Nelson The Kootenays are making a comeback A new report shows the Kootenay region is improving as a place to live, work and invest by AMED NAQVI
SPECTACULAR SCENERY: the BC Check-Up report revealed that Nelson and the Kootenay region has seen an increase business activity, greater capital investment in tourism and mining and more people and jobs —photo by Tanya Laing Moore
As a long-time chartered accountant in Nelson, I’ve witnessed first hand the ups and downs of the provincial economy, and how fluctuations in commodity prices can directly impact our resource-dependent region. The economic slump of the late 1990s hit us hard, resulting in lost jobs, declining investment, and young people leaving the area.
Fortunately, a new report by the Chartered Accountants of B.C., BC Check-Up, Regional Edition, shows that positive trends are starting to emerge as Nelson and the Kootenay Development Region are seeing an economic resurgence.
According to the CA report, in recent years we have seen an increase in business activity, greater capital investment in tourism and mining and, most importantly, more people and jobs.
The report found that the number of business incorporations in our region has almost doubled over the past five years (from 313 in 2001 to 603 in 2006). Last year the number of business incorporations grew by 12.5 per cent, considerably higher than the provincial growth rate of 7.6 per cent.
At the same time, the number of business bankruptcies dropped. In 2006, there were 29 business bankruptcies—which is always a concern—however, this rate is still a substantial improvement compared to the 55 business bankruptcies seen in 2003.
The better business climate is also shown by a significant infusion of capital investment. According to the BC Major Projects Inventory, as of December 2006, there were 13 proposed projects in our region, including $1.6 billion in resort or residential/resort development, $687 million for hydro or power station infrastructure, and $265 million for mining projects.
All this economic activity is paying off, and the Kootenay region has enjoyed an improved job market and a turnaround in population numbers.
In 2006, the unemployment rate was 6.2 per cent, compared to 9.7 per cent five years earlier. As a result, the demand for skilled workers in various trades has increased, and these new opportunities are attracting people back to the area. Notably, last year was the first population gain since 1997, which shows that people are voting for our region with their feet.
The overall conclusion reached in the BC Check-Up report is that Nelson and the Kootenay region is much improved as place in which to live, work, and invest.
Amed Naqvi is a chartered accountant with Berg Naqvi Lehmann in Nelson. The BC Check-Up report is available online at www.bccheckup.com.
Key Nelson contacts
Environmentally friendly living Biosustain Technologies is offering five-acre lots on new crown land in Nelson, Ymir and the West Kootenays as well as one-acre lots with waterfront living on the Columbia River; these developments feature engineered and sustainable building design with environmentally friendly land development. In addition to home design and building lots, Biosustain Technologies also offers construction services, topsoil, flagstone rock products and landscaping and property development.
Real Tires for Real People Whether you're taking the kids to the ball game, on the way to a meeting or feeling the curves of your favourite stretch of highway, TOYO has the perfect tire to match your driving needs. Carefully thought out designs using leading edge technology ensure the safest and most reliable product possible. You deserve the best! Find them at Revelstoke Excel Tire Centre.
Revelstoke Excel Tire Centre Revelstoke, BC PHONE: (250) 837-4942
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Specialty Cut Lumber For Sale! The Tobacco Plains Sawmill caters to hobbyists and others in need of specialty cut sizes of lumber. Most of the mill's lumber is made from pine and fir. The lumber is rough cut but can be planed, if needed. The sawmill is owned and operated by the Tobacco Plains Indian Band, one of seven bands of the Ktunaza Nation, in Grassmere, B.C. Contact the band for lumber prices or for information about the band's other business ventures: the Tobacco Plains Duty Free Shop and Edwards Lake Campground
Tobacco Plains Band Sawmill Grasmere, BC PHONE: (250) 887-3461
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Reaching MAX potential Roca Mines Inc. is focused on the outstanding mineral exploration and development potential located within British Columbia. Roca's primary asset is the MAX Molybdenum Project, located 60 kilometres southeast of Revelstoke, B.C. MAX is Canada's first new primary molybdenum mine in more than 30 years and B.C.'s first brand new metal mine in a decade. Regional economic benefits have already been realized, with community well-being and employee health as our primary goals Local environmental protection and community involvement are cornerstones to our success. Initial molybdenum concentrate production from the MAX Mine commenced in late 2007. Roca Mines Inc., and our wholly-owned subsidiary, FortyTwo Metals Inc., thank everyone who has taken part in building this exciting B.C.-based project.
