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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.

A number of key infrastructure projects in the City of Cranbrook’s 2025 Capital Works program are progressing well, with several additional initiatives preparing to break ground later this summer. These improvements reflect the City’s commitment to sustainable, responsible growth and long-term community development.

Construction is now underway for Phase 1 of the Victoria Avenue Sanitary Sewer Trunk replacement. Copcan Civil LP is upgrading and upsizing the existing system between 6th Street North and 2nd Street North to alleviate sanitary capacity concerns. Full roadway repaving of this section will follow the underground work. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on Victoria Avenue until the end of October.

Work also continues on the 6th Street South reconstruction. Gally Equipment Services Ltd. has completed installation of a new watermain, service lines, and water meters, along with upgraded storm infrastructure to support the redesigned roadway. Although recent rainfall has temporarily paused construction to allow subgrade soils to dry, the project remains on track.

On 18th Street South, Gally Equipment also delivered an early and budget-conscious installation of a new fire hydrant—an important safety enhancement for the community.

Progress is also being made on the City’s environmental infrastructure. Phase 4 of the Sewer Lagoons Project has been awarded to Lambourne Environmental. Desludging of Cell 2 began in early July and is proceeding smoothly, with expected sludge volumes successfully removed. Aeration will be reinstated before work begins on Cell 3, where new airlines and diffusers will be installed. Baffle curtain installation is planned for fall 2025.

Meanwhile, thanks to a $500,000 Active Transportation grant from the Province of British Columbia, McPhee Road is preparing for a major upgrade. The project will include a new raised and separated multi-use path between Theatre Road and Industrial Road F, along with full resurfacing of this Priority 1 roadway. Design work is complete, and staff are currently reviewing contractor submissions following procurement closure in mid-July. Construction is anticipated to take place between mid-August and mid-October.

Another cornerstone project is the launch of the City Water Supply UV Disinfection Facility. Following a competitive proposal process, Kiewit was selected as the project contractor. Collaborative design meetings are now underway between the City, Kiewit, and consulting engineers to develop detailed plans that emphasize efficiency and effectiveness. Future updates will be provided as the design process continues.

These capital works are more than construction projects—they are foundational elements in Cranbrook’s strategy to grow and evolve responsibly, supporting public health, infrastructure modernization, environmental sustainability, and mobility.

Learn more Capital Projects – Economic Development Data Platform

Cranbrook is experiencing a noticeable upswing in construction activity, with high-density residential and multifamily developments leading the way in the first half of 2025. This upward trend is expected to continue as the city leverages key infrastructure investments and policy updates designed to support growth.

According to a report presented to Council by the Engineering and Development Services department, building permit activity and construction values have increased significantly compared to the same period in 2024:

Permit Values to June 30 2025: $35,559,381.85 (108 permits) 2024: $14,962,005.50 (99 permits)

The 2025 figures show strong investment across multiple construction sectors:

• Single Family: $15,392,449.89 (up from $10,264,152 in 2024)
• Multi-Family: $10,650,000.00 (up from $0 in 2024)
• Commercial: $4,045,490.00
• Industrial: $443,610.00
• Institutional: $1,850,000.00
• Government: $1,592,000.00

One of the most notable projects includes WestUrban Development Ltd’s $10.65 million apartment complex on 4th Street North. WestUrban is also exploring another development site on Kootenay Street North for 2025 or 2026.

Subdivision approvals have also climbed in 2025, with eight projects cleared so far. Highlights include 43 new housing lots in Shadow Mountain and a resubmission for 23 additional lots. Other active developments include new townhomes near St. Mary’s School, projects along 1st Avenue South overlooking Elizabeth Lake, and Southwood Heights by New Dawn Developments. The city has observed an increase in smaller lot sizes and duplex-style dwellings aimed at better addressing market and housing demands.

This growth follows strategic moves by the city, including updates to the Official Community Plan, Downtown Revitalization Master Plan, and Housing Needs Assessment. The recent launch of Revitalization Tax Exemption bylaws for the downtown area and Victoria Avenue corridor is already drawing increased interest in new developments.

