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A win that highlights collaboration, creativity, and a clear message

We’re proud to share that Choose Cranbrook has been awarded the 2025 Marketing Innovation Award by the BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA), recognizing the platform’s role in investment attraction, regional partnerships, and community storytelling. The award was presented at this year’s BCEDA conference in Penticton.

More Than a Website

Built to support local economic development efforts, Choose Cranbrook is designed to clearly showcase what makes Cranbrook a strong place to invest, work, and live. The platform combines video storytelling, data visualization, regional collaboration, and newcomer support—all centered around a clear message: Cranbrook is ready for growth.

Since launch, the platform has helped connect prospective investors, business owners, and new residents with the information and resources they need to take action—whether it’s understanding available land, exploring regional data, or making the decision to move to Cranbrook.

A Strong Focus on Partnership

One of the platform’s core strengths is its emphasis on meaningful partnerships. The site features the Ktunaxa Homelands Interactive Map, developed with Cranbrook Tourism and other partners, which helps users learn about the traditional lands in the region. Ktunaxa language and culture are included throughout the site, reflecting our ongoing relationship with ʔaq’am and the Ktunaxa Nation.

Other tools, such as the Newcomers Guide and a Data Portal managed by Cityviz, give users a practical entry point into life and business in Cranbrook. From population trends to workforce data, the portal ensures that decision-makers have access to relevant and timely information.

A Team Effort

This recognition reflects the collaboration behind the platform. Genex Marketing manages the website and its ongoing development. Lukas Nemeth Films created the video content featured across the site. Cityviz continues to support the data portal to ensure that key economic indicators remain accessible and up to date.

The Marketing Innovation Award celebrates platforms that effectively promote economic development through originality, strategic clarity, and community engagement—making this a meaningful recognition of both the technical and collaborative work behind Choose Cranbrook.

Looking Ahead

This award highlights the value of working together to create tools that support shared goals. Choose Cranbrook will continue to evolve as a platform that reflects our community, connects with future residents and investors, and helps tell the story of a city that’s growing with intention and purpose.

Looking ahead, we’re committed to keeping the platform responsive and relevant—continuing to evolve its content, tools, and stories to reflect Cranbrook’s growth and opportunity.

Cranbrook continues to prove itself as one of the premier event destinations in the Kootenays, with consistent year-over-year growth and a strong track record of hosting multi-day events.

Last summer, Rock the Kootenays showcased Cranbrook’s ability to host concerts—attracting over 10,000 attendees in 2024, up from 8,590 the previous year. Even more impressively, 70% of concertgoers traveled from outside the community, resulting in a boost to local tourism through increased spending, overnight stays, and patronage of local businesses. That’s a 16.5% increase in attendance—further evidence of Cranbrook’s growing appeal for both entertainment and tourism.

In 2025, Rock the Kootenays returns to Cranbrook for three days of classic rock, August 8–10. Catch Honeymoon Suite — famously featured on Miami Vice and throw it back with Men Without Hats for a full-blown Pop Goes the World revival that even Bonhomme would groove to. It’s loud, it’s legendary, and it’s the summer weekend your jean jacket’s been waiting for.

This success story is a powerful example of what’s possible when a community comes together. A big thank-you goes out to our local businesses, sponsors, volunteers and City staff who helped make the event a resounding success. All who went above and beyond to support the festival—often balancing logistical responsibilities alongside their regular duties. Your dedication brought the music to life.

Why Choose Cranbrook for Your Next Event?

Whether you’re planning a festival, sports tournament, conference, or cultural gathering, Cranbrook offers the perfect mix of infrastructure, natural beauty, and community support to ensure a seamless and unforgettable event experience.

What Cranbrook Offers:

• The Basecamp : Accommodations, Venues and Culinary, Cranbrook has over 900 room nights available
• Easy Accessibility: Daily flights to Calgary and Vancouver via Cranbrook’s international airport, plus convenient highway connections—just a scenic road trip away from Kelowna or Calgary.
• Full-Service Amenities: A wide range of venues, professional services, and attractions to elevate any event and delight your guests.

Bring Your Vision to Life in Cranbrook

Let us help you turn your event into something truly memorable. Cranbrook is where community, creativity, and capacity come together. Whether you’re a seasoned event organizer or a first-time planner, our welcoming atmosphere and proven track record make us the ideal choice.

For Tickets to Rock the Kootenays 2025: Festival | Rock The Kootenays | Cranbrook

Cranbrook, BC – It was a weekend of celebration for Cranbrook at the 2025 BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA) Awards in Penticton B.C taking home not just one but two prestigious honors for its innovative work in economic development.

Leading the charge was the City’s investment attraction platform, Choose Cranbrook, which proudly claimed the title of “Best Website Ever”—well, that’s how we’re describing it around the office. Officially, it won the 2025 BCEDA Marketing Innovation Award for Best Website. But let’s be honest: when a platform works this hard, tells stories this well, and looks this good, we’re not afraid to throw in a little flair.

Choose Cranbrook isn’t just a website. It’s a fully integrated investment attraction tool that combines a rich data portal, a dynamic YouTube channel, and a suite of digital storytelling tools designed to make one thing clear: Cranbrook is open for business, and it’s ready for you.

This is where storytelling meets strategy. We’ve moved beyond static brochures and dusty PDFs. We’re not cavemen painting on cave walls—we’re using stunning visuals, sweeping drone footage, and powerful local voices to craft a message that resonates with investors, entrepreneurs, and future residents alike

Whether you’re looking to build your business, relocate your family, or just understand what’s driving growth in the Kootenays, Choose Cranbrook makes it big, easy, and obvious. The platform keeps things visually appealing, stat-packed, and tailored for the people who matter most—those ready to help Cranbrook grow.

And the good news didn’t stop there. Kootenay Employment Services also walked away with top honours, receiving the Community Resiliency Award for their Rural Entrepreneur Development (RED) Program. This initiative is a powerful example of how rural communities can create opportunity from the ground up. Gregg Berg accepted the award on behalf of the team, offering a heartfelt shoutout to Kerstin Renner for her role in shaping and delivering the program.

A special thank you goes out to Sasha Bogdanovic from Cityviz, who expertly manages our ever-evolving data portal and ensures the numbers behind the stories stay meaningful and accessible. We also want to recognize Chris Botterill and his incredible team at Genex Marketing, who manage the Choose Cranbrook website with care, creativity, and technical excellence.

Two major wins, one remarkable community.

Cranbrook’s cultural scene is taking center stage, and leading the charge is Ed Fest—a vibrant, two-day celebration that aspires to become one of the city’s most defining annual events. Held each September at Rotary Park, Ed Fest blends art, music, and storytelling into an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike. But this isn’t just a fun weekend in the park. Ed Fest is a strategic expression of Cranbrook’s bold vision for tourism, economic development, and community identity.

With support from the City of Cranbrook, Ed Fest has grown from a grassroots idea into a signature event aligned with the Tourism Master Plan’s commitment to create iconic, community-driven festivals. It’s a clear example of how cultural investment—backed by thoughtful planning—can activate public spaces and enhance Cranbrook’s appeal as a place to live, visit, and do business.

More Than Just a Festival

Ed Fest is a platform for community connection, artistic expression, and cultural storytelling. Held each September at Rotary Park, the free, two-day event brings together locals and visitors while supporting nearby businesses. It also helps advance goals of the Tourism Master Plan: inclusive programming, better use of public spaces, and a stronger civic identity.

Rooted in Local Legend

In 1926, an elephant named Ed escaped from the Sells-Floto Circus and roamed the area for over a month before being captured near Jim Smith Lake. His unexpected adventure turned him into a local legend. That story lives on as a life-sized Ed puppet leads a cheerful downtown “stampede,” with attendees invited to wear carnival-themed costumes—a playful tribute to Cranbrook’s past.

A Stage for Creative Energy

This year’s lineup features Leonard Sumner, Souls in Rhythm, Derina Harvey Band, and Tonye Aganaba, alongside circus acts, art installations, a lantern parade, and food trucks.

A community showcase stage highlights local performers, while art workshops and a competition hosted by Cranbrook Arts invite hands-on participation. An artisan market, organized with the Cranbrook Farmer’s Market, spotlights local makers and small businesses.

Open to Everyone

As a free public event, Ed Fest removes financial barriers and encourages participation across all ages and abilities. Its inclusive design ensures a welcoming experience for families, seniors, and newcomers alike. This approach supports community well-being and reinforces pride in Cranbrook’s identity.

A Cultural Event with Long-Term Value

Ed Fest draws people downtown, supports tourism, and adds energy to the local economy—reinforcing Cranbrook’s role as the cultural heart of the East Kootenays.

With aspirations to grow into a multi-day festival, it shows how creative, community-led events can evolve into defining assets. By backing Ed Fest, the City is helping shape a future that’s vibrant, connected, and full of possibility.

The Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is flying higher than ever! Starting this May, we’re cranking up the air service with more flights, more seats, and way more reasons to pack your bags. Compared to last year, WestJet and Air Canada are rolling out three extra Q400 flights per week each—that’s a whopping 48,000 more seats annually jetting in and out of the East Kootenay region.

That’s right—24,000 extra seats per airline in 2025. Whether you’re chasing powder, sealing deals, or visiting family, YXC is officially your upgraded launchpad to wherever-you-need-to-be.

“We’re thrilled to see this level of investment and commitment from both WestJet and Air Canada,” says Tristen Chernove, Airport Manager at YXC. “These added flights not only increase convenience and flexibility for our passengers, but they also support the region’s economic development, tourism, and accessibility.”

So what are you waiting for? With more flights and better connections, the sky is quite literally the limit. Book early, travel easy, and let YXC take you where you want to go—faster, smoother, and with a window seat.

In a forward-thinking move that reinforces Cranbrook’s commitment to sustainable growth, the City of Cranbrook has received $10,000 in funding from the Province of British Columbia’s Local Government Infrastructure Planning Grant Program. This investment will support infrastructure condition assessments critical to effective capital planning — ensuring that future development in Cranbrook is not only robust, but also responsive to community needs.

Laying the Groundwork for Growth

This funding enables City staff to collect detailed data on the condition of parks, water systems, and sewer infrastructure. Why does this matter? Because quality infrastructure isn’t just about pipes and pavement — it’s the foundation of economic vitality.

These assessments will inform a prioritized list of infrastructure upgrades, targeting assets that need attention now while setting the stage for preventative maintenance and long-term capital planning.

What This Means for Cranbrook’s Economy

For businesses and developers, this initiative represents more than just municipal housekeeping. It signals a city that is:

• Actively planning for population growth and business expansion
• Minimizing future service disruptions by maintaining core systems now
• Creating a predictable and stable environment for investment and development

Reliable infrastructure is a top factor when businesses consider relocating. Cranbrook is showing that it understands the assignment — building smarter today, so growth tomorrow is both sustainable and seamless.

A Strategic Partnership with the Province

This project is also part of a larger provincial effort to ensure BC communities are built for the future. The Infrastructure Planning Grant Program helps local governments strengthen their infrastructure systems while supporting public health, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.

By aligning local projects with provincial priorities, Cranbrook is reinforcing its reputation as a collaborative and visionary community, well-positioned for future partnerships and funding opportunities.

Forward Together

As Cranbrook continues to grow, investments like this — while small in scale — play an outsized role in shaping the city’s trajectory. From attracting skilled professionals and families to giving entrepreneurs confidence in municipal services, smart infrastructure planning is key to unlocking Cranbrook’s full potential.

With foresight, data, and dedication, Cranbrook is planning today for a stronger tomorrow — and inviting new people and businesses to grow alongside it.

For more information about the Infrastructure Planning Grant Program, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/local-governments/grants-transfers/grants/infrastructure-planning-grant-program.

Understanding the OCP: What It Means for Cranbrook’s Future

Cranbrook’s Official Community Plan (OCP) – Our Path to 2042 is more than just a document—it’s a roadmap for the city’s future growth, development, and sustainability. Adopted in January 2025, the OCP will guide Cranbrook’s evolution over the next two decades, shaping housing, transportation, business development, and environmental policies.

While the city has celebrated the adoption of the OCP, many residents, businesses, and investors may be wondering: what does this plan actually mean for Cranbrook, and how does it affect them? This guide breaks down the OCP’s key goals and its impact on the economy, housing, infrastructure, and overall quality of life.

What is the Official Community Plan (OCP)?

The OCP serves as Cranbrook’s long-term vision for growth, setting a framework for:

• Land use and development – Where and how future construction will happen.
• Economic expansion – Policies to support businesses and attract investment.
• Transportation and infrastructure – Plans for roads, transit, and connectivity.
• Sustainability – Green development and climate resilience initiatives.

By setting clear policies, the OCP ensures future projects align with the needs of Cranbrook’s growing population and economy.

How the OCP Impacts Residents and Businesses:

Housing and Growth Management

The OCP prioritizes affordable and diverse housing options through:

• Infill development – Maximizing land use in already-developed areas.
• A mix of housing types – Expanding townhomes, apartments, and secondary suites.
• Streamlined approvals – Reducing regulatory barriers to encourage private investment.
• Sustainable building – Ensuring developments align with climate goals.

