Local support and community define Trail

“Give back to the community you live in,” said Maggie Stayanovich, executive director of the Trail & District Chamber of Commerce. Stayanovich's philosophy has always held true for her, and she thinks it is very easy to achieve this in her hometown of Trail, where she has lived now for six years.

Stayanovich has been the chamber's executive director for three years and before that she wore many hats as a community representative. She still wears them, and clearly enjoys doing so and being involved in the city where her family has now settled.

Previously, Stayanovich travelled the province revamping grocery stores. A life restructure brought her to Trail, and she has not looked back.

“My favourite (thing) about Trail is the four seasons,” said Stayanovich. “You get the heat of the Okanagan but no dry desert; we get the winter but not the 40 below like up north.”

Stayanovich said that Trail, a community of about 8,500, is a friendly place—everyone has a smile and she always knows where her kids are. She likes that.

Shaping its direction

Over the years Stayanovich has seen some important changes.

“The growth has been significant,” she said. “We have major developments going on around us, such as the Waneta Dam and Teck projects, and we always seem to be going with the flow. We are very fortunate in that way.”

Stayanovich said a lot of people don't know where Trail is, but when they get here, they are amazed. The city has just approved a downtown revitalization project; the project is exciting for the community and local businesses are on board.

Plans for this year include a downtown market by the river.

“Trail hasn't had one for a very long time,” said Stayanovich. “This community market will have a little bit of everything. There is huge potential here—and a vibrant downtown is a reflection of a vibrant community.”

It's all about the people

Stayanovich said that Pacific Coastal Airlines has just increased its daily flight schedule to three times a day; this has made access to and from Vancouver for business a lot easier and the community has welcomed it.

"The airport is run by volunteers,” said Stayanovich. “There is a fireplace, a comfy couch. People love this airport.”

Stayanovich attributes much of Trail's successes to the efforts of community and volunteers.

“A lot of our achievements are all because of our community,” said Stayanovich. “There are a ton of amazing people that volunteer out there.”

Stayanovich pointed out that the new hospital heli-pad came about as a result of a lot of local support, and she said that so many people here contribute because they believe strongly in community; they aren't necessarily looking for accolades.