Newcomers guide
Welcome to Cranbrook, the basecamp of the Kootenays. Here's what you need to settle in.
Cranbrook is the largest city in southeastern BC and the region’s centre for shopping, health care, education and air travel. It’s family-oriented, safe and affordable, with small-town charm and big-city advantages.
- 21,000+ residents, and growing
- 44 average age
- Sunniest city in British Columbia
- 897 new homes in the past five years
The guide covers the city’s history, getting around, housing, money and banking, schools, health care, things to do, safety and local government, with links to the agencies that can help.
Your first weeks
- Set up online City services for utility bills and property taxes
- Find your garbage and recycling day
- Get a dog licence if you have a dog
- Sign up for emergency alerts
- Get a library card and check the recreation program guide
- Find a doctor or clinic and schools
Housing
About 10% of Cranbrook’s homes are newly built, and purpose-built rentals are a major focus. See the housing reports and the housing profile.
More for newcomers
- Live here: climate, recreation and culture
- Work here: job search help
- Do business here
- ʔamakʔis Ktunaxa: the Ktunaxa homelands
- Getting here and around
Page updated .
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.