All West Kootenay articles

Danika and a family member standing together wearing company hoodies
West Kootenay, Slocan, Retail, Small Business, Tourism Reviving history: The story behind the Silverton General Store

How one family’s passion is creating economic opportunities and preserving a local landmark

by Danielle Brost
Ballet dancer bending backward with a feather falling above her
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Nelson, Rossland, Trail Yolone Art Group captures the Kootenays in motion

Hungarian artists Jani Lakatos, Sophie Barbarics establish vibrant new photography and dance business

by Writer's Block Solutions
KC Recycling’s 75-person team will grow with three new hires, necessary to operate the expanded
polypropylene plant.
West Kootenay, Trail, Environment KC Recycling announces plastic recycling expansion with $1.2M boost

Advancing sustainable solutions with new investments in plastic waste management

Nakusp Hot Springs
West Kootenay, Nakusp Nakusp Hot Springs celebrates a milestone anniversary

Proudly marking 50 years in business, Nakusp Hot Springs has gone from humble beginnings to an iconic Kootenay destination.

by Danielle Brost
Owners of Rooftop Coffee Roasters next to a roaster, holding beans
East Kootenay, West Kootenay Kootenay coffee roasters help you get your buzz on

Read about local coffee roasters as you celebrate the beverage that’s an essential pick-me-up for many people

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Expansive view of Mountain Soul Vineyard showing vines and distant mountains.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Agriculture, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business, Tourism Pay a visit to these wineries and vineyards in the Kootenay region of B.C.

The Kootenays are an emerging wine region in B.C. Here’s a list of Kootenay wineries to visit.

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Owners of Stone Meadows Gardens riding bikes and carrying flowers.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Agriculture Say it with flowers . . . sustainable local ones from flower farms in the Kootenays

The consumer trend towards buying locally-grown flowers is booming in the Kootenays as proven by this list of 10 flower farms

by Julie Matchett and Virginia Rasch
Workers at Notably a book lovers emporium
West Kootenay, Nelson, Small Business Building a book haven in Nelson, B.C.

The owner of Notably, a Book Lover’s Emporium reflects on a dream realized.

by Danielle Brost
Cranbrook Farmers Market sign
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Agriculture, Entertainment and Hospitality, Environment, Tourism A love for local: Farmers market season across the Kootenays brings communities together

Local farmers markets help to increase food security and create sustainable communities—check out our list of markets across the Kootenays.

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Nicole Courson with a group of dogs
West Kootenay, Nelson Changing lives, one dog at a time

The owner of Paw & Order in Nelson is barking up the right tree, with a positive approach to dog training.

by Danielle Brost
The owners of Ashman's Smash Burgers & Fries
West Kootenay, Nelson, Cuisine, Small Business Ashman’s Smash Burgers & Fries: From a mobile marvel to a brick-and-mortar gem

Aron Ashman and Mandy Mullen share secrets to their sizzling business success in Nelson.

by Danielle Brost
Garden centre staff at Dig Garden Centre in Castlegar
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Agriculture, Environment, Retail, Small Business Cultivating sustainable gardens in Castlegar

The owners of Dig Garden Centre are all about community, sustainability and growth

by Danielle Brost
Hailing from the punk strongholds of Toronto, PKEW PKEW PKEW packed their high-octane skate-punk sound
into The Flying Steamshovel.
West Kootenay, Rossland From frosty streets to festival beats

Blizzard Music Festival 2024 strikes a chord in Rossland.

by submitted by Writer’s Block Solutions
exterior of Tigz Designs
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, Health & Wellness, Real Estate, Retail, Small Business Top unique businesses for sale in British Columbia’s Kootenay and Columbia Valley regions

Check out this list of businesses for sale across the Columbia Valley and Kootenay regions.

by Julie Matchett and Danielle Brost
Logo with the words
East Kootenay, West Kootenay Introducing our Top 10 thought leaders of 2023

Taking a fond look back at some of the most inspirational thought leaders from the stories we told in 2023.

Black and white image of Tyler Phillipson
West Kootenay, Nelson, Health & Wellness, Small Business Bringing insight to injuries: Active Balance fosters a healthy Kootenay lifestyle

Dr. Tyler Phillipson reflects on his vision for holistic patient care at Active Balance in Nelson.

by Danielle Brost
The baristas that work at Humble Bean Coffe Co. in Castlegar BC
West Kootenay, Castlegar Celebrating Castlegar’s best in business

A recap of the Castlegar and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Business Awards.

