The Cranbrook community spirit

Cranbrook offers a solid community with great business opportunities

Photographer Carrie Schafer takes her inspiration from places like Fort Steele Heritage Town. — Carrie Schafer photo

When asked a few questions about Cranbrook's appeal, these business owners had a lot to say.

Through My Eyes Photography: Carrie Schafer, owner/photographer

If someone were visiting you from out of town, what would you do with them to give them a taste of the local lifestyle?

My favourite place to take visitors is Fort Steele (Heritage Town). Fort Steele is a photographer’s dream location and always a wonderful experience reliving the past with live demonstrations, street actors and always-entertaining live theatre.

e-KNOW: Ian Cobb, owner/editor

Why did you choose this area to start a business?

Cranbrook is the perfect location for running our regional online newspaper. It flows naturally as the region’s market centre, which the rest of this region connects to and benefits from. The information stream also flows directly through Cranbrook, so it made sense to position ourselves within that stream. The community has been warm and welcoming, and it seems to personify the quiet, small-city lifestyle that so many of us who grew up in the larger cities dream of finding.

Aspire 2B Fit Personal Training Specialist: Laurie Dickson

What do you do in your downtime?

I do work out in my free time, but I also love spending time with my kids and going fishing, etc. A lot of my downtime consists of just spending time with them, swimming and stuff like that—also, a lot of cooking. That’s another thing I really like to do.

What do you like about doing business in your community?

Cranbrook is very special to me in the sense that they supported me in all my endeavours. What I like is the sense of camaraderie that I feel here. It’s a very friendly place to do business, and very supportive. I also find that if there is a small business, there is plenty of support throughout the community. When there’s an up-and-coming small business, Cranbrook is really proactive in giving support to new people that are just starting up.

Campbell Consignment: Carmen Woods, owner

Tell me about why you choose to live and work in Cranbrook.

I was raised in Cranbrook, and I raised my family here. It’s a great place for that. I also enjoy all the outdoor activities. As far as owning a business and working here, I really enjoy the friendly people. Cranbrook also manages to have that small-town atmosphere while also offering lots of services. I do have a day job, but I maintain a business here because I have a real heart for the families and the people that I get to interact with. It’s very rewarding.