Let’s meet at the crossroads

Business owners, artisans and developers alike are unifying in the Columbia Valley.

by Kali Love — September 01, 2010

Pedro Cebulka and John Newton at the site of the future crossroads market. — Photo courtesy John Newton

John Newton and Pedro Cebulka, two businessmen in the Columbia Valley, have spearheaded a partnership of local developers and businesses. Their vision—a business marketplace at the junction of Highway 93/95 and Athalmer Road, right beside Tim Hortons and the turnoff to Invermere, that will feature artisan shops, a children’s playground, an entertainment gazebo, a visitors centre, food establishments, local and home based-businesses and development offices.

Newton said that two buildings have already been built on their acre of land. One is occupied by a resort development company, Pine Ridge Mountain Resort, and the other building will soon be occupied by Vista Del Lago Resort, North Rock Holdings and High Country Properties. Newton said he is confident that by unifying the business and development community, locals and visitors will soon follow to this confluence.

“We are hoping that businesses can join together,” said Newton, “with the idea that in these tough times if we stand together we will be able to survive together.”

Currently, Newton and Cebulka are soliciting potential tenants. Newton said that Toby Creek Adventures owns the adjoining acre and that there are discussions about amalgamating the two parcels of land.

Newton has mirrored his plans for the country marketplace in the Columbia Valley after the Coomb’s Country Market on Vancouver Island, which is one of the biggest attractions on the Island. And Newton’s hopes for the Columbia Valley marketplace are nothing short of a spectacular location for businesses to prosper.

“The number of people that go past the crossroads, either on their way to different parts of the Valley or straight (through the Valley) are huge,” said Newton. “To have representation of the Valley’s businesses up there will be phenomenal . . . You are more effective when you work together because you have a strong booming voice instead of a small whisper.”