Meeting the demands
Elkford is eager to meet the challenges of growing tourism
The mining community of Elkford is ready to welcome the world to the pristine wilderness setting it enjoys. —Photo by Tanya Laing Gahr
Founded in 1971 as a home for miners working in the newly established Fording Coal company, Elkford remains a community populated and supported mainly by the coal industry—69 per cent of the town’s residents are employed in the mining sector. However, tourism is bringing more visitors to the area than ever before, and the town is working to accommodate this influx. Increased mining activity and the growing number of investors in search of recreational property have created a housing crunch in Elkford. Currently, there are no available homes on the market, and the town is actively trying to lure developers. Elkford’s residents enjoy a higher-than-average income, a lower rate of unemployment, and some of the lowest property and municipal taxes in the region. Although below the provincial average, there has been a recent increase in home-based businesses.
Key Elkford 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.
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.
Richmond, BC
PHONE: 1-800-663-2872
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Elkford, BC
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Welling, AB
Phone: (403) 752-3775
Ag-Steel Ltd.
Vital statistics
- Population :: 2,700
- Number of businesses :: 276
- Supporting industries :: Mining, tourism, trade
Vital contacts
- District of Elkford :: www.elkford.ca
- Mayor :: Dean McKerracher
- Chamber of Commerce :: www.tourismelkford.ca
- Manager :: Melody Anderson
- Phone ::1-877-355-9453
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.
