Did You Know?

Cranbrook has some of the lowest taxes in B.C.

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

$10 million trades training facility nearing completion

$10 million trades training facility nearing completion College of the Rockies is working to address the need for more skilled tradespeople The new trades building at College of the Rockies will be open for classes in August 2018. Improvements at post- …

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Cranbrook offers homebuyers a welcome relief in affordability

Cranbrook offers homebuyers a welcome relief in affordability If soaring house prices have got you down, then maybe it’s time to check out Cranbrook’s real estate market Year to date, Cranbrook has seen an increase in demand of nearly 20 per cent over …

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Cranbrook’s College of the Rockies planning further expansion

Cranbrook’s College of the Rockies planning further expansion College plans to expand programs and hopes to add 96 on-campus spaces to meet student housing demand With more than 800 employees at COTR campuses, the college is one of the region’s top emp …

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