Andras Lukacs, executive director at Tourism Rossland.
West Kootenay, Rossland Tourism Rossland’s recent AGM reveals a banner year in terms of revenue

Andras Lukacs, executive director at Tourism Rossland, shares some of the recent successes of the organization

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Interior of 2nd Edition Coworking in Fernie, showing comfy set of chairs, small table and windows with mountain view outside.
East Kootenay, Cranbrook, Golden, West Kootenay, Kaslo, Nelson, New Denver, Revelstoke, Small Business, Technology These Kootenay coworking spaces offer community and creative collaboration

Shared workspaces in communities like Cranbrook, Golden, Fernie, Nelson and Trail provide flexibility and support in a communal environment.

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Aaron Higgs standing in nursery greenhouse.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Environment, First Nations , Forestry Strength and resilience: Nupqu shares the same name and characteristics as a black bear

Aaron Higgs, president of Nupqu Resource Limited Partnership, is growing this Indigenous-owned company through plants, people and profits

by Kerry Shellborn and Kyle Born
Corrie Walkley stands, arms folded in a boardroom in front of a wooden sign with the Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. logo.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations How business-savvy are Ktunaxa entrepreneurs? The creator of Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd. explains

Corrie Walkley, chair of Ktunaxa Enterprises Ltd., discusses the Ktunaxa Nation’s governance and economic development efforts.

by Kerry Shellborn and Kyle Born
Ramona and Allen, owners of the company at their shop
West Kootenay, New Denver, Retail, Small Business Kootenay Murphy Beds answered the call for modern downsizing solutions

From China to New Denver: How a family adventure turned into a thriving furniture business

by Danielle Brost
A map of southern B.C., with the area around Nelson highlighted in yellow.
West Kootenay, Mining Geoscience BC map project to boost West Kootenays critical mineral exploration

Areas of historical mining operations, such as Rossland, are of particular interest as they may offer undiscovered mineral deposits

by Submitted - Geoscience BC
Close-up of Kootenay West Distilling Vale Vodka bottle.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business Raise your spirits (and a glass) at these Kootenay craft distilleries

Explore this list of distilleries from across the Kootenay region in British Columbia.

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Niki and Sunny Wood
West Kootenay, Nelson Turning a fondness for woodcraft into a thriving Nelson business

Samurai Hardwood Flooring is rooted in craftsmanship, dedication and eco-consciousness

by Danielle Brost
Mount Fisher shown as captured by Indigenous photographer Blaine Burgoyn
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, First Nations Indigenous bands and businesses in the Kootenay region of British Columbia

Indigenous-owned businesses are an integral part of our local economy and contribute to the well-being of First Nation communities

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Sarah Dinsdale has long blonde hair. She smiles while wearing a blue shirt.
West Kootenay, Small Business, Tourism One-on-one with Sarah Dinsdale of the Boundary Chamber of Commerce

Sarah Dinsdale, executive director of the Boundary Chamber in Grand Forks, is thrilled with the region’s new reliable pumps and dike infrastructure

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An aerial view of the Columbia Valley showcases some pristine, tall homes among trees and distant mountains.
East Kootenay, Invermere, West Kootenay, Nelson, Real Estate What is the state of the real estate industry in the Kootenays?

Jeff Kennedy and Geoff Sherlock, realtors in Nelson and Invermere, provide real estate insight into the B.C. housing market in the West and East Kootenays

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Image of hand holding a lightbulb between thumb and forefinger, with clean energy icons surrounding it.
East Kootenay, Golden, Creston, West Kootenay, Castlegar, Kaslo, Nelson, New Denver, Rossland, Salmo, Slocan, Trail, Environment Making clean energy commitments in the Kootenays

Thirteen communities across the Kootenays have now made a commitment to 100 per cent clean energy by 2050.

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Glass 2023 Business Excellence award, City of Nelson in background of photo.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Small Business Nelson’s 2023 Business Excellence awards warmly welcomed back

Forced to the sidelines for three years because of the global pandemic, the annual awards were a welcome return

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Row of cows standing in sunny open field, distant mountains and blue sky in background.
West Kootenay, Castlegar, Nakusp, Nelson, Revelstoke, Rossland, Slocan, Agriculture Market gardens and farms in the West Kootenay: Bringing fresh produce, meat and more to local tables

Throughout the West Kootenay area, local farms and food producers sell directly to the public through roadside stands and farmgate sales

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Jess Paloposki, owner of Mamacita’s Empanadas in Golden, B.C., standing in front of sign.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Cuisine, Small Business Oh, Mamacita! Building a specialty food business at Mamacita’s Empanadas

Jess Paloposki first started selling Argentinian empanadas as a side hustle. Mamacita’s Empanadas is now selling these frozen pastries throughout the Kootenays

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Megan MacPhee, education and communications manager with EKISC, pulling baby's breath in Invermere.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Agriculture, Environment Invasive species in the Kootenays: Red flags and other things to know

Kootenay Business talks with the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council about making a difference and some of the plants to be aware of in your backyard.

