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BIG MOUNTAINS. BIG BUSINESS. BIG OPPORTUNITY. Sparwood, BC is yours and mine. We may be known as that town with the big green truck; or we might be that community in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, right on BC s border. But if there s one thing we are to everyone, it s a collection of hard-working fun-loving people who happily call Sparwood home. We are proud of our mining heritage and proud to be investing in our community, looking forward, diversifying and creating the best place to live and work in the Rocky Mountains, and we want to share that with you. Stop by anytime, share a smile or stay a while. It s yours and mine to discover! 3
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WHAT S THE BIG DEAL? BIG REASONS TO INVEST IN SPARWOOD Strong and stable industry: five Rocky Mountain coal mines with continual expansion forecasted; Educated and experienced workforce; One of Canada s highest incomes per-capita; Strategically located on Highway 3 and CPR rail lines; Three hours to Calgary, AB and less than two hours to the US border; 20 minutes to world class skiing at Fernie Alpine Resort; Motivated and strategic municipal government, with great infrastructure; 100 megabyte fibre optic infrastructure; Incredible recreation opportunities; Safe and secure; Did we mention the Rocky Mountains? 5
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SPARWOOD: AT A GLANCE How many places can you live that have the Rocky Mountain lifestyle and a strong local economy with stable jobs and above average income per-capita? The local coal industry is the foundation of our economy and the metallurgical coal extracted from our mines is an important factor in the foundation of the global economy. It is some of the best in the world, and if you ve seen precision industrial or surgical instruments, wind turbines, or used a stainless steel FAST FACTS: Sparwood Population: 3,900* Elk Valley Population: 11,000* 30 min Catchment Population: 16,600* Area: 177 km2 Primary Industries: Coal Mining & Forestry Major Employers: Teck Finning Cummins Joy Global Maxam Rayco Steel Acklands Grainger 100MB business broadband infrastructure * Population figures are rounded to the nearest 100 appliance, there s a good chance its beginnings may have had something to do with our coal. Sparwood s business community contains some big names at the forefront of their industry, they innovate and operate on a global scale. Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, we are surrounded by forests and wildlife. There s an incredible array of things to do right out the back door. We have world class skiing just down the road, a great golf course, incredible walking, biking and hiking trails, world class canoeing and kayaking on the Elk River, and hunting, fishing, x-c skiing, sledding and off-road adventuring. Our economy allows us to invest in some of the best infrastructure available in a community of our size anywhere in Canada. Sparwood is located in the East Kootenay Rockies, at the southeast corner of BC. On one of Canada s major transport routes, Highway 3, situated next to one of CPR s main rail lines. Only three hours from Calgary, two hours from the US and a short 90 minute drive to the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook. 7
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SPARWOOD: AMENITIES Sparwood s Rocky Mountain environment offers pure air, clean water and stunning vistas. But the community also affords exceptional recreational and living opportunities. LEISURE CENTRE The Sparwood recreation centre is home to an ice rink, curling rink, swimming pool, racket courts, weight centre, spray park and community meeting spaces. COMMUNITY & BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS An extensive walking and hiking network meander around the community and the surrounding area. We have great access to alpine areas, waterfalls, numerous lakes, rivers and creeks, all within a short distance from the community Out here, there s never a question of What to do? It s What to do first? OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES The Elk River flows right through Sparwood and is one of the finest fishing rivers in the world. Our valley is also home to some of North America s best hunting areas with an abundance of game. BC s easternmost golf course is in Sparwood, and a Fred Couples designed course is under development. Some of the world s best skiing and snowboarding is just a short drive away at Fernie Alpine Resort. Of course, Sparwood also offers opportunities for horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, x-c skiing, sledding, camping, mountain biking and much more. 9
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SPARWOOD: AFFORDABILITY RESIDENTIAL Sparwood offers Rocky Mountain residential locations, often for considerably less than other comparable communities. With its proximity to industry and recreational opportunities Sparwood offers attractive and affordable Rocky Mountain living. COMMERCIAL The municipal district encompasses 177 km, and offers competitive opportunities for building and investment with serviced and un-serviced land development opportunities available. The District of Sparwood is excited to work with potential investors to find them a suitable home in the community. LOCATION Sparwood blends the best of BC s Rocky Mountains with immediate access to rail and highway transportation. Sparwood is a fantastic location for a business to not only take advantage of the immediate local opportunities but also as a hub location for ancillary and supporting businesses for the region s primary industry. 11
