Business, Investment & Key Industries

Castlegar’s location, squarely in the middle of Vancouver and Calgary, has produced today’s investment opportunity.

Castlegar’s competitive advantage lies in its central location, low business costs and cost of living, and outdoor lifestyle.

The West Kootenay has a distinct cultural flavour and warmth of humanity that will bring a quick smile to your face. Lifestyle is not urban rush, but a relaxed mix of outdoor rugged and urban cool.There is a creative undertow to the human tide. Business is important, but the lifestyle dog still wags the business tail.

Situated midway between Vancouver and Calgary, the West Kootenay has received less Vancouver/Calgary region investment than the Okanagan and the East Kootenay. This creates a business opportunity and an affordable cost of living that allows entrepreneurs to balance both the books and life.

Castlegar’s economic base is stable and diversified:

• forestry
• mining
• hydro
• government services
• retail
• tourism

Business conditions are dynamic and affordable. The City of Castlegar has an ambitious commercial service centre vision to build on this base. Key opportunities to diversify and leverage larger regional industry anchors include centralized commercial and professional services, and independent and creative entrepreneurial spirits attracted by the combination of soulful people, warm climate mountain geography, and critical mass of population that supports full services.