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When Louis Nelson first arrived in Cranbrook, he wasn’t planning to stay. He came to manage a struggling Domino’s Pizza location, one of the lowest-performing stores in the country at the time. But something happened. The city, the people, the potential, it all clicked. As Louis puts it, “I didn’t choose Cranbrook. Cranbrook chose me.”

Fast forward, and that same store is now one of the top-performing Domino’s locations in Canada. Louis didn’t just turn things around. He transformed the business, built a team, and became a proud local owner. His story is one of hustle, heart, and what’s possible when a community embraces its entrepreneurs.

Domino’s in Cranbrook isn’t just a pizza place. It’s a symbol of what Make it Cranbrook stands for. It’s about investing in people, believing in potential, and creating space for franchise owners and small businesses to thrive. Louis’s journey shows that Cranbrook isn’t just open for business. It’s open to building lasting success.

Whether it’s a Friday night pizza run or a first job for a local teen, Domino’s is woven into the everyday life of the city. And behind the counter is a team that reflects Cranbrook’s values: hard work, community, and pride in what you do.

Louis’s story is proof that Cranbrook is a place where businesses and people can grow. It’s where a challenge becomes an opportunity, and where local success stories are written every day.

Make it Happen. Make it Home. Make it Cranbrook.

If you’ve walked through downtown Cranbrook lately, you’ve probably noticed the Baker Hotel. Not just for its century-old architecture, but for the energy it brings to the street. Built over 100 years ago, the Baker Hotel is one of the city’s oldest buildings, and thanks to Greg Eaton’s vision, it’s now one of the freshest.

Greg saw something in the bones of the Baker. Character, charm, and a chance to breathe new life into a piece of Cranbrook’s history. What was once a fading landmark is now a boutique hotel with mixed-use commercial space on the ground floor, home to local gems like The Fenwick & Baker and The Barber Shop.

It’s not just a renovation. It’s a revival. The Baker is helping lead the charge in downtown revitalization, showing what’s possible when heritage meets hustle. The building now buzzes with activity, drawing locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee, checking in for a weekend stay, or getting a fresh cut, the Baker is where stories begin, and where the answer to “Who’s your barber?” is suddenly a lot more interesting.

But beyond the bricks and mortar, the Baker Hotel is a symbol of Cranbrook’s evolution. It’s a place where entrepreneurship, tourism, and community pride intersect. It’s where people first experience the city, whether they’re staying the night or just stopping in for a trim. And it’s proof that investing in our past can be the key to unlocking our future.

This is what Make it Cranbrook is all about: preserving what matters, building what’s next, and creating spaces that bring people together.

So next time you’re downtown, take a stroll past the Baker. Step inside. Grab lunch. Ask for a fade. And see how Cranbrook is making history, one storefront, one story, one haircut at a time.

Make it Happen. Make it Home. Make it Cranbrook.

For 38 years, the Cranbrook Pro Rodeo has been more than just an event. It’s a celebration of our heritage, our grit, and our community spirit. Nestled in the heart of the East Kootenay, Cranbrook proudly hosts this annual rodeo as part of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) circuit, drawing top-tier talent from across the country and beyond.

But what makes the Cranbrook Pro Rodeo truly special isn’t just the bucking broncs, barrel racing, or bull riding. It’s the unmistakable feeling of homegrown pride. This is cowboy culture at its finest: authentic, rugged, and rooted in tradition. Families gather, friends reconnect, and visitors get a taste of the warm hospitality that defines our city.

The rodeo is a hidden gem, a place where the dust flies, the crowd roars, and the spirit of the West lives on. It’s where local volunteers work tirelessly behind the scenes, where young riders dream big, and where the community comes together to cheer on the brave athletes who embody the courage and determination that Cranbrook is known for.

In Cranbrook, we don’t just host events. We build experiences that reflect who we are. The Pro Rodeo is a shining example of our commitment to celebrating local culture, supporting regional talent, and creating unforgettable moments. It’s one of the many reasons why people choose to Make it Cranbrook, a place where tradition meets opportunity, and where every gathering is a chance to connect, celebrate, and grow.

So whether you’re a lifelong rodeo fan or a curious first-timer, saddle up and join us next year. Experience the thrill, the community, and the legacy of the Cranbrook Pro Rodeo, and see why Cranbrook is the place to be.

For a century now, the Cranbrook Public Library has been more than just a place to borrow books. It has been a cornerstone of our community, quietly shaping lives, supporting newcomers, and helping Cranbrook grow.

