Spa resort an enjoyable challenge
Cranbrook contractor works on Kimberley project
Chad Jensen and his dad, Rick Jensen. —Photo by Kris Lindblad
The Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa development at the base of the ski hill in Kimberley has been a boon for local and area businesses and tradespeople. Kootenay Business magazine spoke to Chad Jensen, president of New Dawn Developments, about the Cranbrook company’s involvement in this spa-inspired, destination resort. h3. What is New Dawn Development’s role in the Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa project? We are the general contractor, plus we provided ‘value engineering’ during the design stages. h3. What has been the most challenging aspect of this project? That would probably be the challenge of working within an operating resort (Kimberley Alpine Resort), especially during the winter months with the high traffic on the ski hill, dealing with snow removal, winter construction issues, etc. h3. How has New Dawn Developments met those challenges? New Dawn has invested heavily in winter construction equipment, ranging from ground-thawing equipment to temporary heating equipment. Constant snow removal has been ongoing, and we’ve worked with RCR (Resorts of the Canadian Rockies) to ensure that deliveries to the project and deliveries to the resort were both managed effectively. h3. What, in particular, makes this job an interesting one? The design is unique, giving a twist to the standard alpine architecture. The mixed use with the inclusion of a restaurant and spa has also made this an interesting project. h3. What are you most proud of in terms of the Mountain Spirit project? We’re very proud of the quality of the units, and of the relationship that exists with the developers. h3. What local businesses have contributed labour and/or supplies to this project? It’s quite a long list—Mountainside Falseworks, Casemore Masonry, Long Valley Steel, EK Insulation, Gramlich Construction, Key City Drywall, Riemann Painting, Cawdell Finishing, Gipman Millwork, Affordable Flooring, G C Electric, Armor Roofing, Davis Decking, Kootenay Vinyl Deck, Homestead Developments, All Seasons Landscaping, Trikon Precast, 3-D Concrete, Crystal Glass, City Glass and Tyee Log Homes. h3. Can you estimate how much work (number of workers, man hours) the Mountain Spirit Resort and Spa project has provided for this region? Probably an average of 80 people per day for 16 months. h3. What’s the time span of New Dawn Development’s involvement in this project? New Dawn started working with the developer in 2003 on the original concept. The final design and construction drawings commenced in 2007. h3. Has this project been a fun one to work on? All projects are fun to work on! The best part of this business is that every day and every job is different. The job has been rewarding due to the variety of commercial and residential components within the building. The Mountain Spirit units feature geothermal heating and cooling, contemporary unit finishes and extensive timberwork. h3. In a nutshell, how would you describe New Dawn Development’s business philosophy? New Dawn’s goal is to become the region’s contractor which our present and potential clients, partners and employees aspire to be involved with. In short…to be the best! h3. What are some of New Dawn’s previous projects? At Panorama Mountain Village, New Dawn has worked on the Wolf Lake townhomes, Aurora townhomes, the Fireside restaurant and the Crazy Horse Saloon. In Kimberley, our projects have included Northstar Mountain Village, Willow Vista, Dreamcatcher Chalets and the Forest Crowne cottages. In Cranbrook, we were the general contractor for Northwood Estates and Orchard Park Estates, plus Boulder Creek, the Discovery Centre and corporate offices for Wildstone. We’ve also been responsible for about 200 custom homes in Cranbrook. h3. What upcoming projects is New Dawn looking forward to in 2009? We’ll continue working with Northwood and Wildstone, as well as with Dreamcatcher and the Forest Crowne subdivision. We have custom homes in the works, and will be expanding into the commercial sector. We will continue to work with developers to bring new projects to the market.
Key Cranbrook contacts
Cranbrook, BC
A global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal
Our company is a global leader in the production and sale of hard coking coal...a relatively uncommon mineral that is essential in the production of steel. With six mines in two Canadian provinces, more than 3,000 employees and a business focused on supplying world steel producers, our company is strongly positioned in a very competitive market.
Cranbrook, BC
Explore the wonders at Island Lake Lodge
Secluded in the peaks of Canada's Kootenay Rockies, Island Lake Lodge and Spa sits on 7,000 acres of pristine wilderness, above a picturesque mountain lake surrounded by an old-growth forest.
Hiking trails begin at the doorstep of each lodge gaining you access to gentle walks and rocky mountain peaks. Our full-service mountain spa promises to relax and renew your senses. Acclaimed food and wine await you at the end of each day in our Ancient Timbers Dining Room.
This summer join us and experience British Columbia's ultimate retreat Island Lake Resort and Spa in the Rocky Mountains near Fernie, B.C.
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Acreage lots for sale
Mountain Shores Acreage Estates is located on the east shore of Kootenay Lake, 45 minutes from Creston. The lots offer beautiful views of Kootenay Lake set against snow-capped mountains. We offer access to fishing, golfing, hiking and water-skiing. We are a short drive from the championship 18-hole Kokanee Springs Golf Resort at Crawford Bay and there are spectacular golf courses close by. Build your cottage or dream home at Mountain Shores and enjoy making memories in your own piece of paradise.
Mountain Shores Development Corporation
Cranbrook, BC
We help people hear clearly again
More and more people under the age of 60 are finding themselves with some loss of hearing. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the sooner the effects of hearing loss can be controlled. While past generations have suffered in silence (literally), this no longer needs to be the case.
