property service and in fact, is open to doing almost anything people might need in the handyman, home help, fix-it and repair service line. And Trudy, when not acting as his No. 1 helper, is taking on volunteer roles in the community.
Are you “Ravenous?”
The Noren family from Grand Forks will be ready and waiting to help to solve that problem. Its new vegan and vegetarian bakeshop and take-away opened in the old Anne’s Bakery building. The family’s principled approach to doing business shines.
They have renovated the building by re-purposing almost everything they found. The results look wonderful! It’s fun to see some of the old-fashioned machines and features relishing their new-found life.
Their healthy food is beautifully displayed and absolutely delicious.
Graham Marine Construction has been operating at Kootenay Lake but ever since it built the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary dock at Christina Lake in 2008, Ian and Cheryl have wanted to move here.
They found a perfect property for their office, storage space, and they plan to build their home here. They have the edge on any marine construction that waterfront owners might need. I am very pleased that they no longer have to travel here to serve their customers at the lake.
Last but not least, a new restaurant, Lingo’s, is in the process of renovating the former Copper Moon site. We are looking forward to hearing more about their business plans.
So from this we have learned that people come to Christina Lake for the lifestyle first and foremost.
I am committed to working with the many community groups and businesses in Christina Lake that are dedicated to protecting and enhancing the natural and community assets that draw enterprising people to invest in Christina Lake.
– Grace McGregor is Area C director for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary