Golden grows opportunity

Lifestyle and amenities create new vibrancy in Golden, B.C.

Mount 7, near Golden, B.C., is a popular launch site for people-powered flight. — Photo courtesy The Willi Mueller XC Challenge

Golden, B.C., is a portal to incredible outdoor recreation all year round. The Kicking Horse River empties into the mighty Columbia River at Golden, and the two provide excitement and thrills for whitewater enthusiasts from around the world. Six national parks are easily accessed from Golden, providing endless opportunities for hiking, biking, camping and snow sports. If you really want to get away from it all, you might consider paragliding or hang gliding—Golden’s Mount 7 is a world-renowned launch pad for person-powered flight, and the summer sky over Golden is often flecked with bright, soaring flyers.

The active lifestyle available in Golden is a powerful draw for potential residents, and the town’s amenities support a well-rounded life. Those amenities include the College of the Rockies, the Kicking Horse Country Chamber of Commerce, Golden Employment Services, a variety of restaurants, a public swimming pool, ice arena, curling club and civic centre.

There are plenty of traditional and non-traditional work opportunities in Golden, too. Louisiana Pacific Building Products and CP Rail are major employers based in Golden, as is Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The Golden lifestyle is attracting entrepreneurs as well, and they are contributing to the services and the uniqueness of this tourism-driven community.

Golden, B.C., offers easy access to exciting whitewater adventures on the Kicking Horse River. — Photo courtesy Tourism Golden

Positivity,  innovation and inspiration

Marloes Van Lent, owner/operator of Day2Day Books, said that she feels a positive vibe when it comes to new businesses in Golden. “New people are moving here with new ideas,” Van Lent said. “The community feeling is very strong even for entrepreneurs. I have found a great network of like-minded people that I can fall back on when I run into a situation I’m not sure how to handle.

Van Lent sees that the town is benefitting from increasing numbers of visitors to the ski hill. She is optimistic that the growth can be managed successfully, while acknowledging that housing and labour will be a challenge.

Sam King, professional motorcycle trials rider and owner of Ride the Vibe in Golden, said that he settled in Golden because of its interesting and inspiring people. “I feel as though many people you meet here have huge amounts of respect for the outdoors and everything it has to offer. Just being out in the mountains inspires me every day.”

King has noticed a growing number of moto-trials enthusiasts within Golden and the surrounding area, and he believes this trend will continue. “The Kootenays are among some of the best places in the world for extreme off-road/moto-trials. I think this is a huge tourism draw card that towns/councils should be supporting.“