Back in the early days, the library was a quiet refuge, a place to read, research, and reflect. Today, it has evolved into something much bigger: a vibrant community hub where people come to connect, learn, and feel at home. Whether you are a newcomer getting your bearings, a student diving into research, or a parent looking for story time, the library is often one of the first places people go to get acquainted with Cranbrook.

It is also a key part of our economic engine. The library offers free access to technology, job search resources, business development tools, and programs that help residents build skills and confidence. For many, it is a launchpad, a place where ideas take shape, resumes get polished, and connections are made.

But beyond the services, it is the feeling that makes the Cranbrook Library special. It is the friendly staff who know your name, the community events that bring people together, and the quiet corners where you can just breathe and be. It is a place where stories live, not just on the shelves, but in the lives of the people who walk through its doors.

After 100 years, the Cranbrook Public Library remains as vital as ever. It is a place of possibility, belonging, and pride. It is where Cranbrook’s past meets its future, and where everyone is welcome.

Make it Happen. Make it Home. Make it Cranbrook.

What’s quality of life in Cranbrook? Sometimes it looks like a paddle, a wiffle ball, and the sound of friends laughing on the court.

As BC’s sunniest city, we get more chances than almost anywhere else to play outside—and pickleball has quickly become one of the favourite ways to do it.

Pickleball makes it happen:

• Make your serve.
• Make your rally.
• Make your day better.

Whether you’re competing, staying active, or just discovering the game for the first time, pickleball is one of those things that connects people across ages and abilities. And here in Cranbrook, the courts are busy for a reason—it’s fun !

Because when we talk about quality of life, it’s not just about mountains and sunshine (though we’ve got those in spades). It’s about community, connection, and making time for the things you love.

So while investors and entrepreneurs are discovering why this is the place to build a future, locals already know: you can build your best life here too… one pickleball game at a time.

Cranbrook—this is where you make it happen.

Watch the video here Make it in Cranbrook – Pickleball

Our Public Works team might not always be in the spotlight, but they’re the people who make sure Cranbrook runs smoothly, day in and day out. They’re the ones out early, late, and often in tough conditions, keeping the systems we all rely on working safely and reliably.

Public Works makes it happen:

• Make the water flow.
• Make the roads safe.
• Make the city grow.

From maintaining roads, sidewalks, and water systems to supporting new infrastructure that allows our community to expand, the Public Works team are the backbone of Cranbrook’s growth. Every business that opens, every family that settles here, and every investor that builds their future in Cranbrook depends on the efforts of these dedicated crews.

Cranbrook is a city on the rise, but growth doesn’t happen without the people who keep the foundation strong. Our Public Works professionals are the heroes who make it possible to live, work, and invest here.

So next time you see them out on the street, fixing a line, plowing snow, or building for tomorrow, know that they’re the reason Cranbrook can keep moving forward.

Because before you can Make it in Cranbrook—they make it work

Watch the Video here ; Make it in Cranbrook – Public Works Team

There’s something special about summer baseball in Cranbrook. Maybe it’s the crack of the bat echoing off the mountains, or the way the sun sets over Elizabeth Lake, just beyond the outfield fence. Whatever it is, the Cranbrook Bandits have been capturing that magic for years.

Playing in the American Legion Baseball League Class A West, the Bandits go up against tough competition from across the Pacific Northwest. They wear Bandits on their jerseys, but make no mistake, they’re Cranbrook through and through.

The Bandits are a perfect example of what it means to Make it Cranbrook. They’re about more than baseball, they’re about building confidence, character, and community. They show that you don’t need a big city to dream big. You just need a field, a team, and a town that believes in you.

And the field? It’s a beauty. Tucked right next to Elizabeth Lake, it’s the kind of ballpark that feels like it was pulled from a movie with mountain views, fresh air, and the occasional eagle flying overhead. It’s not hard to imagine a local kid stepping up to the plate, connecting just right, and watching the ball sail toward the lake. It’s got that kind of magic. Like when Babe Ruth hit his legendary first home run into Lake Ontario — only here, it’s a Cranbrook kid making memories that’ll last a lifetime.

So next time you’re driving past the lake and hear the crowd erupt, stop by. Grab a seat, soak up the view, and cheer on the Bandits. Because here in Cranbrook, we don’t just play the game — we live it.

Make it Happen. Make it Home. Make it Cranbrook.

