Construction is underway on a $10-million trades-training facility at College of the Rockies’ main campus in Cranbrook.
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
Cranbrook construction climbs to $30.22 million
Cranbrook construction climbs to $30.22 million The City of Cranbrook is continuing to see strong economic growth in 2018 with $30.22 million in total construction so far this year compared to $9.6 million in 2017 City of Cranbrook photo According to t …
More Info
Success Story: Fab Rite Services Ltd.
Success Story: Fab Rite Services Ltd. Fab Rite Services Ltd. is one of the region’s greatest success stories in business diversification. Based in Cranbrook, this company started in 1982 as a mining contractor. Since then, Fab Rite has become one of We …
More Info
2018 Business Walk: 87% of Cranbrook businesses report positive environment
2018 Business Walk: 87% of Cranbrook businesses report positive environment The 3rd annual Cranbrook Business Walk took place June 19. Within a three-hour blitz, 11 teams of two volunteers canvassed the community, connecting with 104 businesses. A gene …
More Info