Tourism

 

A LAND OF OPPORTUNITY

While tourism has been a challenged industry, 2004 saw an turnaround and growth for the first time since the late 1990’s. In 2007 the Red Resort installed a new quad chair lift and it will be operational for the 2007/2008 ski season. There is optimism among tourist operators for further growth in 2008, partially because of the strengthening economy, and partially because of the marketing efforts by Red Resort during the winter ski season. Rossland has established itself as the mountain biking capital of Canada and the newly constructed Seven Summits Trail has been awarded "EPIC Ride" status by the International Mountain Biking Association.

 

The mighty Columbia River is a pristine international waterway which is navigable for a distance of 300 miles from the Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State north to Revelstoke, British Columbia. Trail is strategically situated along the Columbia River at the B.C. – Washington international border. Recreational and commercial development of the waterway in the U.S. has been robust while usage and development on the Canadian waterway has been limited. It is noted that the Columbia River is a world class fishery which attracts many visitors annually.

 

DEVELOPMENT

 

OWNERSHIP CHANGE HAS BEEN A BIG DEAL

The Red Mountain Ski Resort was purchased in mid-2004 by an investment group headed up by San Diego, California businessman, Howard Katkov. While a number of exciting improvements have been made to the ski area, planning is underway for lift development, construction of a beautiful new ski services complex which includes commercial and residential development. Red Mountain has attracted investors from Central Canada, West Coast of the United States, Australia and Europe. An Australian property investor continues with the development of Red Mountain Properties. Quality units have been constructed and sold to US, European, Australian and Canadian buyers.

 

EXCITING RESORT COMMUNITY DEVELOPS

Rossland Over $ 100 million has recently been invested in transforming Rossland-Red Mountain into a unique and highly desirable alpine resort. It is expected that $ 1 billion of foreign investment will flow into Rossland over the next fifteen years.

 

In 2004 Ferraro Foods opened its large new store which has been a most welcome addition. This store follows the construction of a new credit union and adjacent medical and retail businesses. The “heritage” Rossland Fire -hall has been rehabilitated to accommodate a unique coffee business and a wine bar. The old Gospel Hall on Rossland’s main street has been renovated for a number of tenants. Rossland’s hardware store will expand into the historic “Hunter Bros” General Store on the corner of Columbia and Washington. A new furniture store has been established across from the Uplander Hotel. A new fitness centre has just opened. A property at the entrance to Rossland from Trail, will be redeveloped to accommodate a number of world class technology companies recently established in Rossland.

 

Residential development will also continue throughout the City and will likely attract buyers who will use the properties seasonally. The Rossland Golf Course has been acquired and has been rebranded as Redstone Resort. The newly designed 18 hole Les Furber course will officially open in 2008 and integrated resort residential development is ongoing with Phase 1 sold out and Phase 2 to be announced soon.

 
 
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