The friendly, professional and knowledgeable staff at The Hearing Loss Clinic provide the instruments and expertise to help people hear clearly again. Experience innovative devices such as the Destiny 1600, and get efficient, helpful information in a caring environment.
Cranbrook, BC
We pride ourselves on quality parts, service and products.
At Rocky Mountain Diesel, we pride ourselves on making quality repairs to all makes of trucks and trailers. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains we know the tough conditions that your truck is put through every day. As a Western Star Trucks dealer we are committed to providing our customers with the latest in diagnostic equipment and highly trained technicians. Our up-to-date facility can accommodate even the longest configurations. The trucks you operate are a big investment, and we want to help your company be successful. Call or stop by and see for yourself why we have been keeping trucks like yours on the road for over 20 years.
Cranbrook, BC
At The Bedroom Furniture Galleries, the customer comes first - and we mean it! We offer a 60 day home comfort guarantee on everything we sell. If your not completely happy with you purchase let us know and we'll be glad to find you something else or refund your money.
We are the Kootenay's La-Z-Boy Gallery so we have every style available with a cutting edge design center. with thousands of leather and fabric choices you'll find exactly what your looking for to customize your space.
Cranbrook, BC
Making beautiful home furnishings affordable
At Ashley Furniture Home Store, we make beautiful home furnishings affordable. Because the Ashley Team controls all processes from design to delivery, we are able to reduce our costs and pass these savings on to our customers as exclusive Ashley Furniture Home Store pricing. We are locally owned and operated, so we have better insight into the needs and preferences of our customers at the local level. Additionally, many of our stores actively participate in charitable events that promote the enrichment of their communities. Most significantly, we are committed to you, our customer, and want to ensure you have an excellent experience each time you visit us.
Cranbrook, BC
Cummins: Providing the best in the diesel business.
Cummins Western Canada is the distributor for Cummins Inc. in Western Canada and we were recently recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies. Cummins Inc. manufactures the world's best and most complete line of diesel engines. Cummins serves a wide variety of customers and we provide power for all types of vehicles and equipment, including heavy duty trucks, mining, oil and gas and logging equipment, generator sets, boats, buses, RVs and pick-up trucks.
Cummins Western Canada is dedicated to providing the best products, service and support in the business. Our staff continually strives to improve our service to customers, and keeps a relentless focus on quality and excellence.
Cranbrook, BC
Ingredients for life
Canada Safeway focuses on providing world class service to customers by exceeding their expectations. The development of Safeway's "Lifestyle" stores is a critical strategy that sets Safeway stores apart. Lifestyle stores are designed for busy customers who want to find everything in one place, great selection, knowledgeable staff, specialty items, and ready-to-eat meals. Visit your local Safeway for ingredients for life.
Cranbrook, BC
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies
Occupying more than 1,250 acres, Forest Crowne is the largest master planned community in the area, which is bordered by the 2,300-acre Kimberley Nature Park, Mark Creek, Kimberley Municipal Golf Course—and will have connections to the Kimberley Alpine Resort and to Nordic Ski trails.
We have single family lots (phase 3) available to purchase to build your own dream home. For those who want to buy a finished home, Eagles Nest Homes offers one- and two-storey cottages with steep roof pitches, long covered porches, multi-paned windows, old fashioned details and the genuine neighbourly feeling of communities past. Imagine single family homes for under $300,000!
Cranbrook, BC
Real living for the really grown up
Golden Life Management provides innovative, attractive and comfortable seniors housing communities.
We aim to ensure that seniors of all ages and abilities enjoy a high standard of living and we know that their happiness requires a quality, purpose-built house and all the attributes that make it feel like home. We employ professional, compassionate and attentive staff to provide the care and services that help our residents live independently, safely and happily. We provide seniors with the security they need to enjoy their time, pursue their interests and maintain their relationships with loved ones.
We take pride in providing progressive, attractive housing for seniors, and peace of mind for their loved ones.
Richmond, BC
PHONE: 1-800-663-2872
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 417-6565 or (250) 417-7218
East Kootenay Paving
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop
Cranbrook, BC
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-7205
B.A. Blacktop 
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5352
Highpoint Plumbing & Heating Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-5460
Dueck Enterprises -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-4056
Key City Drywall Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 489-1123
The New Pro-Fitness Gym -
Castlegar, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Phone: (250) 426-3808
Dacota Freight Service Ltd. -
Cranbrook, BC
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Cranbrook, BC
Vital statistics
- Population :: 19,161
- Number of businesses :: 1,454
- Supporting industries :: Forestry, public sector, mining, manufacturing, tourism, trade, transportation, service
Vital contacts
- City of Cranbrook :: www.cranbrook.ca
- Mayor :: Scott Manjak
- Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce :: www.cranbrookchamber.com
- Manager :: Karin Penner
- Phone :: 1.800.222.6174
Biz Blog :: Keith Powell
A regular report on newsworthy business developments in the Kootenays.
Kootenay Insights :: Tanya Laing Gahr
An inside look at the initiatives and developments that help shape Kootenay communities.
At Work :: Sandra Albers
One-on-one with some of the Kootenay’s business leaders.
Biz Edge :: Danielle Cameron
The faces behind Kootenay businesses.
