Community growth in Revelstoke

Revelstoke has a lot going on, but these initiatives are making sure the community doesn't fall behind

Revelstoke is well known for its excellent mountain biking trails. — Bruno Long photo

There’s no doubt that Revelstoke is a happening place—with expanding tourism, a booming ski resort, a new radio station and well-established industries continuing. The City itself is making sure to move forward as well, with solid initiatives that can keep up with the rapid pace of change.

A new visitor centre is in the works

One development that Revelstoke has found an increasing demand for is a new visitor centre. The current facility only operates seasonally, and it is more of a reception office for the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce than a visitor information facility. However, winter tourism in the area has seen a huge increase since the major developments that occurred at Revelstoke Mountain Resort five years ago.
Now, several location options have been considered and there are plans to open a new facility in 2013. This improved visitor centre will be open year round in order to serve the community’s growing needs.

Stepping up cycling

Revelstoke already has a network of established bike trails, but expansions are planned to make the routes more functional for visitors and local cycling enthusiasts alike. City staff will be adding bike lanes to existing roads, and helping to create a safer cycling atmosphere within town. Also, extensive mountain bike trails are already maintained by the Revelstoke Cycling Association, but there are plans to tie these in with Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

“It’s good for local residents, but we think it will also be a tourism attraction because in the winter (tourists) come to ski, but in the summer they’re looking for summer activities,” said Alan Mason, Revelstoke’s director of community economic development. “Because we have a good network of mountain bike trails six or seven kilometres from the resort, it’d be nice if people could cycle there safely along these dedicated bike paths.”

More at the museum

The Revelstoke Firefighters Museum is ready for some improvements. This small museum has more artifacts than it can currently display, including an additional vintage fire truck. The present building is going to be expanded, and this should be completed this year.

There is some hope that Revelstoke will be able to hold fire musters in the future, drawing firefighting enthusiasts from other areas. The expanded museum will be just one way to help do that.

Performing arts theatre will attract guests

In May 2012, Revelstoke will be opening a 275-seat performing arts theatre in the new high school. This theatre is intended for community use, and the City is putting together a package to highlight it and other opportunities in the city.

“It’s still a fairly small facility,” said Mason, “so (we) may be looking at (targeting) smaller organizations and associations that hold events and trying to encourage them to come to Revelstoke and hold their event here.”

Mason said there are hopes that the package will serve to increase public events as well as private ones, such as conferences. Marketing, which will begin this summer, is aimed at attracting more visitors in the shoulder seasons too. Revelstoke Mountain Resort will be included as an off-season option, and buses used to take visitors skiing and boarding in the winter will be factored into the summer package.

Hosting a major event

In June, Revelstoke will be hosting the annual B.C. Mine Rescue & First Aid Competition for the second year in a row. Organizers seem positive about bringing the event back to Revelstoke, and the city is excited to have offered to become the permanent site of the competition.

“They said coming to a small community was good because we have adequate facilities and adequate hotels," said Mason, "and when they come to a small town, they get treated quite well because it’s a big event for us. That brings about 400 competitors and they’re here several days.”

Overall, Revelstoke has no worries about outgrowing itself. The City is playing an active part in making sure that all the interests and needs will be met effectively.