Roca Mines Ltd 490 - 1122 Mainland St Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 684-2900
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Sultan Minerals Inc. Dawson Construction Limited is a general contractor operating throughout British Columbia and into Alberta. Our operations began actively in the west in 1922. Since the beginning we have been and continue to be 100 per cent British Columbia owned and operated. A solid infrastructure paired with a professional and knowledgeable management team allows Dawson Construction Limited to function efficiently and effectively. We are always looking for talented individuals to work in both hourly and salaried positions. With the right people we can work as a team to successfully achieve our present and future goals, which follow our mission.
Sultan Minerals Inc 1400-570 Granville ST Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 687-4622
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Live in Nature. Play in Nature. Kootenay Lake Village is a one-of-a-kind waterfront development being created on 450 acres of beautiful forestland with almost three kilometres of shoreline on the spectacular and expansive Kootenay Lake. One-hundred-year-old forests still cover much of this outstanding property, which receives long hours of sunshine. Experience the breathtaking views of the lake and alpine peaks of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges year round. Adjoining Kootenay Lake Village are fifty kilometers of undeveloped, pristine waterfront real estate and an abundance of secluded beaches.
Kootenay Lake Development Corp. (kootenay Lake Village) Po Box 1053 Nelson, BC PHONE: (250) 505-5558
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All Weather Windows Bay 1-8241 30 ST SE Calgary, AB PHONE: (403) 720-0022 WEBSITE: www.allweatherwindows.com
Forest Grove Lumber 2700 Orchard Ave Mcminnville, OR PHONE: (971) 241-5060 WEBSITE: www.timbersourcecanada.com
Forest Grove Lumber 2700 Orchard Ave Mcminnville, OR PHONE: (971) 241-5060 WEBSITE: www.timbersourcecanada.com
Build your dream home Sitka Log Homes is able to offer the homeowner the flexibility to choose any design imaginable to match their individuality and lifestyle. Over the years, we have built everything from small vacation cabins to large resorts. We offer you our experience working with homeowners, contractors, designers and architects in Europe, Asia, Canada and the United States.You can be assured that our highly skilled craftsmen will build your log home, hybrid or timber frame home to the high expectations that you want and deserve.
Sitka Log Homes 5454 Tatton Rd 100 Mile House, BC PHONE: (250) 791-6683
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Maglio Building Centre Ltd 29 Government RD. Nelson, BC PHONE: (250) 352-6661 WEBSITE: www.maglio.ca
A legacy for the people Created by the people, for the people, the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) serves the residents of the Canadian portion of the Columbia River Basin. Working closely with people who live in the Basin, CBT assists communities in addressing their needs by: providing resources and funding; focusing on local priorities and issues; bringing people together around key issues; providing useful, credible, accessible information; encouraging collaboration and partnerships; and seeking ongoing input from Basin residents. Learn more about our work online at www.cbt.org.
Columbia Basin Trust 828D Baker Street Cranbrook, B.C. PHONE: (250) 426-1103
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Kal Tire (Nelson) 75 Baker St Nelson, BC PHONE: (250) 354-4494 WEBSITE: www.kaltire.com
Bc Forest Safety Council 200-1055 West Hastings St Vancouver, BC PHONE: (604) 632-0211 WEBSITE: www.bcforestsafe.org
Amec Americas Ltd 1385 Cedar Ave Trail, BC PHONE: (250) 368-2425 WEBSITE: www.amec.com
Hall Printing 815 Victoria St Trail, BC PHONE: (250) 364-2300 WEBSITE: www.hallprinting.ca
Phoenix Computers 468 Baker St Nelson, BC PHONE: (250) 354-4300 WEBSITE: www.phoenixcomputers.com
Red Eye Rentals & Sales Windermere, BC, BC PHONE: (250) 342-4426 WEBSITE:
Power Paving Nelson, BC PHONE: (888) 670-0066 WEBSITE:
