Kimberley Conference and Athlete Training Centre
With the new 24,000-square-foot Kimberley Conference and Athlete Training Centre, is scheduled to open this September. The City is hoping to attract companies looking for a first-class space for trade shows, conferences and other events, with the added mountain lifestyle features offered in the surrounding area.
“Kimberley has world-class recreation facilities right here,” said Heather Hornoi, economic development officer for the City of Kimberley. “Most conferences have pre-and-post activities, and we’re known for our golf courses…. We want to take that reputation and expand it to a first-class business destination.”
The Conference Centre itself will be the largest of its kind in the Kootenay Region. The centre will accommodate a 350-person banquet-style seated dinner or a 500-person theatre-style seated event with four break-out rooms and advanced audiovisual capabilities. This facility will enable organizations and businesses to host major conferences and seminars, where individuals can come together to learn, exchange ideas and share knowledge.
While the conference centre will be housed on the bottom floor, a training centre for nordic, alpine, curling and sledge hockey athletes will take up the main floor, in addition to an aquatic centre. “The facilities complement each other,” says Hornoi.
Athletes could train while at the same time holding awards ceremonies, for example, while companies could use the facilities for team-building exercises. “Put your work team on sledges (small sleds with blades used by Paralympic hockey athletes) and see what team can get from one side to the other with support from their group,” says Hornoi. “It’s about building that camaraderie.”
The completion of this venue, and the people that it is sure to attract will have a positive impact on local businesses and accommodators like Kimberley Accommodations who represent Timberstone and Sullivan Stone Luxury Condos.
Business in Cranbrook is steadily growing.
This last winter saw several expansions of large chains in Cranbrook BC. First being the addition of a second Tim Hortons on the strip – located in the Tamarack Mall Parking lot.
Also at the Tamarack Mall is brand new Boston Pizza. This venue is a free standing building located on the strip. A and newly expanded Shoppers which now offers groceries as well.
With all the expansion going on at the Tamarack Mall, it is little wonder that it caught the attention of Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX: AX.UN).
“We believe this is an ideal time for Artis to acquire high quality assets in solid western Canadian markets, assets like Production Court that enhance the overall quality and profile of our portfolio, in addition to being accretive to our unitholders,” said Armin Martens, CEO of Artis REIT.
It is an enclosed shopping centre occupied by national tenants including Zellers, Winners, Shoppers Drugmart and Staples. Together with the newly developed Boston Pizza and Tim Hortons pad sites, the centre comprises 287,741 square feet of rentable area and is 96.7% leased.
The City of Cranbrook is the largest urban community in south-eastern British Columbia. Forestry, mining, manufacturing, tourism, trade services, and transportation constitute the basis of the region’s economy.
Biggest Winner to Date at Casino of The Rockies
Ron Winick decided to kill a little time prior to a flight from the Canadian Rockies International Airport by playing the BC Gold game around 10 a.m. April 22nd. Less than half an hour after he sat down, suddenly his machine locked up and played the familiar animation of the old prospector riding the mine cart. Winick had struck gold!
Winick, now $192,581.68 richer, thanked the staff of the Casino Of The Rockies for sharing such an exciting and auspicious moment with him and making him a rich man.
The resort has the potential of making another person wealthy this September, with the Mountains of Gold Golf Tournament. One lucky golfer could win a millions dollars! Find out more here.
The Casino of the Rockies has 226 slot machines and a variety of table games including: Three Card & Four Card Poker, Texas Hold’em Bonus, Blackjack, Roulette, and others. The casino is part of the 125-room St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino, which features 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, and an 18-hole championship golf course.
The facility also has a fully licensed restaurant, lounge, and gaming floor. A complimentary shuttle bus service to Cranbrook is provided for guests.
Hockey High to Rocky Mountain Dream
Life was good or so she thought. A good marriage, the kids were grown and doing well. She had an exciting job promoting women’s and girls hockey in Ontario.
There were the persistent "Move west for a great life in the Rocky Mountains" sales pitches from her sister including numerous invitations to her new hometown of Cranbrook, British Columbia.
The births of a nephew and niece also meant frequent trips to the beautiful East Kootenay corner of BC. With each visit it became more difficult to leave the peacefulness and fresh mountain air to return to the traffic jams and chaotic life in southern Ontario.
Then one September evening in 2007, when chatting on-line, her sister excitedly typed that she found a website for the new Shadow Mountain golf course development.
Well that was it. A month and two trips west later, the decision was made to invest towards retirement in the amazing Rocky Mountain playground.
Next question, how could Melanie McFarlane and her husband Rick make the dream happen sooner than later? Could Melanie leave the women’s hockey world where she had spent the last 18 years involved in local, provincial, national and international events; her efforts culminating in being honoured as the 2003 Woman of the Year for Health and Fitness for the City of Hamilton.
Then in 2006, Melanie received national recognition when Hockey Canada presented the left-winger turned goaltender with the Isobel Gathorne Hardy Award. The prestigious "Player of the Year" award is attributed to an active player, at any level of the game, whose values, leadership and personal traits are representative of all female athletes. The award recognizes a player that has demonstrated strong community involvement and dedication to the game of hockey.
Could the lure of a life in south-eastern BC be greater than her hockey life? The answer was YES!
Melanie and Rick were excited at the prospect of joining the friendly and fast growing Cranbrook community, with Shadow Mountain offering a very special place to ultimately put down retirement roots.
Making the mid-life move, Melanie looked for a business idea which also offered an opportunity to get to know local folks. Who better to ask then someone who has a finger on the Kootenay pulse.
Over a coffee, Shadow Mountain Sales Consultant Irene Barnes and Melanie talked about the exciting future for Cranbrook, the Kootenays and Shadow Mountain.
The new Rocky Mountain International Airport was a key ingredient in the future growth of the region. It provided international access to the local recreational lifestyle communities. With Delta Airlines offering a link to their western hub Salt Lake City, the world was finally discovering BC’s best kept secret.
Irene mentioned the need for someone to help the future recreational homeowners keep care of their homes while vacant. What a great idea! The wheels began turning and the company name happened before the end of the day.
Thinking about the bear shadow on Shadow Mountain a perfect name would be The Bear Necessities Home Watch Service. Melanie could offer home checks, snow removal, lawn mowing, house cleaning, stock fridges, greet deliveries, airport shuttles and much more.
One goal would be to offer the recreational home owner a chance to spend more of their precious time on recreation and less time in the grocery store or cleaning. The company’s services would also be provided to permanent Cranbrook and area residents going away on vacation.
The transition west has started. Melanie has made the move and The Bear Necessities Home Watch Service is up and running. Rick currently remains in Ontario and is looking forward to joining Melanie soon in their new western adventure.
Melanie has certainly found a niche market as young families, baby-boomers and retirees all discover this recreation paradise. Not wanting to forget about her love of hockey, Melanie packed her goalie gear and was lucky enough to find that the new Cranbrook Women’s Rec Hockey League needed a netminder. Playing hockey in the Rockies, living in the beautiful City of Cranbrook…..dreams do come true!
Now it is Rick and Melanie’s turn to make the persistent "Move west for a great life in the Rocky Mountains" sales pitch to Ontario family and friends!
Mountain Shores serves up peaceful paradise
With all the buzz surrounding recreational properties in British Columbia, the attraction of the investment opportunity at Mountain Shores is what you can’t hear.
Located 40 minutes north of Creston and 50 minutes from Nelson, Mountain Shores is nestled on the tranquil shores of Kootenay Lake, the largest natural body of fresh water in southern British Columbia.
“Unlike many of the more overly populated areas such as the Okanagan or Invermere/Radium areas, the Kootenay Lake Valley remains as a little-known treasure,” says Colleen Irvine, vice-president of sales and marketing. “This land has been relatively undeveloped. Its thickly forested mountains and pristine waters provide solace to the residents and visitors alike. It is not uncommon to find yourself the only boater visible across the lake’s expanse!”
But just because you’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city centres doesn’t mean you won’t be close to desirable amenities.
A short 15-minute ride gets you to Crawford Bay, which is full of unique artisans’ shops and a variety of local pubs and restaurants. For a change of pace, buyers can also take the ferry and a short drive to relax at Ainsworth Hot Springs and Spa. The ferry ride alone is relaxing as the crossing between Kootenay Lake and Balfour is the longest and most scenic free ferry in the world.
For investors who’d rather play than relax, Mountain Shores is a four-season
destination that offers year-round fishing, as well as other recreational activities such as golfing, hiking, water skiing and downhill
skiing. Golfers will enjoy the proximity to championship 18-hole course Kokanee Springs Golf Resort in Crawford Bay, just a short 15-minute drive away.
Another attractive element to Mountain Shores is the freedom it offers to build the dream home you’ve always wanted.
Stretching over 150 acres, Mountain Shores Land Ventures Ltd. is a development company specializing in recreational and residential development and design. “By developing the land and infrastructure, buyers have the freedom and luxury to build their own cottage or dream home to suit their personal preference and budget on a fully serviced lot,” says Irvine.
Mountain Shores is being developed in three separate phases.
Phase I: Lakeside consists of 12 large lakefront lots and 22 lake house lots within a private gated and paved property. All lots have access to the beach, pool and marina.
Phase I has been sold out with one or two lots for resale.
Phase II: Mountain Shores Acreage Estates consists of 28 individually gated and fully serviced lots, each with their own panoramic lake and mountain view. Many of these lots will have their own leased boat slip in the private Mountain Shores marina. The lots are sized between 0.6 to 2.5 acres, with the
average lot being approximately one acre in size. “There is no time frame to build in the Estates making this an excellent opportunity for long-term investment,” says Irvine.
Phase III: Nestled in the mountainside beside the Estates, these smaller community lots that are still in the design phase will offer those with a more limited budget to buy into the beauty of the area.
“Mountain Shores is geared towards the discerning buyer who is looking for a quiet peace of paradise, away from the stress and pace of large developments and populated areas,” says Irvine. “Targeted predominantly at the recreational market, the area is also appealing to those looking to retire in an area surrounded by natural beauty.”
For more information visit, www.mountainshores.ca, contact Irvine at 403-852-2266, e-mail mountainshores@shaw.ca or call 1-866-678-2489.
Sullivan Landing enters the planning phase
Real Estate growth in Kimberley BC is moving forward, with the Lois Creek development – Sullivan Landing entering the re-zoning phase.
This development has been acquired by a new group, OKKO Communities. A previous attempt was made to bring this project to fruition, under the ‘Wildflower’ brand.
OKKO has put in a rezoning application for the land, from R2 to a new CD5 zone, which would allow a variety of building types.
Sullivan Landing Development will proceed in 4 Phases, the first of which includes 45 lots and 63 dwellings.
It is still very early in the planning process, and an open house will be held after the first reading of the zoning bylaw. An additional public hearing will be held at City Council.
Kimberley Continues Upgrades to Recreation Infrastructure
The City of Kimberley’s Curling Rink just got a major upgrade. The renovation is part of the Kimberley’s vision to transform its spotting venues into world class training and competitive venues for disabled athletes and spectators.
Upgrades had to be made to the building’s roof and supporting structure, so it was decided to make the building fully accessible. In the past, athletes in wheelchairs had to be carried into the building and onto the ice.
“We’ve got a really nice facility for anyone with a disability to get into,” said Gord Jenkins, president of the curling club.
The main entrance and fire exits feature wheelchair ramps and automatic door openers. Another ramp leads down to the ice surface. The locker room was removed to make way for accessible washrooms. Also new are a reception area in the foyer, additional lighting, insulated walls as well as new dividers and a new zamboni.
Columbia Basin Trust came on board to support the $223,000 project with a $57,000 grant, “We’re honoured to be part of these projects,” states CBT board chair Garry Merkel. “But the people who make this happen are certainly not us, we just have the money.”
Kimberley Mayor Jim Ogilvie says the rink is now a very attractive asset to the community and thanked the curling club and CBT for partnering with the city to make it possible.
The curling club will be hosting the B.C. mixed Provincials in March, welcoming athletes to the new facility.
Construction of Conference Centre to Begin Spring 2009
Kimberley’s Paralympic Conference Centre , to be located at the base of the ski hill, should be ready for next ski season. The project is now entering the tendering stage and construction is scheduled to begin spring 2009.
The Paralympic committee is happy with the final draft plan, says Mayor Jim Ogilvie. The architect is currently finishing the blueprints and final tender documents.
“These delays have actually turned out to be good for us,” Ogilvie said. “We couldn’t come in on budget before and I made a promise that we wouldn’t go ahead unless we could come in on budget. But the new price of materials and availability of labour will help us. And it will create some jobs at a time when they are really needed.”
One reason for the delay was trying to come up with a design for the building to accommodate the two separate functions of the building. It became clear that this building was going to need two storeys, one for each function, but that brought on accessibility issues.
The revised plans take advantage of the location at the base of the ski hill, allowing the building to be built into the hill. This allows for the Paralympic centre on the upper level with access to and from the ski lift level, and the conference centre on the lower level with access from the parking lot.
