The variety of sectors and industries throughout the Kootenay and Boundary region match the variety of landscapes and communities.
The Kootenay and Boundary region is home to business operations from many market sectors full of exciting and diverse career opportunities at all levels. We can help you find your niche whether you are starting out, looking for a career change, relocating or expanding your business.
Take a look at our top industry sectors below. Then explore the rest of the site to learn more about living and working in the Kootenays.
Mining and Metallurgical Operations
Metallurgical activities currently taking place across the region include smelting and refining lead and zinc, as well as production of gold, silver and a vast array of other important metals.
The Elk Valley in the East Kootenays is a major global provider of metallurgical (steel making) coal and responsible for 0.5% of Canadian GDP.
West Kootenay’s metallurgical industry also provides extensive electronics recycling services, ensuring as much of our disposed metals are reused and repurposed as possible. The metallurgical industry has driven the development of robust transportation infrastructure in the Kootenay region.
Technology
The region’s technology sector is growing, spurred on by recent implementation of very high speed broadband internet available commercially in most Kootenay communities. Companies in this sector generate significant direct economic spin-offs for the region and growth is projected to continue. An estimated 843 companies employ 15,150 people generating $3.8 billion in revenue. This includes 433 companies employing 6,950 people generating $2.5 billion in revenue in the West Kootenay and Boundary regions and 410 companies employing 8,200 people generating $1.3 billion in revenue in the East Kootenay region.
Health Care
From large regional hospitals to community health centres, long term care facilities, clinics and family practices, jobs are always available in the health care sector throughout the Kootenay and Boundary region. In addition to the medical professionals and support staff directly employed in health care, there are numerous spin-off jobs supporting the sector in every community.
Tourism
Seasonal activities like world class skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking, as well as excellent golfing and some of the best fishing in the world on many of the rivers in the Columbia basin have helped create a thriving tourism sector here in the Kootenays.
The area is popular with visitors throughout the year thanks to the diversity of activities coupled with the stunning scenery.
Many businesses cater to the demands of the tourism sector, providing opportunities for visitors to experience the thrill of fly fishing, backcountry adventures in all seasons, cat and heli-skiing, hiking, biking and white water rafting to name only a few.
Manufacturing
The Kootenays enjoys a varied manufacturing sector. Operations range from small scale artisan food processing businesses thanks to the excellent locally grown ingredients available to niche forestry-related products and larger operations with significant export capabilities. There’s even a fabrication lab to test your innovative idea and bring it to reality.
A broad and experienced workforce helps support the success and innovation found within the sector.
Agriculture and Wineries
Agriculture and wineries represent a sector ripe with opportunity in the Kootenay and Boundary region. Agricultural activities primarily include ranching, grain, fruit, and dairy production, nurseries, and grape growing and wine production. Farmers also raise llamas, ostriches, peacocks, goats and other animals to produce soaps, cheese, eggs and wool. Creston and the Boundary area are agricultural leaders offering ideal growing climates – comparable to the Okanagan region.
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
The success of arts, entertainment and recreation is closely linked to the success the region has had in attracting tourists.
The density of this sector is easy to see when visiting any of the main tourist centres. From festivals to artisans, agricultural and heritage attractions, there are vast opportunities for rewarding work in arts and culture.