City of Trail Booming With Investment and Growth

TRAIL, BC--(Marketwired - November 09, 2016) - The City of Trail is quietly attracting significant dollars from senior levels of government and private sector investors, setting the stage for another boom for this West Kootenay mining and smelting town.

"Teck Resources (formerly Cominco) has been the mainstay of our economic life for many decades," said City of Trail Mayor, Mike Martin. "As the company continues to invest in its Trail operations, provide great jobs and contribute generously to community life, other investors are joining in."

Last year FortisBC, Columbia Power and Columbia Basin Trust completed the expansion of Waneta Dam south of Trail. In addition to injecting more than $300 million into the local economy, it created jobs for over 1,400 people, including 194 apprentices from 13 trades.

In June of this year the provincial government announced $1.18 million in BC Air Access funding to support construction of a new terminal building at the Trail Regional Airport. "It will be the centrepiece of several improvements to the airport to take advantage of increased activity," stated Martin. "We anticipate more business and holiday travelers will come to the area."

Downtown Trail is in the midst of a makeover as an array of investments in existing buildings are creating new businesses, services and opportunities. Renovations are underway for a new microbrewery and a new boutique hotel/conference centre. In October, the City broke ground on the Riverfront Centre, a new integrated library and museum. The 15,000 sq.ft. facility, with funding assistance from Teck, Columbia Basin Trust and other donors, will offer innovative educational tools and provide a showcase for Trail's unique history and culture. In addition to creating more energy downtown, the City is bringing more people downtown. In December the City will be opening the Columbia River Skywalk, a 1000 ft. pedestrian/pipeline bridge funded by the City, the provincial government and the Regional District, which will be the first of its kind in Canada.

The City is also working closely with the Interior Health Authority and the provincial government to fund $40 million in much-needed improvements to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail. "With all of these investments being made, jobs being created and people coming to Trail we need to ensure our health care facilities are kept in top shape to meet ever-rising demand," continued Martin.

The City is benefitting from investments in sport and recreation, too. The iconic Trail Smoke Eaters, which has played hockey in the City for nearly 100 years, has just attracted a new owner who will be making significant improvements to the local arena. In nearby Rossland only 15 minutes away, Red Mountain Resort continues to grow and is now the 8^th largest ski area in Canada.

"Trail and its residents have always worked hard and contributed to their community," concluded Martin. "More investors, senior governments and employers are recognizing the advantages of being here and Trail is benefiting as a result."

About Trail, BC

Trail is a major employer of individuals working in the engineering field. Teck, Fortis, Columbia Power, Austin Engineering, TRUE Consulting, Amec Foster Wheeler and other companies employ over 100 Professional Engineers, Engineering Technicians and Field Engineers. In a city of 8,000 people, this shows there's more infrastructure, more building and more business coming its way.

Trail is at the geographic centre of four major mountain ranges -- the Purcells, Selkirks, Monashees and Rockies. Combined with the location on the banks of the Columbia River the outdoor recreation opportunities in Trail are limitless.

More information about Trail is available at www.trail.ca, www.trailairport.ca and www.exploreyourtrail.com.