Stoked on Revvy

It’s stable, it’s thriving—it’s brimming with the young and the lively

Revelstoke is alive with prosperity. — Jeffrey Cooper photo

Revelstoke has an interesting energy—brimming with excitement and health. Could the great vibes be due in part to the city’s youthful demographic (median age: 39) and its diverse economy?

Founder and writer for the Revelstoke-based online presence The Stoke, Karilyn Kempton gets a cultural overview of her community through her work.

“It gives me a great window into the community,” said Kempton. “Revelstoke comes from blue-collar roots, and there is still a very down-to-earth feel about the town despite the major ski resort development. We don’t complain about getting two feet of snow overnight—we revel in it. There is a very outdoorsy ethos, and people really strive for a great work/life balance to make the most of what the community has to offer."

Kempton has observed a diversifying shift in her community.

“The economy here is changing,” said Kempton. “It’s much more tourism- and service-based than it used to be."

Kempton added that both newcomers and old-timers are pursuing innovative business ideas to reflect the changing economy.

“Our chamber of commerce has seen an explosion of new business licences over the past two years,” said Kempton, “(including a tea shop, an organic food shop, a spice store, a new Indian restaurant and several new consignment stores), and it is inspiring to see people trying to make a go of it because they love the town so much.”

Kempton has noted a shift toward information and communication technologies, as well as a growing segment of freelance writers and designers.
“A lot of innovative gen-Xers and gen-Yers involved in tech and design have moved in over the past five years,” said Kempton.

Some Revelstokians fill interesting and diverse roles as the economy evolves and people seek to balance work and life.

“Many more folks work as ski or rock guides,” said Kempton, “or for Revelstoke Mountain Resort or other outdoors operations, or as firefighters or park crews.

 “We like to make the most of our days by playing outside as much as possible.”