Growth starts with revitalization
Trail is benefiting from the influence of new residents
The city of Trail is currently experiencing a lot of growth —photo by Brian Findlow
With the vast majority of its workforce retiring at an accelerating pace, Trail is now seeing an influx of younger, highly skilled immigrants coming into the city. The new residents are having an influence on the cultural face of the community too. “There is certainly some attention being paid to the cultural development of the town,” said Marten Kruysse, economic development director for Trail. “The Arlington Hotel has got some things going on. The Cafe Americano was just established and has now transformed into sort of an entertainment cafe. It is all very neat.” Along with the cultural development, there has been work started on beautification of the city. “Aesthetics was something that really needed to be addressed,” said Kruysse. “It’s not something that is on everyone’s tongue, but these are things that are really important and they reflect the very high standard of environmental integrity in the area now.” According to Kruysse, the arrival of younger people to the city is contributing to Trail’s revitalization in a number of ways. “They are bringing high skills with them and money and a kind of urban demand,” said Kruysse. “They are demanding that the community have services that are kind of big-city services, and Trail is in a position to provide a lot of them.” There has also been an influx of people coming from the big cities to Trail for the lifestlye and bringing their businesses with them. And, there have been a greater number of people wanting to retire there too. “People are relocating and making their contributions,” Kruysse said.
Key Trail contacts
Trail, BC
Build your own future
Community Futures Development Corporation of Greater Trail is a community driven organization consisting of a team of business savvy individuals and volunteer board of directors. We work with local community partners and budding entrepreneurs to ensure Greater Trail will be competitive in the Global economy. Community Futures fosters local entrepreneurs through all phases of business from the pre-startup phase to the expansion of existing business. We offer entrepreneurial programs and training, business counseling, loan programs and a business library of resource material to people interested in expanding or starting a business. We also promote, co-ordinate and implement a wide variety of community economic development initiatives within the region.
Trail, BC
A four-season destination
Nestled in the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges, Trail is a four-season destination, offering an abundance of recreational activities--from golfing to skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing and hiking--as well as first-class recreational facilities.
For residents and visitors alike, Trail offers outstanding opportunities for living life well and to the fullest.
Castlegar, BC
Save power, reap rewards
FortisBC is committed to providing safe, reliable electrical service at the lowest reasonable cost. The company serves approximately 110,000 customers directly in communities throughout south central British Columbia, including Kelowna, Osoyoos, Trail, Castlegar, Princeton and Rossland—and approximately 47,500 customers through the wholesale supply of power to municipal distributors in the communities of Summerland, Penticton, Kelowna, Grand Forks and Nelson.
FortisBC provides services such as:
• Generating and distributing electricity to homes and businesses in the southern interior of British Columbia
• 24-hour outage repair and emergency response
• Building, maintaining and upgrading power lines and facilities
• Installing and reading meters
• Providing electrical safety education in the community
Castlegar, BC
A legacy for the people
Created by the people, for the people, 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. CBT provides funding and grants through a variety of programs including Arts, Culture and Heritage, Business Advocacy, Environment, Scholarships and Community Development. In addition, CBT supports regional initiatives such as Climate Change Adaptation, Water Stewardship, Literacy, Youth Engagement, and Land Conservation.
Trail, BC
Phone: (250) 368-3103
Selkirk Security Services
Richmond, BC
PHONE: 1-800-663-2872
Trail, BC
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Trail, BC
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Trail, BC
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Trail, BC
Vital statistics
- Population :: 7,575
- Number of businesses :: 500
- Supporting industries :: Mining (smelting and refining), recreation, services, tourism
Vital contacts
- City of Trail :: www.trail.ca
- Mayor :: Dieter Bogs
- Trail and District Chamber of Commerce :: www.trailchamber.com
- Manager :: Naomi McKimmie
- Phone :: (250) 368-3144
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.