For residents, this means more choices and improved affordability. For developers and investors, it provides clear guidelines on where and how housing can be built.

Business and Economic Development

The OCP supports Cranbrook’s economy by:

• Expanding employment lands to attract new businesses.
• Strengthening downtown revitalization to increase commercial activity.
• Encouraging mixed-use developments that integrate housing and business.
• Enhancing tourism and cultural spaces to boost visitor spending.

For businesses, this means greater opportunities for expansion, improved infrastructure, and a growing local customer base.

Transportation and Infrastructure

The OCP’s long-term transportation strategies focus on:

• Expanding public transit to support a growing population.
• Improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
• Upgrading roads and utilities for new developments.
• Reducing congestion through smart land use planning.

For residents, this means more efficient and sustainable transportation options. For businesses, it ensures strong infrastructure to support economic growth.

Sustainability and Green Development

Cranbrook’s future growth prioritizes environmental sustainability through:

• Energy-efficient developments and greener building practices.
• Stronger environmental protections for natural areas.
• Improved waste management and water conservation.
• Expansion of parks, trails, and recreation spaces.

For residents and businesses, this means a cleaner, more resilient Cranbrook built for long-term success.

Why the OCP Matters for Cranbrook’s Future

The OCP is more than a vision—it’s a plan of action that will shape Cranbrook’s growth for decades. It provides clear direction for businesses, investors, and residents, ensuring development happens in a thoughtful, sustainable, and economically beneficial way.

For businesses, the OCP signals strong investment in economic expansion and infrastructure. For residents, it promises a well-planned community with diverse housing, better transportation, and a high quality of life.

As Cranbrook moves forward, this plan will serve as the foundation for continued growth and success, reinforcing the city’s position as a vibrant and competitive destination.

Cranbrook is taking proactive steps to address housing affordability and diversity, ensuring the city remains an attractive place to live, work, and invest. As demand for housing continues to grow, the city has implemented strategies that support population growth, workforce retention, and sustainable development while also positioning Cranbrook as a leader in responsive urban planning.

Recent initiatives, including the BC Builds housing development proposal and housing-focused 2025 budget discussions, demonstrate Cranbrook’s commitment to expanding housing options in a way that benefits both residents and businesses.

Expanding Housing Options Through BC Builds

In January 2025, Cranbrook issued a call for development proposals for a new housing project in the downtown core. This initiative is part of BC Builds, a provincial program focused on accelerating housing construction in high-demand areas. By leveraging underdeveloped downtown land, this project aims to increase housing supply and affordability while also enhancing the vibrancy of Cranbrook’s urban center.

The city is seeking developers who can integrate diverse housing options, including:

• Affordable rental units for workers, young professionals, and families
• Mixed-use developments that incorporate commercial space alongside residential housing
• Higher-density housing solutions, such as townhomes and multi-unit buildings, to maximize land use efficiently

This approach aligns with economic development priorities by ensuring that Cranbrook remains accessible for workers, business owners, and new residents, supporting the local labor market and economic growth.

Strategic Infrastructure Investments to Support Growth

As part of its 2025 budget planning, Cranbrook has actively sought public input on housing needs, identifying affordability as a top priority for the community. To ensure sustainable expansion, the city is considering infrastructure investments that will:

• Improve water, sewer, and road networks to accommodate new residential developments
• Streamline permitting and zoning processes to reduce barriers for housing construction
• Balance development costs to maintain affordability while supporting long-term growth

These infrastructure upgrades are essential for attracting new businesses and industries by ensuring the city has sufficient housing supply for employees. A well-planned housing strategy helps prevent labor shortages and makes Cranbrook more competitive in retaining and attracting skilled workers.

Guiding Housing Policy Through the Official Community Plan

The newly adopted Official Community Plan (OCP) – Our Path to Cranbrook 2042 serves as a blueprint for long-term housing and development goals. The plan prioritizes:

• Infill development, encouraging higher-density housing near key employment centers and transit routes
• A mix of housing types, including townhouses, rental apartments, and secondary suites, to cater to a broad demographic
• Sustainable housing policies, focusing on energy-efficient buildings and climate-resilient designs
• Reducing regulatory barriers to streamline the approval process for developers and encourage private-sector investment

By fostering a balanced and accessible housing market, these policies directly contribute to economic stability, making Cranbrook a destination for businesses looking to establish or expand operations.