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Christmas photo of Rudy family.
East Kootenay, Grand Forks, West Kootenay, Agriculture, Animal Care Coming full circle at Boundary Hill Farm in Grand Forks

Michael and Courtenay Rudy are first-generation farmers helping to feed their community

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Dr. Ilona Hale standing in field on overcast day, row of solar panels in picture behind her.
East Kootenay, Kimberley, West Kootenay, Environment, Health & Wellness East Kootenay family physician develops national guide to reduce healthcare’s environmental impact

The guide offers tools, tips, and perspectives on how primary care providers can pursue low carbon, high-quality healthcare that heals the planet

by Submitted
Mélanie Mercier is the owner of Araucaria Gardening Services where she practices ecological landscaping and garden maintenance.
West Kootenay, Rossland, Environment, Small Business 5 ways to create a beautiful and eco-friendly yard and garden

Mélanie Mercier of Araucaria Gardening Services in Rossland has some tips for homeowners on ways to create a gorgeous green space in their own backyard.

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The owners of Mountain Soul Winery at a vending booth selling their wines
West Kootenay, Trail, Agriculture, Retail, Small Business, Tourism Crafting award-winning wines in Trail, B.C.: Trevor Miller shares the story of Mountain Soul Winery

A family's passion transforms a rugged piece of property into a bustling winery

by Danielle Brost
Lake and mountains in background.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Real Estate Rocky Mountain real estate: 10 waterfront acreages in the Kootenays

Waterfront and acreages are among the most desirable pieces of real estate. Check out our list of 10 prime Kootenay properties.

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Wildflowers in bloom, with scenic backdrop of mountains.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Tourism Adventure awaits: A guide to tourism destinations in the Kootenay Rockies

Known as B.C.’s adventure playground, the Kootenay Rockies offers an endless supply of attractions and recreational pursuits

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Matthew Carr crouching in field of veggies.
West Kootenay, Agriculture Growing with a lot of grit at Linden Lane Farms

Matthew Carr started selling plants while still in high school. Now, more than a decade later, he’s running a successful business and following his passion

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City of Nelson sign on Baker Street with mural painted on building in background.
East Kootenay, Grand Forks, West Kootenay, Castlegar, Kaslo, Nelson, Revelstoke, Salmo, Trail, Entertainment and Hospitality, Environment, Tourism West Kootenay festivals inspire fun and friendship

Uniting in a shared experience like a festival helps to forge community connections, fun and new friendships

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Young restaurant owner leaning in doorway with arms crossed, smiling.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Small Business Entrepreneur 101: Successful Kootenay business owners share their best tips

KootenayBiz chatted with local business owners to find out what advice they would tell themselves in their first year of business

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Aidan McLaren-Caux.
West Kootenay, Nakusp Engaging a community to support the economy

The village of Nakusp is growing and thriving thanks, in part, to the Nakusp & Area Development Board.

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Exterior view of the Leland Hotel, showing timber-framed building painted white, expanse of lawn and tree in foreground.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay Milestones: a list of the oldest businesses in the Kootenays

Weathering the storms of business ownership over the long-term is commendable, especially when you’ve managed to survive for over 50 years

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Dana Sproule standing by bright window looking outside, holding cup of coffee. She's wearing a mustard yellow sweater.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Small Business 5 ways to grow your leadership, your business and yourself

As a life and leadership coach, Dana Sproule is passionate about developing successful leaders. Learn five things to focus on for your own leadership journey.

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Balfour golf course with people playing golf, lakeview in background.
West Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, Tourism Check out our guide to West Kootenay golf courses

Play your way through this list of popular golf courses in the West Kootenay region.

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Dragons' Den stage with logo.
East Kootenay, West Kootenay, Entertainment and Hospitality, Small Business The Dragons’ Den is calling Kootenay Business owners

Alicia Chirrey, producer at CBC’s Dragons’ Den, explains how Kootenay entrepreneurs can apply to be on the show

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Chas and Carissa with their small child
West Kootenay, Nelson Wildelore is a game-changer for active Kootenay moms

This Nelson clothing brand is making waves among new moms who love to enjoy the outdoors.

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Artist's rendition of Shoreline development in Nelson.
West Kootenay, Nelson, Developments, Health & Wellness, Real Estate Nelson’s building boom brings record-breaking construction and developments

From a much-needed long-term care facility to new commercial and residential builds, Nelson is seeing record growth

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