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Kootenay Insights » by Tanya Laing Gahr

A focus on Kootenay communities

Tanya Laing Gahr

Senior writer Tanya Laing Gahr has been writing for Kootenay Business magazine since 2006, and through the hundreds of stories she has written for the magazine and website, she has gained a deeper understanding of the unique and diverse nature of businesses in the region.

More than that, however, she has gained a sense of how the individual communities drive the businesses, helping chart the direction they go. Each district, town and city has a particular outlook and personality, and each take on challenges that continue to define who they are in the region and in the world.

Join Tanya as she explores the initiatives, movements, projects and developments that help shape Kootenay communities, the businesses in the region and the people who live here.

Email Tanya if you have a business story idea.

Latest Columns »

Two men and one woman in front of timber-frame structure
Cranbrook, Education,

The Aboriginal Gathering Place will welcome everyone

The College of the Rockies and the Ktunaxa Nation are partners in building the Aboriginal Gathering Place at the college's main campus in Cranbrook, B.C.

Posted April 6, 2011
Large group holding banner that says
Castlegar, Nelson, Trail, Tourism,

Showing the youngsters how it’s done

This year, the BC Seniors Games are being shared jointly between the communities of Castlegar, Nelson and Trail.

Posted February 9, 2011
Two young hockey players cut ribbon in hockey arena
Cranbrook, Developments,

Memorial Arena upgrades are no longer on ice

The recent $3.6-million upgrades to Cranbrook's Memorial Arena are both esthetically pleasing and energy efficient.

Posted January 12, 2011
An artist's rendering of a park with colourful banners and a sculpture of a miner’s head
Fernie, Mining, Tourism,

Look for the sweet spot

The City of Fernie is in the planning stages of installing an outdoor exhibit on the grounds of City Hall that will tell the story of mining in the Elk Valley.

Posted December 6, 2010
a man and woman near a tree sculpture and clock tower
Cranbrook, Environment, Technology,

Making the connection

Cranbrook is now in the process of creating a single document that provides a glimpse into what the city could be in 50 years.

Posted November 10, 2010
A woman and a man stand with mountains in the background
Cranbrook,

The ties that bind us

In his first two years as mayor of Cranbrook, Scott Manjak said that there are many accomplishments in which he takes pride.

Posted November 3, 2010
A group of 21 men and women stand on a site at the edge of town with forested mountains behind.
Cranbrook,

Commerce starts with industry

A tour of the Industrial Park in Cranbrook, B.C., helped build business connections between chamber of commerce members.

Posted September 23, 2010
The photo shows a living room, dining and kitchen area tastefully furnished and designed.
Fernie, Developments, Real Estate,

Home, sweet, affordable home

Business and community come together to solve the affordable housing dilemma in Fernie, B.C.

Posted September 13, 2010
A man sits on an outdoor bench.
Cranbrook, Developments,

A downtown state of mind

When planning a vibrant city centre, it’s the details that make all the difference, according to planner Ross Blackwell.

Posted September 7, 2010
Three men in suits walk across the tarmac with two planes and mountains in the background.
Cranbrook,

Smoother landings are on the way

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in Cranbrook, B.C., on August 10, 2010, to pay tribute to the long-standing Conservative MP of Kootenay-Columbia, Jim Abbott.

Posted August 10, 2010
Two men and two women stand outdoors in front of a metal sculpture of a canoe.
Cranbrook,

Forging a relationship

Every piece of art starts with an idea. For blacksmith and artist Paul Reimer and visual artist Mike Hepher, it started with the question, “What can we do to address the divisions between First Nations people and ourselves?”

Posted June 29, 2010
Bev Middlebrook
Kimberley,

Sparking hope in Kimberley’s youth

The Life Entrepreneurial and Employment Skills (LEES) Youth Learning Centre and Spark Drop-In Centre, just off the platzl in Kimberley, have been in operation for over 15 years.

Posted November 2, 2009
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