Invest in Cranbrook
Why businesses choose the regional hub of the Kootenays, and how the City's economic development team can help.
The City’s economic development team helps businesses set up and grow in Cranbrook. It can give you market research and local business intelligence, connect you with partners, and point you to regional, provincial and federal incentives that lower the cost of moving or expanding here.
Cranbrook at a glance
- 21,000+ residents, with about 73,000 more people within 150 km who come here for shopping and services
- $300 million+ in building permits over five years, and 897 new homes
- 1,884 business licences in 2021, up from 844 in 2014
- 5.29% total tax rate on major industry, lower than many BC cities
- 2,190 hours of sunshine a year, the most of any BC city
- 20+ flights a day from Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC)
Advantages
- Clean, renewable hydroelectric power
- Access to major markets in BC, Alberta and the United States
- Competitive taxes and incentives
- Low land costs, with land zoned for industry
- A hub for natural resources
- A council and staff focused on getting projects approved quickly
- Fibre internet and reliable mobile coverage
- A skilled workforce, with College of the Rockies’ main campus in town
What the City is focused on
- Growing logistics and transportation infrastructure
- Strengthening Cranbrook’s role as the regional service centre
- Attracting technology businesses, including artificial intelligence, geospatial and incubator space
- Attracting retail and franchise businesses
- Value-added processing for forestry and agriculture
- Revitalizing downtown
Recent results
- Industrial land: in 2018 the City bought about 100 acres of former Tembec brownfield land and, in November 2020, sold it to Peak Industries for a finger-joint plant with about 40 jobs.
- Airport: over $20 million invested at YXC in the past decade, including a runway extension and terminal expansion.
- Faster approvals: planning and engineering staff work together on applications, and Council has held special meetings to speed up major housing projects.
- Shop local: the City piloted the Buy Basin and shop local campaigns with Columbia Basin Trust.
Start here
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Based on this page on cranbrook.ca, rewritten in plain language. Fees, dates and rules can change, so confirm with the City before you rely on them.