Zoë Dupley writer profile

Photo of Zoë Dupley

Zoë Dupley is a writer for Koocanusa Publications. She received her Journalism diploma from SAIT Polytechnic, and is currently finishing her degree in Professional Communication at Royal Roads University. Dupley hopes to share her love of storytelling, and properly communicate the passions of those she interviews. She has worked at many occupations, and hopes to bring her understanding of businesses large and small to every story she writes. When she isn’t hiking in the Rocky Mountains, she is working on her latest sewing project or reading The Lord of the Rings.

Most recent articles by Zoë Dupley

Artist's rendition of Oso building development in Golden.
East Kootenay, Golden, Developments, Real Estate Innovative development part of revitalizing Golden’s downtown

The Oso development will be a vibrant mix of residential, commercial and tourist uses all wrapped up in an eco-friendly building

Red Mountain’s Nowhere Special hostel front entrance in Rossland, B.C.
West Kootenay, Rossland, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Tourism, Best of Business Nowhere Special Hostel is a haven away from home

The Nowhere Special Hostel in Rossland, B.C., is a unique new version of the traditional hostel ideal, and is one of our 2019 Best of Business winners.

Anna Lamb is the co-owner of Pro-Fitness, and is one of our 2019 influential women in business.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Health & Wellness, Small Business, Influential Women in Business Anna Lamb is an influential woman in the Kootenays

Anna Lamb works with her family to make their Cranbrook gym welcoming and customer-oriented.

Melanie Joy, Creston resident and owner of Fly in the Fibre, brings Canadian-made goods and fibre-filled fun to the Kootenays.
East Kootenay, Creston, Retail, Small Business Fly in the Fibre offers the comforts of coffee and crafts

Melanie Joy, owner of Fly in the Fibre, has brought fibreworks, crafting and coffee to new heights with her award-winning business.

Bona Fide, in Golden, B.C., supplies locals (and online customers) find quality gifts for their feminine family members and friends.
East Kootenay, Golden, Health & Wellness, Retail, Small Business Bona Fide in Golden, brings a big city feel

Morgan Jmaiff’s new business offers locals Canadian-owned brands, locally-made vendors and access to eco-friendly companies.

Noemie Roy, owner of Thread the Needle, is a professionally trained seamstress who works to repair customers’ well-loved items to their former glory.
East Kootenay, Golden, Environment, Small Business Thread the Needle in Golden, B.C., gives your gear a second life

Noemie Roy, owner of Thread the Needle in Golden, B.C., offers clients a chance to repair and restore their well-loved outdoor gear.

A WestJet plane sitting on the tarmac.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Tourism, Transportation WestJet Link giving Cranbrook another hub option

All WestJet Link flights are operated through a capacity purchase agreement with Pacific Coastal by using its fleet of 34-seat Saab 340B aircraft

Shawna L’Heureux, owner of Zen Mountain Float + Wellness, was an Influential Woman in Business award winner in 2019.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, Health & Wellness, Small Business Shawna L’Heureux restores the Kootenays one float at a time

Shawna L’Heureux, owner of Zen Mountain Float + Wellness in Kimberley, is an expert in all things skin. She’s also one of Kootenay Business’s 2019 Influential

Slocan Lake and Valhalla Provincial Park in Slocan, B.C.
West Kootenay, Slocan, Tourism The Slocan Trifecta

The Village of Slocan, South Slocan and Slocan Park thrive on the area’s tourism and outdoor adventure opportunities.

Jillian Rutherford and Andrew Hayden, owners of Fernie Distillers, have released their first seasonal gin in Fernie, B.C.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Cuisine, Retail, Small Business Fernie Distillers has launched its first seasonal spirit

Fernie’s only small-batch distillery has released a limited release product that reduces local bear attractants and supports wildlife initiatives.

The inside of Lane & Meadow in Cranbrook, B.C.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Retail, Small Business Cranbrook gains a Lane & Meadow

Theresa Kostiuk’s boutique-style shop carries a wide range of home decor, gifts and seasonal items for Cranbrook shoppers.

Coraley Letcher and Dave Thomson, owners of 5 Gen Construction in Fernie, B.C.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Developments, Small Business 5 Gen Construction helps to build community

Since its conception in 2017, the family-run company has positively grown its brand and its community.

logo for the influential women in business awards
East Kootenay, West Kootenay Fantastic females

We salute the nominees in our 2019 Influential Women in Business Awards for their phenomenal commitment and energy.

Trucker crossing bridge in B.C., Highway 16, (Robson River Bridge),  and uses ELD.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Technology, Transportation Electronic Logging Devices add efficiency to Hours of Service compliance

Electronic Logging Devices allow drivers to track their hours of service easily while out on the road.