“Our revitalization efforts are starting to show results, especially around Victoria Avenue,” says Mayor Wayne Price. “We’re seeing real interest thanks to targeted policy updates and infrastructure planning.”

Major regional projects are also on the horizon. These include a $232 million upgrade to the F.W. Green Home, planning for an $89 million expansion of East Kootenay Regional Hospital, and replacement plans for Amy Woodland Elementary School.

With this increase in development complexity, staff are focused on supporting builders and developers through clearer processes and improved communication. Permit turnaround times remain competitive, though additional support is being planned.

“We’re working hard to keep pace,” says Mike Matejka, Director of Engineering and Development Services. “We’ll be updating the Development Guide later this year to help streamline more complex and higher-density projects.”

The city welcomes this surge in construction as a sign of economic vitality. Residents and developers alike are choosing Cranbrook, and together, they are helping shape its future.

The City of Cranbrook is taking decisive steps to increase and incentivize development along key corridors through its new Tax Revitalization Program. Designed to spark investment and enhance the urban fabric, the initiative focuses on encouraging growth in both the Downtown core and the Victoria Avenue corridor.

In Downtown Cranbrook, the program provides compelling incentives for new commercial and mixed-use developments valued at $1 million or more. It also supports substantial renovations to existing buildings and façade improvements—making it easier for property owners to elevate and modernize their assets. Qualifying projects are eligible for municipal property tax exemptions of up to five years, with relief ranging from 80 percent to 100 percent depending on the scope of work.

Victoria Avenue is being positioned as a high-potential corridor for new residential growth. Developments must include a minimum of five living units and carry a construction value of at least $1 million to qualify. These projects will receive a five-year tax exemption, beginning at 100 percent in the first year and gradually tapering to 20 percent by the fifth year.

These strategic programs support the City’s broader goal of fostering responsible and sustainable growth by encouraging reinvestment in targeted areas that have strong potential to evolve into vibrant, mixed-use destinations. The City is laying the groundwork for increased housing supply, more diverse commercial opportunities, and a revitalized urban environment—all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Developers and builders who share the vision of a thriving, modern Cranbrook are invited to take part in this effort to shape the community’s future. The Tax Revitalization Program represents an open call to invest in projects that serve both present needs and long-term aspirations.

More details and planning tools are available at www.choosecranbrook.ca, including access to the Downtown Revitalization Master Plan, data and GIS portals, and direct contact information for City planning staff.

For more information please visit https://data.choosecranbrook.ca/tours?tour=downtown_revitalization_victoria_av

The Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is proud to announce its busiest June on record, with just under 15,000 passengers travelling through the airport. There were 750 additional passengers last month than in June of last year, marking a milestone in regional travel and continued community growth.

“Increased passenger volumes reflect a strong return to travel, growing confidence in regional tourism, and the value of connecting Cranbrook and the Kootenays to the world via Western Canada’s hub airports,” says Tristen Chernove, CEO of Elevate Airports Inc. “This record-setting June tells a powerful story about how people are rediscovering the beauty and accessibility of flying from YXC.”

Adding to the excitement, Delightfull, YXC’s new on-site restaurant, has officially opened its doors—offering great breakfast and lunch selections and premium coffee to travelers and airport staff alike. The long-anticipated arrival of Delightfull has been warmly received as a vibrant and welcome addition to the terminal experience.

“The Canadian Rockies International Airport continues to demonstrate strong and consistent performance, now exceeding our pre-COVID passenger numbers. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such an important gateway right here in our city—connecting Cranbrook to the world with reliability and convenience.” added Darren Brewer, Economic Development Officer for the City of Cranbrook “These milestones reflect the hard work of our team and the growing trust of travelers near and far. We look forward to continued growth and new opportunities for our region.

“We’re focused on more than just numbers,” adds Chernove. “We’re building a gateway that reflects the values of our region—hospitality, safety, and community care.”

