• Geographic Setting
• Social Setting
• Economic History
• Economic Base
• Recreation
• Community Planning

While the transportation corridor, which includes the mainline of C.P. Rail and the Trans-Canada Highway No. 1, is aligned in an east-west direction, the Columbia Valley has a north-south axis. Highway 23, which parallels the Arrow Lakes to the south and Lake Revelstoke to the north, provides access from Revelstoke to Mica Creek and the resources to the north and to the Kootenay Region to the south. Both Lake Revelstoke and the Arrow Lakes are navigable waterways.

Revelstoke, because of its geographic location in the mountains, is relatively isolated when compared to other communities in southern British Columbia and as a result stands alone in many respects. It does have transportation and economic ties with neighbouring geographic regions such as the Kootenays, the Shuswap and the North Okanagan. Revelstoke has a definitive area of service and influence yet draws upon all neighbouring regions to the east, west and south for goods, services, and representation.

The Revelstoke area is generally considered to include the Rogers Pass and Glacier National Park to the east; Mica Creek and Kinbasket Lake to the north; Three Valley Gap to the west; and the northern part of Arrow Lakes including the Beaton-Trout Lake area, to the south. See Figure I: Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
 

Revelstoke prides itself on its rich heritage and scenic ambiance. This is a community that has succeeded in diversifying its economy by taking advantage of a multitude of resources readily available in its own backyard.

Residents enjoy the many festivities and special events held throughout the year to acknowledge our culture and lifestyle. Theatre and arts; heritage celebrations; concerts; farmers market; seasonal nightly entertainment in Grizzly Plaza; parades; sporting events; and a wide variety of service clubs and volunteer organizations all enrich the experiences one may find in our community.

Revelstoke offers local access to a variety of educational programs, community health care, a caring social support system, numerous religious choices and an abundance of recreational activities. This is a community with a homogeneous population and a relatively young citizenry with a median age of 39 years.
 

As with many communities in south-eastern British Columbia, Revelstoke began in the 1880s as a transportation and supply centre for the mining industry. This was soon bolstered by the construction of the trans-continental railway and the subsequent decision of the Canadian Pacific railway to establish its main operations offices and maintenance facilities for the Shuswap and Mountain Subdivisions in Revelstoke. Both the mining industry and railway construction required substantial amounts of timber which prompted the early establishment and growth of the forest industry in the area.

From 1900 until the early 1960s, Revelstoke grew at a gradual steady pace. Construction of the Trans Canada Highway through Rogers Pass in 1962 opened the area to tourism. Rapid growth to service tourism took place and the economy was further diversified.

Beginning in 1965, three hydroelectric dams which created large reservoirs were built in the area. While these mega-projects fortified the economy of the city, they also flooded agricultural lands and vast expanses of prime forest lands, reducing the timber and natural environmental resources of the area. When the mega-project boom ended in 1985, the town experienced a significant downturn. This downturn was admirably overcome through the development and implementation of a community economic development strategy which included: a downtown revitalization project; development and diversification of small businesses; encouragement of tourism; and strengthening of the timber industry.

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The economy of Revelstoke is tied directly to its geographic location, physical environment and the natural resources of the region. The forest industry, transportation (primarily rail), tourism and government services all contribute significantly to the community’s economic health. Other resources available for development include water and minerals. It should be noted that, for a small community, Revelstoke has an extremely diversified economic base which is a major strength.

The forest industry accounts for 21% of basic employment income in Revelstoke. The forest industry is defined as including logging, hauling, primary and secondary processing, consulting and silviculture activities.

Transportation, both rail and highway, continue to be significant employment generators. The growth and development of the tourism and hospitality sector over the past thirty years have contributed to the diversification of the local economy. This sector provides 16% of Revelstoke’s base employment income. The natural environment; summer and winter recreational activities; history and heritage of the area; and location on major transportation routes provide opportunities for further significant tourism development. Work has commenced on the development of a major four-season resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, at Mount Mackenzie, minutes from downtown Revelstoke. For more information see www.revelstokemountainresort.com.

Revelstoke is the service center for a large geographic region and accordingly public services and government offices are located in the city and the employment generated contributes significantly to the economic base.

The water resources of the area have provided employment through construction of dams and continue to provide employment at the electrical generating facilities. The quality of water in the area offers opportunities for export while the waterways can be developed for transportation and tourism.

The Selkirk and Monashee Mountains are highly mineralized and in the past a number of ore deposits have been developed as mines. Mineral exploration continues to be actively pursued in the region.
 

Revelstoke is quickly developing its tourism sector into an all season playground. Outdoor adventures take advantage of our breathtaking scenery in the form of back country hiking, ski touring, heli-skiing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, snowboarding, river rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Formal recreational activities include a full service community centre and seniors activity centre, an 18 hole golf course, bowling lanes, fitness centres, tennis courts, skating arena, curling rink, and outdoor swimming pool. The area boasts two national parks, three provincial parks, several municipal parks, hot spring developments, and an abundance of camping opportunities. A new indoor aquatic centre opened in the spring of 2005.
 

In 1985 Revelstoke created one of the first Community Economic Development Strategies in British Columbia which helped guide economic activity for the next 10 years. This strategy was updated in 1995 and further revised in 2001 as part of the Community Development Strategic Action Plan process. The 2001 planning exercise included for the first time a Community Social Development Strategy. In 2003, Revelstoke completed its first Community Environmental Strategy. In addition, Revelstoke developed a Community Vision Statement in 1994, and a Tourism Development Strategy in 1997. The Tourism Strategy was revised during 2003.

These plans and strategies are prepared with extensive public input and support. The strategies are living documents, and the goals and objectives identified in the strategies are implemented by various community groups and agencies. The plans are reviewed in a public forum on an annual basis, and reports are prepared to document the progress that has been made and to prioritize the activities for the upcoming year.
 

Figure 1
Columbia Shuswap Regional District Map

 
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