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COMMUNITY & COAL REAL ESTATE There are five coal mines in the Sparwood area, owned and operated by Teck. Sparwood offers a variety of real estate opportunities. There is a diverse array of residential and commercial properties and lands, as well as a solid inventory of light and heavy industrial lands. Current infrastructure investments are working towards creating a mine support industrial hub area, high quality office spaces and a revitalized downtown core seeking restaurant and service sector businesses. There are additional plans for major expansion over the next five to ten years which will result in further direct employment and opportunities for supporting businesses. LABOUR FORCE & SECTORS Sparwood s labour force consists of over 2000 people, and with the upcoming mine expansions, that number is sure to grow. The area s primary employer is Teck. Secondary and ancillary industry related to mining also flourishes. Sparwood also attracts diverse industries in the form of small retail shops, restaurants, accommodation providers and government services. They currently employ approximately 4,000 people, drawing from both Sparwood s labour force and from outside of the region. EDUCATION Both an elementary and secondary school are featured in the community. The College of the Rockies has a campus in Fernie and offers industry training in Cranbrook, BC. Sparwood s nearest university is in Lethbridge, two hours away. It is also only three hours to universities and technical schools in Calgary, AB. INCOME Sparwood is fortunate to have one of Canada s highest rates of income per capita. 13
COMMUNITY: QUALITY OF LIFE Sparwood has a history of hard working people. Today that spirit lives on in a tightknit community of citizens intent on making their town a great place to live. Sparwood is a secure community, and understandably free from most challenges commonly associated with larger cities. Mountain living makes life great. The inherent qualities of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding recreational activities contribute to endless healthy lifestyle opportunities. Sparwood is well serviced by healthcare. The Sparwood Healthcare Centre supports four physicians, and provides services such as emergency room, labs, radiology, and more. In addition, comprehensive hospital services are located in Fernie at the Elk Valley Hospital, only 30km away. INCENTIVES & INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES In addition to the recent full renovations at Greenwood Mall, Sparwood is encountering further opportunities for growth and development. A new intersection at the junction of highway 3 and 43 is slated for construction with adjacent sites zoned for industrial and commercial use already sold and being developed with plans for a restaurant, fast food outlet and hotel. Sparwood is serious about progression and has developed a Downtown Revitalization Tax Exemption Program in order to further facilitate growth and diversification. The program offers up to 10 years free from municipal property tax. Sparwood has no Development Cost Charges (DCC), and also offers low property and residential taxes. As industry begins to enter a new phase of expansion, there has never been a better time to invest in Sparwood. DIVERSIFICATION A strong relationship with the coal industry means that Sparwood has a solid foundation to build on and diversify. This coupled with close proximity to recreation options and other amenities make Sparwood a highly attractive community for innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to locate in a secure and developing environment. The District of Sparwood is actively seeking both businesses that complement existing industry, and those that can capitalize on its strengths and opportunities to diversify the business community. Sparwood is committed to strategically working towards economic diversification and sustainability for existing and future generations. BUSINESS & COMMUNITY CULTURE Sparwood is proud of its heritage, and values its mining history and hard working business ethic. The community believes in strong and transparent communication, and works hard together to see Sparwood be the best it can be. 14 THE SENSIBLE ROCKY MOUNTAIN INVESTMENT CHOICE
NEXT STEPS? Thinking of starting a business? Thinking of moving your business? Ready to relocate to a community that shares your values? Looking for more reasons why Rocky Mountains, recreation and a solid community future might make business sense for you? Contact our Business Development Liaison today. Jude Smith, Business Development Liaison, District of Sparwood 250.425.6271 jsmith@sparwood.ca 15
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