Creston is a service hub for the neighbourhoods within the Creston Valley and the East Shore of Kootenay Lake. Creston is a cozy town with, in my opinion, pretty much every primary service I can imagine wanting and needing. It is interesting that when most people feel cozy and comfortable they don't have much motivation to create change. It is said that "change takes time in Creston" or another way to put it is "Creston is the place where time never changes and change takes time". It certainly feels that way for most of us enthusiastic idea people (perhaps by being this way they avoid jumping into problems). However, change does eventually occur.
The town has come along way since I moved here in 1982, when there was a dusty sawmill located downtown, power lines strung over main street and gravel parking lots scattered about that are now landscaped green spaces. On the site where the saw mill once was there are now parks, our new college campus was built, a new grocery store was constructed (now it is Your Independent Grocer), our library found a new home and a new RCMP station was built. The historical grain elevators now serve as landmarks and most recently served as space for Kunze Art Gallery.
Not long ago Creston and area updated the recreation complex and added a beautiful indoor pool, indoor walking track and fitness center that is now the envy of many other towns and cities. "The British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association called the complex the “heart and soul of the community” and said the RDCK’s “efforts exemplify how much the parks, recreation, physical activity and culture section can contribute to a high quality of life in our communities.”... “We are very pleased at being recognized provincially for the outstanding and special facility that the RDCK has developed here in Creston,” said Randy Fediuk, Recreation Manager at the complex. “The award is a huge bouquet to all of the people that have been involved in the development and success of the CDCC.”" - RDCK
There is still more beautification to be done in order to match up our downtown and the Northwest Blvd commercial strip with the immense beauty of the valley. Thankfully, beautification and trails are one of Town Council's priorities.
The town has come along way since I moved here in 1982, when there was a dusty sawmill located downtown, power lines strung over main street and gravel parking lots scattered about that are now landscaped green spaces. On the site where the saw mill once was there are now parks, our new college campus was built, a new grocery store was constructed (now it is Your Independent Grocer), our library found a new home and a new RCMP station was built. The historical grain elevators now serve as landmarks and most recently served as space for Kunze Art Gallery.
Not long ago Creston and area updated the recreation complex and added a beautiful indoor pool, indoor walking track and fitness center that is now the envy of many other towns and cities. "The British Columbia Recreation and Parks Association called the complex the “heart and soul of the community” and said the RDCK’s “efforts exemplify how much the parks, recreation, physical activity and culture section can contribute to a high quality of life in our communities.”... “We are very pleased at being recognized provincially for the outstanding and special facility that the RDCK has developed here in Creston,” said Randy Fediuk, Recreation Manager at the complex. “The award is a huge bouquet to all of the people that have been involved in the development and success of the CDCC.”" - RDCK
There is still more beautification to be done in order to match up our downtown and the Northwest Blvd commercial strip with the immense beauty of the valley. Thankfully, beautification and trails are one of Town Council's priorities.
Creston Quick Facts:Official Community Plan 2017
Elevation: 600m Area: 9.27km2 2014 Population of Creston BC: 5,306 people 2011 Median Age: 55.2 2011 Average Persons per Household: 2.1 Average Home Value Avg Commute Time: 6 minutes Creston is now a part of the electric highway with its All-In-One Electric Car Charging Stations available to the public. Weather in Creston BC: Check Here |
I have always felt that the Creston Town Hall staff are conscientious when it comes to maintaining our streets and services (especially compared to the pothole-ridden City of Cranbrook next door). The taxes in town are considered low by those who move here but some locals still complain they are too high. I commend those who run for council and it's employees for working hard at taking care of our lovely town. Creston was recently recognized for producing an outstanding Official Community Plan.
The downtown is vibrant but it is hard to overlook the couple of vacant storefronts that occur from time to time. The stories behind those empty spaces actually relate more to circumstances of the individual proprietors than anything being wrong with the local economy. As the saying goes, "life happens while you are busy making other plans". It just so happens when there is a store closure it is more noticeable in a small town. The service sector is doing very well here with the retirees demanding everything including hair salons, the service trades and professional services. The diversity of the economy here provides work for those who are willing and able: Columbia Brewery, Canfor Wynndel Box and Lumber/Wynnwood, Huscroft Sawmill, other forestry related work, public sector and government related work, private sector services and our retail industry, Okanagan Similkameen Cooperative Growers, other agriculture related businesses (including dairies, beef, grains, orchards, produce). Other working residents in the area are telecommuters or people who work from home. Stats show around 1 in 5 work from home. |
Creston BC Real Estate
Contact Lee for more information about Creston BC Real Estate. There is generally a wide variety of land and houses for sale in the area. For a comprehensive list of property for sale go to www.CrestonRealtor.com
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