What does it mean to make it? 

In Cranbrook, it means opportunity—real, tangible opportunity. It means room to grow, support systems that lift you up, and a city that’s not just open to new ideas, but actively investing in them. With the launch of our bold new economic development campaign—Make It in Cranbrook—we’re inviting business leaders, investors, creators, and families from near and far to reimagine what success looks like in a place where life and work are in harmony.

Make what? 

Make your business thrive. Make your home in a city that values lifestyle and ambition in equal measure. Make your family part of a community that looks out for one another. Make your future, your fortune, your legacy. Make your mark. Cranbrook offers everything driven individuals, global investors, and families need to truly make it—and we’re just getting started.

A Prime Landing Spot for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing

Cranbrook is quietly transforming into a launchpad for advanced industries. With direct access to key Western Canadian and U.S. markets, an International Airport, well-developed highways and rail on a historic supply chain route , and a skilled and growing talent pool, we are ideally positioned for companies in aerospace, clean energy, manufacturing, and beyond. Partnerships with neighboring provinces and states—including Alberta, British Columbia, and the Pacific Northwest—are driving forward a shared vision of a resilient cross-border supply chain, especially in sectors like aviation, defense, and energy. From fabrication to final assembly, the region is aligning around a smarter, more connected industrial future—and Cranbrook is at its center.

An Open Door for Foreign Direct Investment

For international investors, Cranbrook is more than just a great deal—it’s a strategic decision. We’ve modernized how business gets done, from streamlined permitting and development processes to infrastructure that’s ready for immediate investment. Our competitive tax environment, including targeted revitalization exemptions, makes it easier to launch or expand without unnecessary red tape or risk. We’re actively building relationships with visionary global partners—those who are ready to plant roots, generate long-term jobs, and help shape the next chapter of Cranbrook’s economy.

“Cranbrook is ready for business in every sense,” said Mayor Wayne Price. “With our new Official Community Plan, revitalization tax incentives, and a clear focus on industry attraction, we’re signaling to the world that Cranbrook is a place where you can build something real—and build it to last.”

A Place to Live, Work, and Thrive

But this isn’t just about balance sheets and business metrics. Make It in Cranbrook is about crafting a life that works. With four true seasons, a thriving arts and culture scene, endless access to outdoor recreation, and a tight-knit community of professionals and makers, Cranbrook offers a rare combination: a chance to succeed without sacrificing what matters most. It’s a city where morning meetings can be followed by afternoon hikes, and where ambition is matched by quality of life.

If you live in Cranbrook, you already know—the sound of skates carving ice and the roar of the crowd at Western Financial Place isn’t just background noise. It’s the rhythm of our community. The Cranbrook Bucks aren’t just a BCHL hockey team, they’re our team. They wear our colors, skate on our ice, and carry our hopes every time they hit the rink.

This is grassroots hockey at its finest. Behind the scenes, the Bucks organization employs over 80 part-time and 10 full-time staff, creating local jobs and building pride across the region. That’s folks running the concession stands, maintaining the ice, selling tickets, making sure the music plays when we score—all part of the experience that brings us together as a town.

And this isn’t just about sport. It’s about giving back. Over the past five years, the Bucks have raised more than $100,000 for the Rotary Club of Cranbrook, helping fund community programs, youth initiatives, and projects that make our city stronger. When you buy a ticket, you’re not just supporting a team—you’re investing in Cranbrook.

There’s nothing like live junior hockey. The energy in the arena, the passion of the players, the buzz when the puck drops—it hits different in person. You see the speed, the heart, the hustle. These young men are chasing dreams, and they leave it all on the ice every night.

Now’s the perfect time to be part of something special. The arena is buzzing, the team is fired up, and the energy is building game by game. Bring your friends, gather the family, and come feel the pulse of Cranbrook’s game day spirit. There’s nothing like being in the stands when the Bucks light the lamp.

Join the momentum. Join the Herd. This is more than hockey. It’s Cranbrook’s game

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.