Watch the full video here Make it in Cranbrook – Cranbrook Bandits Baseball

We’re excited to launch Make it in Cranbrook—a new investment attraction series designed to showcase what makes our community one of the most promising places in British Columbia to build a future.

Make what? That’s up to you.
Make your career.
Make your business.
Make your family life.
Make your future.

Cranbrook is more than just a city in the mountains—it’s a place where opportunities and lifestyle line up. Investors are discovering the advantages of a strategic location, excellent transportation links, and access to the sunniest City  in BC. Entrepreneurs are finding space to grow, access talent, and a supportive community that believes in innovation.

Families are choosing Cranbrook for safe neighbourhoods, affordable housing, and the lifestyle that comes with being surrounded by nature.

Through Make it in Cranbrook, we’ll be highlighting stories, insights, and opportunities that show why this is more than a place to visit—it’s a place to put down roots, grow your business, and create lasting success. Over the coming months, we’ll share perspectives from local leaders, industry partners, and new investors who have already made it here.

Cranbrook is a city on the rise. And whether you’re looking to scale a company, expand into new markets, or simply find a better balance between work and life, this is where you can make it happen.

Did you know the Kootenay Children’s Festival is the longest running free children’s festival in Canada? In 2026, this beloved Cranbrook tradition will celebrate its 40th anniversary, marking four decades of joy, creativity, and unforgettable experiences for families across the region.

The Festival is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of childhood, imagination, and community. Every year, families come together to enjoy a day packed with interactive activities, captivating performances, and delightful surprises designed to inspire children of all ages. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s always something new to discover.

Festival Highlights:
• Live Performances: Talented musicians, dancers, puppeteers, and storytellers take the stage, leaving young audiences wide-eyed and amazed.
• Interactive Workshops: Kids get hands-on with arts and crafts, science experiments, and other creative activities that spark curiosity and learning.
• Games and Activities: From face painting and bouncy castles to scavenger hunts and friendly competitions, there’s fun around every corner.
• Delicious Treats: A wide variety of food vendors ensures everyone has something tasty to enjoy while taking a break from all the excitement.

Beyond the activities, the Festival is a chance for families to connect, make memories, and be part of a community tradition that has inspired generations. Over the years, thousands of children have experienced the wonder of the Festival, and each year adds new stories, new laughter, and new adventures.

As we approach the 40th anniversary in 2026, the Kootenay Children’s Festival is gearing up to make the milestone year extra special. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to the magic of the Festival, revisit fond memories, or simply enjoy a day of laughter, learning, and fun together.

Mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and join us in celebrating the joy of childhood at the Kootenay Children’s Festival. See you there!

The City of Cranbrook recently took its vision for economic diversification and innovation on the road, presenting at key conferences across the Pacific Northwest thanks to funding from the CanExport Community Investments program, administered by Global Affairs Canada. This grant has enabled the City to explore new industries and foreign direct investment opportunities, especially within the aerospace sector and its supporting ecosystems.

As part of this initiative, Cranbrook representatives spoke at two major events: the PNWER Annual Summit in Bellevue, Washington, and the I-90 Aerospace Corridor Conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. At PNWER, elected officials and policy makers gathered to discuss strategic trade corridors and cross-border collaboration. Cranbrook took the opportunity to speak with partners from Alberta and other member jurisdictions about increasing cross-border trade and building regional partnerships.

Cranbrook’s presence at both conferences reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth in collaboration with cities like Calgary and Spokane.

“This is an initiative that fits well with our long-term development vision for future development of the employment lands at the Canadian Rockies International Airport,” said Mayor Wayne Price.

The aerospace-focused initiative includes strategic planning through a Business Case Study and a Regional Foreign Direct Investment Attraction Strategy. With a total investment of $81,000—split equally between the City and Global Affairs Canada—Cranbrook is laying the groundwork for attracting companies in advanced materials, aircraft manufacturing, and aerospace technologies.

“We are committed to fostering regional collaboration and investment opportunities,” said Darren Brewer, Economic Development Officer.

To support the initiative, The City will host an event in Cranbrook & attend events in  Calgary, and Washington State to develop partnerships and position the City as a key hub in the Pacific Northwest aerospace sector. These events will promote knowledge sharing, investment missions, and collaboration among industry leaders.

The City of Cranbrook acknowledges the CanExport Community Investments program and Global Affairs Canada for their support. From Bellevue to Coeur d’Alene, Cranbrook continues to take bold steps toward building an innovation-driven regional economy.