Two weeks ago we looked at upcoming developments in the City of Cranbrook. This week we will look at developments throughout the Kootenay region. All of these developments are in the planning, permitting stage or development is underway.
Fernie: New Basecamp Resort Breaks Ground
Basecamp Resorts and Systemic Architecture Ltd recently broke ground on a new resort development in Fernie.
The new Basecamp Resorts location borders the Elk River and is just north of retailer Canadian Tire. The design concept features three hotel buildings and eleven spa buildings which will include an extensive nordic spa.
The company is positioning the proposed development as a gateway and launching point to the many activities in Fernie and the Elk Valley.
Basecamp Resorts, headquartered in Canmore, Alberta, is making its first foray into the Elk Valley with this investment, just shy of $20 million. Cranbrook-based New Dawn Developments is the general contractor on the project.
Sparwood: EVR’s New Eco-Friendly Office Heading Toward Completion
Construction is well underway on the new Elk Valley Resources (EVR) zero-carbon office building in Sparwood. The 121,500 square foot facility will house 580 employees and bring 11 remote offices under one roof.
The purpose built facility will house EVR’s engineers, geologists, water quality specialists, land reclamation specialists, information technology specialists, administration, human resources, and health and safety personnel.
Sources estimate the project at $35 million.
In 2024 Swiss mining giant Glencore completed a $9.5 billion purchase for 77 per cent of Teck Resources coal operations, and renamed the company Elk Valley Resources.
The new EVR office in Sparwood is projected to be completed in 2025.
Castlegar: Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Project Completion In Sight
Completion is in sight for one of West Kootenay’s biggest projects.
Last year the BC government’s Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) contributed some $6.7 million to assist Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc. to expand by establishing a new prefabricated mass-timber and cross-laminated timber modularized building facility, and purchasing new machinery to drive production of building components that will be used for rapid housing construction.
The $34 million Mass Timber facility will create 90 jobs, and is located on vacant land near the West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar. This is the third Kalesnikoff operation in the region.
Nelson: Spearhead Timberworks Set to Expand
Nelson-based Spearhead Timberworks, a wood manufacturing company recently received a $7.5-million grant from the B.C government to expand its North Shore facility.
Spearhead Timberworks designs and produces customizable, highly advanced wood structures for residential and commercial use in an international market.
The new facility, Spearhead’s owners say, will allow it to upgrade and increase production of its own custom glue-laminated timber.
The new facility will be built beside its current one, and is expected to add about 60 jobs, doubling the company’s workforce.
Castlegar: Construction Progressing on Wendy’s Castlegar
Castlegar will be the home of a new 2,178 sq ft Wendy’s restaurant at 1680 Columbia Avenue in 2025. The City of Castlegar approved the application in the fall of 2024, and construction is underway.
The new Wendy’s will be located across from Kalawsky Chevrolet on 17th Street, adjacent to the railroad tracks. The proposal includes indoor seating, outdoor patio seating and a drive-thru lane to accommodate 11 vehicles, according to the information package filed with the application.
Rossland: The Daly Development at Red Mountain Under Construction
The Developer’s sales team, RED Mountain Homes, reports that The Daly has completely sold out. The construction of this project has continued through the winter and should be ready for occupancy mid-late 2026.
Red Mountain states: “A sister to The Crescent, The Daly is part of the family, but designed to answer a demand for larger alpine homes that accommodate families and groups of friends. Like The Crescent, it’s located at the base of RED, steps from year-round mountain adventure, the day lodge, Rafters bar and The Josie hotel.” The Daly features 94 three, two and one-bedroom residences, each with a private deck.
Castlegar: Celgar to Modernize
Mercer Celgar, which operates a pulp mill and biorefinery in Castlegar, will receive $1.75 million to modernize its small-log line and install equipment capable of processing smaller-diameter logs and a wider range of low-grade fibre.
The project is slated to start in the near future.
Nelson: Despite Delays, New Kootenay Lake Ferry Construction Continues
The construction of the new Kootenay Lake ferry continues to be delayed, and is now anticipated to enter service in summer 2027.
The project faced challenges, including construction site location, the complexity of assembling a large vessel in a temporary shipyard, and a shortage of qualified tradespeople.
The budget has almost doubled from $63 million to $117 million.
A new electric-ready vessel, the 55-car ferry, is being built to replace the MV Balfour. Assembly began in summer of 2021 at Western Pacific Marine’s (WPM) site in Nelson.
Kimberley: Kulkon’s Rental Condo Project Underway
KulKon is proud to be building 39 purpose built rental units in Kimberley
Located just below the Kimberley Alpine Resort and overlooking Trickle Creek Golf Course, the new project anticipates completion by the end of 2025.
The spacious rental units provide all the amenities for a comfortable lifestyle.
The picturesque setting is tucked in right behind the Timber Ridge condos on Gerry Sorenson Way.
Fernie: Fernie Fox Hotel to Add 50 Units
Fernie-based Peacock Hospitality’s CEO Jeremiah Pauw has announced plans for a major expansion of the Fernie Fox Hotel, adding 50 new one and two-bedroom suites, a mid-sized meeting space, and enhanced guest amenities.
The expansion will more than double the capacity of the hotel.
Final design work and site preparation are currently underway, with construction slated to begin in the spring of 2026.