Haul Truck and Digger at Elkview mine near Sparwood, B.C.
East Kootenay, Elkford, Sparwood, Education, Energy, Mining The Elkview Coal Mine celebrates a milestone

This year marks the 50th anniversary of surface mining at Elkview mine near Sparwood, B.C.

Tiny Greens in Nelson, B.C. Growing microgreens for local restaurants and homes.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Agriculture, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Small Business Tiny Greens grow in Nelson, B.C.

Matt Kelk’s new business supplies local residents with microgreens year-round.

Brittany's Flower Farm in Creston, B.C.
East Kootenay, Creston, Agriculture, Retail, Small Business Brittany’s Flower Farm has opened in Creston, B.C.

Brittany Tilling has a green thumb and a love of plants and flowers. She is now ready to share her love with the town of Creston and surrounding Kootenays.

Wylie Jack Tap Handles & Branding in Invermere.
East Kootenay, Invermere, Retail, Small Business Wylie Jack Tap Handles & Branding taps into Budweiser

Richard and Karen Gendron of Invermere find a new client in Budweiser, designing and producing tap handles for the industry giant’s cold-tapped beer.

MP Wayne Stetski in his Cranbrook Office.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Education, Environment, Small Business, Tourism MP Wayne Stetski looks behind and ahead

After serving as Cranbrook’s Mayor from 2011 to 2014, MP Wayne Stetski continues to serve the Kootenays on a grander, federal scale in 2019.

Natalia Pacheco, owner of Gravi Tea Coffee & Toys in Castlegar, B.C., and Castlegar Chamber’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2018.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Top 10 Business People Natalia Pacheco

Natalia Pacheco, owner of Gravi Tea Coffee & Toys in Castlegar, has earned a place on our Top 10 Kootenay Business People 2019 list.

The Chopstick Truck, Vietnamese food in Fernie, B.C. and the surrounding Kootenay towns.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Top 10 Business People Sydney and Taylor Salvador

Sydney and Taylor Salvador are co-owners of The Chopstick Truck in Fernie and deserve a parking spot on our Top 10 list.

Helicopters fighting forest fires in Kootenays, B.C. in August, 2018.
East Kootenay, Elkford, West Kootenay, Kaslo, Education, Environment, Financial, Real Estate, Retail Is your business prepared for a fire or flood?

Here is a (relatively) comprehensive guide to make sure your business is covered in emergency situations.

Angela Ross and Dan Steele
East Kootenay, Invermere, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Retail, Small Business Sobeys welcomes Angela’s Organic Pasta

Angela’s Organic Pasta in Invermere blends authentic methods with good-for-you ingredients. Its products are soon to be on Sobeys' shelves.

East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Education, Health & Wellness, Real Estate, Retail, Small Business, Technology Make the year colourful and bright with 2019’s Pantone Color of the Year

The 2019 Pantone Color of the Year has been announced. Here’s how you can make the most of it in your interior and online design.

Robin Gallant in Nelson, B.C., owns Patina'd. Patina'd is an antique store.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Nelson, Retail, Small Business, Best of Business Patina’d shines up old beauties in Nelson, B.C.

Robin Gallant created Patina’d to bring renewed and restored items to Nelson homes, offices and more.

Museum director Joelle Hodgins, museum president Libby Martin and collections manager Veronica Vareiro of the Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre
West Kootenay, Rossland, Education, Entertainment and Hospitality, Tourism, Best of Business The Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre is built from the mine up

Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre takes home gold for its historical preservation and tourism efforts.

Lorri and Chris McCready, founders of Thör’s Pizzeria, stand in front of rock formations in the Kootenays.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Cuisine, Small Business, Best of Business Thör’s Pizzeria in Nelson, B.C. brings the hammer down on its competition

Lorri and Chris McCready combined their marketing and culinary skills to create an award-winning pizzeria.

East Kootenay, Kimberley, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Tourism Spirit Rock Climbing–to the peaks of youth-friendly business

Spirit Rock Climbing Center took home the 2018 Kimberley chamber award for Youth Friendly Business, and it’s easy to see why.

Ashlée Martin of Ashlée Dawn Photography in Cranbrook, B.C.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Small Business, Best of Business Ashlée Dawn Photography excels in storytelling

Ashlée Martin uses her passion of photography to tell stories and showcase East Kootenay personalities.

Sharyl Paull working with clients in the Instill Yoga Therapy Studio in Invermere, B.C.
East Kootenay, Invermere, Health & Wellness, Small Business Invermere welcomes Instill Yoga Therapy

Sharyl Paull helps people to listen to their bodies through healing touch, asking the right questions and creating a space of trust and support.

Photo from Lit Photo/Video Creston, B.C., of a light effect with steel wool over the camera lens.
East Kootenay, Creston, Small Business Lit Photo/Video Creston brings creativity to life in the Kootenays

Dennis Charles’s new business in Creston combines his passion for photography with helping other local businesses craft their brand’s image.

