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 Regional Overview
Golden, at the centre of Kicking Horse Country, is a community that is positioned for success.
A combination of natural assets, its history, geographic positioning, and a number of sectoral innovations have contributed in creating one of the best all-round small economies in British Columbia.
New and continuing developments of interest:
Investment continues at over $100 million so far at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, propelling it toward its build-out plans.
Work continues on the Province’s highest transportation priority - the Kicking Horse Canyon Project - improving the route through the famous Kicking Horse Canyon. Worth several hundred million dollars, by 2012 a collection of engineering marvels will have dramatically altered this historically treacherous route and gateway to British Columbia to a series of four lane thoroughfares, and high level spans.
The Canyon Ridge Estates, Bear's Paw Heights and Western Rockies Estates subdivision expansions will soon be collectively offering nearly 300 single family lots, duplexes, townhouses and condominiums, including park like settings and trail systems.
In the spring of 2006, the British Columbia’s newest Provincial Gateway Visitor Info Centre opened in Golden. The $2 million project costs, the centre will receive an estimated 50,000 visitors per year, and serves to enhance the tourism industry and other general economic impacts to the are
Industry
Forestry
The first, and still having the most significant economic impact, is the forest sector. The town is surrounded by a solvent timber harvesting land base, which is utilized both locally and traded. This results in a significant proportion of the workforce being employed in the forest, or in local manufacturing. Because of the nature of its forest manufacturing, Golden has been spared the economic hardships that resulted from the US softwood lumber dispute. All the products made in Golden fall under the category of "value added", including engineered wood products such as laminated veneer lumber beams, and custom timber frame home design and construction.
Canadian Pacific Railway
The second is Canadian Pacific Railway, which operates one of the largest coal train marshalling yards and rail car repair facilities in western Canada. Over 30 trains per day travel through Golden, carrying coal from the southeast of BC and commodities from across Canada.
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Tourism
Third and fastest growing is tourism, propelled by the success of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, North America's newest mountain resort in 25 years, offering one of the highest vertical lifts on the continent, and recipient of many outstanding accolades from the industry. The resort is home to the world's first grizzly sanctuary and the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant, at over 7500' has been named the industry's mountain restaurant of the year for two years running. The resort is in rapid development mode with two first class condominium developments, three intimate lodges, and many private homes either built or under construction.
Tourism is not new to the Golden area, which is host to over 10 backcountry skiing and hiking lodges in unspoiled alpine environments. Accommodation ranges from rustic huts to 5-star establishments, all accessible only by helicopter. Boutique style heli-ski operations, world famous white water rafting and kayaking, the longest single track mountain bike race in the world, one of the top 10 hang gliding and para gliding launch sites in North America, world class mountain snowmobiling, and a golf course rated as the best value in BC and in the top 65 in Canada by SCORE Golf Magazine only begin to describe what Golden has to offer.
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Commercial, Service, and Institutional
Last but not least there is a great deal happening in the commercial, service, and institutional industry. The region is home to many fine casual dining establishments that have won prestigious awards, there are a growing number of luxurious rural lodges, a rising retail sector, and a service sector that can provide everything from forest industry supplies to web design. Institutionally Golden has enviable educational and health establishments.
The British Columbia's Visitor Centre@Golden is the newest Provincial Visitor Info Centre, positioned to welcome westbound visitors to the province. An estimated 50 000 people per year will pass through its doors. The facility will set a new standard in scope, beauty, and service for such establishments.
Real estate is a hot item as people increasingly discover that Kicking Horse Country is a welcome relief from the surrounding themed and congested destinations. The larger rural properties, boasting spectacular views are particularly sought after. New developments are also springing up with two new subdivisions of up-scale homes in the latter planning and approval stages. Both include provision for single, and multi family condominium style housing.
Significant and recent upgrades to the hospital and clinic have made life for nearly 10 resident physicians easier.
Kicking Horse Country has seen over 20 businesses start up the last three years. Fifteen have expanded their operations, and only four have closed. The region is seeing steady growth based on a solid economic foundation.
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