Our region is home to Western Canada’s largest solar plant.
Wood Products Manufacturing
The wood industry is an integral part of our region’s economy and history. Here, in the Rocky Mountain Forest District, we are surrounded by 2.6 million hectares of montane forest. The District (headquartered in Cranbrook) offers an annual harvest of over 1.6 million cubic metres. It’s no wonder that one of the world’s largest producers of sustainable lumber, pulp and paper chooses to do business here.
More recently, we’ve attracted the attention of Canada’s third largest pulp and paper company. In and around the Cranbrook-Kimberley Development Zone you’ll also find several small- to medium-scale sawmills, supplying lumber to industry-leading companies and local builders.
Strong past. Bright future.
With easy access to a steady supply of wood waste, businesses in the Cranbrook-Kimberley Development Zone are in an ideal position to excel in the high growth marketplace for bio-products. What’s more, the region has tons of available land that’s already zoned for manufacturing.
Supported by a stable and diverse agriculture industry, our region offers vast opportunities for entrepreneurs in the biofuel subsector.
Wildfire mitigation
The lush forests of larch, pine and fir provide a beautiful backdrop to those living in our region, but they also pose a threat. Wildfire mitigation is a top priority for elected community leaders and our residents. With that comes unique opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in seizing unmerchantable wood.
Now that we’ve piqued your interest, here are some other reasons why investing in our region’s bio-economy make sense:
- Skilled workforce: As an employer, you’ll have access to a database of skilled and highly motivated workers.
- Proximity: We are only an hour from Canada’s largest trade partner and just a few hours from Alberta’s third largest municipality.
- Shipping and receiving: Shipping and transport infrastructure are in place, including air, rail and multi-modal facilities.
News in this Sector
Three Engineering Studies Set to Begin on Former Tembec Lands
Three Engineering Studies Set to Begin on Former Tembec Lands Three contracts have been awarded and work under way for the engineering of the Tembec Lands Development in Cranbrook. C&C Wood Products was the first business to move into the former Te …
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Save On Foods investing $12 million in new Kimberley store
Save On Foods investing $12 million in new Kimberley store A ground-breaking ceremony was held on May 31, 2019, for the construction of Kimberley’s new Save On Foods store. Mayor Don McCormick and Save On President Darrell Jones break ground on the new …
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Teamed up for growth
Teamed up for growth In seeking business investors, the Cranbrook-Kimberley Development Initiative (CKDI) faces a competitive market. Most of small-town British Columbia can boast exceptional recreation, affordable living and significantly lower real e …
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