Jason Jones of LARCH Landscape Architecture + Authentic Mountain Design in Golden, B.C., and a background of trees.
East Kootenay, Golden, Developments, Environment, Small Business Larch Landscape Architecture + Authentic Mountain Design mimics natural beauty in Golden, B.C.

Larch Landscape Architecture + Authentic Mountain Design specializes in landscape architecture, environmental planning and design in Golden, B.C.

Sandy Byers of Pillar to Post Home Inspectiors in Nelson, B.C.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Real Estate, Best of Business Sandy Byers helps make Nelson homes safe

Sandy Byers is the best in the business when it comes to home inspection and personality in Nelson, B.C.

Scott and Rebecca Weatherford with their two children, possibly the fourth generation of ownership of ATCO.
West Kootenay, Rossland, Trail, Environment, Forestry, Small Business ATCO: The family business of Fruitvale

Wood products and family ties are the legacy of ATCO Wood Products in Fruitvale, B.C.

Bridge installation steps done by Galena Contractors on the Columbia West Bridge.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Nakusp, Revelstoke, Trail, Golden, 50 companies 2018 top companies profiled

These are three businesses that made our top 50 list in 2018.

The Re/Max All Pro Realty team in Greater Trail, B.C.
West Kootenay, Trail, Real Estate This Re/Max team brings the house down in Greater Trail

The 11-member Re/Max realty team in Greater Trail has over 150 years of industry experience.

Hand Avenue, one of the many streets of West Fernie that was included in the RDEK’s servicing efforts.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Developments Fernie’s west-side story

The Regional District of East Kootenay has completed its servicing upgrades in West Fernie, a project that has been in the making for four years.

Cobham Avenue construction in Cranbrook, B.C.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Developments Construction in Cranbrook: an update

The City of Cranbrook is hard at work making improvements to city roads and structures.

Owner of Kays Contracting, Matt Hanlon, poses with one of his contracting machines.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Developments, Small Business Kays Contracting in Nelson will get the job done

Kay Contracting in Nelson provides its customers with top-notch experiences (and results).

Kyle Hamilton and Jude Smith are the co-founders of birr  in Fernie, B.C.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Small Business, Best of Business Simplify your marketing strategy with birr

birr in Fernie, B.C., is one of the best in the marketing business when it comes to delivering measurable results.

The crew of Extreme Yeti Adventures poses in front of a plane with their skydiving mascot.
West Kootenay, Golden, Entertainment and Hospitality, Tourism Free fallin’ with Extreme Yeti Adventures in Golden B.C.

Reach new heights and high speeds while tandem skydiving with Extreme Yeti Skydiving.

Alannah Knapp and volunteer Linda Niemi stand in front of the Little Mittens Animal  Rescue Association's building.
West Kootenay, Golden, Animal Care Little Mittens Animal Rescue in Golden, B.C. keeps strays off the streets

Little Mittens Animal Rescue Association in Golden, B.C. puts animals first and helps them to find forever homes.

Subaru of Cranbrook's General Manager Jordan McKee stands in front of a new Subaru.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Retail, Transportation Subaru of Cranbrook has a new General Manager

Jordan McKee is the new general manager of Subaru of Cranbrook.

A vista shot of the Creston Valley
East Kootenay, Creston, West Kootenay, Riondel, Entertainment and Hospitality, Tourism A new brand of tourism: Creston Valley-Kootenay Lake Route

A new tourism brand has surfaced that unites the Creston Valley and the Kootenay Lake area to create a collective campaign for the ages.

West Kootenay, Grand Forks, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Tourism Finally, the perfect thyme and the right plate

Taking home four golds from our Best Places to Eat and Drink Awards, The Thyme and Plate is a cut above the rest—and they’ve only been open for nine months.

The Cranbrook Prestige Rocky Mountain Resort opened in 1999. It was the third location to open in the Kootenays, two years after the opening in Nelson, B.C.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, Tourism 25 years of Prestige

Prestige Hotels and Resorts is been known for its excellent service and comfortable accommodations. The company has stuck to these values for 25 years.

Shauntelle Nelson is the current owner/operator of Mugshots Café in Fernie, B.C. She has been there for 10 years now and finds that the relationships she builds with her staff and customers make coming to work every day a little bit better.
East Kootenay, Fernie, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Tourism Line up to get your Mugshots

This cafe is serving up a different kind of mugshots in Fernie, B.C. You won’t mind standing in a lineup for these.

Nicholas and Wendy Fominoff take great pride in what they make and can’t wait to share that experience with everyone who comes to visit.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Slocan, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Tourism This Winlaw bakery is worth driving for

Nicholas and Wendy Fominoff have set their family’s bakery apart with their handmade treats and lunches. Here is what makes their place so special.