2020 Record-Breaking Year for Cranbrook In Economic Development Growth
February 24, 2021
Cranbrook, BC (February 23, 2021) – The City of Cranbrook has seen strong numbers around investment, business and job growth and housing development in 2020 …
Cranbrook, BC (February 23, 2021) – The City of Cranbrook has seen strong numbers around investment, business and job growth and housing development in 2020 …
The sale of the former Tembec industrial lands on Theatre Road in Cranbrook is now official, with Peak Renewables the new owners. The sale of …
On behalf of our City and Council, I would like to welcome you to Cranbrook. As Mayor, I am proud to represent and promote the City we call home. With a rich history and vibrant culture, Cranbrook is driven by people who care deeply about the growth and success of one another, which in turn drives the progressive development of our community.
In 2015, Cranbrook initiated a renewed focus into the economic development of our City and region. We forged new partnerships with every level of government and strengthened our commitments and cooperation with neighbouring communities. We have invested in the tools and resources we need to achieve our goals and have created an environment that attracts capital.
Cranbrook has experienced record-breaking growth, exemplified by building permit trends of six consecutive years of year over year growth, with $93 million in 2020. It is remarkable. We saw a 445% increase, resulting in $262 million of building permits in those six years!
We are seeing the development of good jobs, new housing, increases to our tax base, and reinvestment into our business infrastructure. What is more, all this is happening in the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, offering its very own slice of paradise, with access to every outdoor activity you could imagine in a world-class setting.
Now is the time to invest in Cranbrook.
– Mayor Lee Pratt
The purpose of the Cranbrook Innovation Initiative (CII) is to encourage and foster the growth of emerging technologies that utilize the vast Kootenay region’s capabilities.
Our goal is to be the largest innovation zone in the B.C. interior for commercializing the research and development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, autonomous vehicles (land and air), advanced optics, clean energy, data sciences, and other related technologies.
The CII is committed to growing our existing industrial sectors by revitalizing or repurposing existing lands and engaging sectors that have been affected by economic downturn. We are working with local stakeholders, business leaders, and government agencies to help support our city as a rapidly emerging 21st century economy.
International access by air, rail and highways make Cranbrook an ideal location for the CII program to be anchored. With several large parcels of serviced land, Cranbrook offers unlimited opportunities for those interested in establishing or relocating their business.
Currently available for development are:
As a regional base, Cranbrook offers immediate access for industries such as:
Cranbrook offers a compelling opportunity for the research and development of advanced technologies. Located in a region that is geologically and atmospherically stable, Cranbrook provides a low-risk environment for sensitive data-centric operations.
Cranbrook also presents a world-class setting for the development of remote piloted vehicles, with many different types of terrain, varying elevations, and geography available to provide a broad testing environment. Along with its mild year-round weather, Cranbrook and area is well suited for businesses operating within this sector.
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Cranbrook offers the ideal work-life balance. Its location also proves advantageous to the creation of technology clusters, such as:
Canada is a country of choice for many business owners. The advantages include:
Establishing your business in Cranbrook means your businesses will have access to a clean, sustainable source of energy that is hydropower. B.C. is Canada’s second largest producer of hydropower and the reliability of the province’s hydro system is recognized around the world.