A Growing City with a Future-Ready Housing Plan

Cranbrook’s approach to housing isn’t just about increasing supply—it’s about creating a well-planned, sustainable community that supports long-term economic success. By combining strategic land use, infrastructure investment, and forward-thinking policies, the city is ensuring that both residents and businesses have the stability they need to thrive.

As housing demand continues to rise, initiatives like BC Builds and the OCP’s housing framework will help Cranbrook stay ahead, making it a prime location for investors, employers, and new residents seeking a high quality of life and economic opportunity.

Cranbrook is gaining recognition as a leader in sustainability, earning acknowledgment from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Local Governments for Sustainability Canada (ICLEI) for its ongoing efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement climate mitigation strategies.

This recognition reflects years of investment in smart infrastructure, transportation, and environmental initiatives—making Cranbrook not only a greener place to live but also a stronger place to do business. As sustainability becomes a priority for industries across Canada, Cranbrook’s leadership in this area is also an economic advantage, attracting businesses looking for cost-effective, energy-efficient locations.

Building a More Sustainable Cranbrook

Cranbrook’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about creating a community where businesses and residents can thrive. By focusing on practical, high-impact initiatives, the city is ensuring its long-term resilience while supporting economic growth.

Here are some of the key programs driving change:

• Active Transportation & Transit Expansion – Improved biking and walking infrastructure, along with a regional transit study, is making sustainable commuting easier. By investing in alternative transportation, Cranbrook is also reducing congestion and improving accessibility, making it easier for workers to get to local businesses efficiently.
• E-Scooter Pilot Program – Offering new mobility options that help reduce vehicle congestion and emissions.
• Water Conservation Initiatives – Encouraging efficient water use among homes and businesses to ensure sustainability in the face of climate challenges. With industries and commercial spaces requiring reliable infrastructure, sustainable water management helps future-proof Cranbrook’s ability to support business expansion.
• City Fleet Electrification & Energy Upgrades – Transitioning city-owned vehicles to electric alternatives and upgrading HVAC systems in public buildings to cut energy waste. Reducing operational costs for city services ensures taxpayer dollars are spent more efficiently, benefiting both businesses and residents.
• FireSmart & Wildfire Mitigation Efforts – Investing in programs that protect Cranbrook’s environment and infrastructure from climate-related risks. Proactive wildfire mitigation not only protects residential areas but also ensures the security of commercial districts and investment properties.

Why It Matters for Cranbrook’s Future

These initiatives position Cranbrook as a leader in responsible, forward-thinking development. By investing in clean infrastructure and energy efficiency, the city is strengthening its appeal to businesses looking for cost-effective, sustainable locations, investors interested in future-ready communities with long-term growth potential, and skilled professionals who prioritize environmental responsibility when choosing where to live and work.

Cranbrook’s recognition for climate leadership isn’t just an environmental win—it’s a sign of a city that’s planning ahead, balancing growth with sustainability, and building a competitive, resilient economy. With sustainability now a key factor in corporate decision-making, Cranbrook’s ongoing investment in green initiatives reinforces its reputation as a community ready to support business success while protecting its natural surroundings.

The City of Cranbrook continues to work on diversifying the local economy with regional partners from Calgary and Spokane, thanks to grant funding from the CanExport Community Investments program, through Global Affairs Canada.

This initiative aims to explore how Cranbrook can strengthen supply chains and foster innovation in the aerospace industry and its supporting sectors. It will involve strategic planning through a Business Case study and a Regional Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Attraction Strategy. The project builds on previous efforts to prepare investment-ready lands for development. The total cost is $81,000, with both the City and Global Affairs contributing equally. The City’s contribution of $41,000 will come from Economic Development, which focuses on attracting new businesses and jobs to Cranbrook.

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

This project will host events in Cranbrook, Calgary, and Washington State to build support and partnerships, aiming to make Cranbrook a key hub in the Pacific Northwest aerospace sector. It will encourage collaboration, trade missions, and knowledge sharing, while attracting investment from companies in advanced materials, aircraft manufacturing, and aerospace technologies.

“We are committed to fostering regional collaboration and investment opportunities,” says Darren Brewer, Economic Development Officer. “This will help form our long-term investment attraction strategy and strengthen ties with Calgary and Washington State.”

The City of Cranbrook gratefully acknowledges the CanExport Community Investments program within Global Affairs Canada, and the Government of Canada for this important grant funding, which is designed to help communities like Cranbrook attract foreign investment to help diversify local economies and create economic growth.

You can learn more about CanExport online here.