This is a radical departure from the original plans, which had the conference centre on the top level.
“It became clear we needed a different design for accessibility,” Ogilvie said. “When the Paralympic Centre was on the bottom there were real problems with getting onto the lift level. And if you had a large number of people in wheelchairs, getting them into two elevators is a major problem.”
With the new design community access to the conference centre will be through the parking lot level, but a paralympian skier will be able to go down a ramp from the level.
Ogilvie says that construction will begin in the spring of 2009 and the centre should be ready for next ski season.
Delta Flies at Capacity with NorAm Cup Skiers
Visitors to the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC, Cranbrook) on Saturday had a Bombardiersized treat. Delta carrier SkyWest’s regular 50 passenger jet was replaced for this flight only by their larger RJ900, which carries 76 passengers. Why? Athletes from the International Paralympic Committee’s NORAM Cup were going home.
The 2009 IPC Alpine Skiing NorAm Cup hosted by Kimberley Disabled Skiers Association wrapped up on Friday at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. 52 athletes competed representing 9 countries. Competitors came from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia and the USA.
Those returning on Delta through Salt Lake City were joined for the outbound flight by several “general” passengers, rendering the 76 passenger jet near full.
“The new Delta air service is an important link here”, says Laurie Reed, Coordinator of Air Partner Programs for Kootenay Rockies Tourism, “for Delta & SkyWest to be able to switch to larger jets to accommodate large groups and team needs is phenomenal, and the implications for tourism, business and economic development are huge.”
Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak agrees. “We see Sport Tourism as a real growth opportunity,says Manjak “having air service that can be this responsive to our travel needs is a great step in the right direction.”
And it’s not just about tourism. AR of the industries and communities of the region can benefit With this kind of service, the Canadian Rockies International Airport can be a gateway for large gatherings of all kinds …. literally bringing in visitors and delegates from all over the globe.
Ski Hill Conference Centre is a Go!
KIMBERLEY BC – The City of Kimberley just took a giant step forward in becoming southern British Columbia’s four season tourism destination. Construction will begin this Spring on a new Conference Centre, located at the base of the Ski hill.
At a special press conference held on the Kimberley Alpine Resort the Mayor Jim Ogilvie was joined by Kootenay Columbia MP Jim Abbott, on behalf of Minister of Western Diversification Rona Ambrose, and Southeast Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett on behalf of Minister of Community Services Ida Chong to make the announcement.
“I’m pleased to announce the Government of Canada and the province of British Columbia are jointly investing $2 Million dollars towards the construction of the Kimberley Conference Centre.” Jim Abbott announced.
The 12,000 sq foot Conference / Paralympic Centre will be built in the heart of the Kimberley Ski Resort’s Village, just a quick stroll from the Marriott, Timberstone Spa Resort, Sullivan Stone Lodge, and the Polaris Lodge.
“The front entrance will face the village square that is slowly developing at the Resort. A very important element is how the building fits in with the existing architecture at the Resort. It is a very visible site, and the building will have to fit with the existing architecture and surroundings.” said Jim Ogilvie
“Our goal is to be open by next winter,“ said Mayor Jim Ogilvie. “We need to have a training facility ready for international teams prior to the Olympics. We also want to bring them back for the Olympic year to train before the Games. There’s a better chance of that if they have a year to test the facility.“
“There is nowhere else in Canada has a dedicated ski run with all the nets and timing equipment available,“ Kimberley’s Mayor continued, “A lot of places don’t have that equipment available at all. We have it all stored right on the mountain.“
“The Government of Canada is proud to support this project, which increases conference centre capacity and supports business and tourism opportunities in the community of Kimberley,“ said Jim Abbott.
MLA Bill Bennett said that the real credit for the announcement goes to Ogilvie, Kimberley City Council and the citizens of Kimberley.
“I’ve witnessed all the city has done in the past 15 or 20 years to get ready for the closure of the mine,“ Bennett said. “They’ve continued to have a vision for what this community can be. They have created golf courses and saved the ski resort. They are developing Paralympic training and performance facilities. And now, as a result of the generosity of the Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and this program, they are creating this wonderful new conference centre in the resort village. This will make a real difference to people’s lives in Kimberley and the area.“
This facility could very well push Kimberley past the tipping point in achieving the goal of becoming a year round tourism destination.
