Creating Revelstoke strategies for short-term rentals, p · 16. Living Boxfort in Revelstoke, p · 28. Pine and Peaks Revelstoke aims to add rental stock, p · 31. Paint your way out of the seasonal blues, p · 33.
Revelstoke Mountaineer Magazine is a free monthly publication featuring the best of Revelstoke outdoor life, food, style, visitor experiences, lifestyles, entertainment, home style and healthy living.
We are an independent, locally owned publication dedicated to showcasing our amazing mountain town and the great people who create the stoke.
Each issue we distribute 2,000 copies to public venues across Revelstoke, including hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, cafes, community centres — everywhere people meet.
For all inquiries, please contact us at info@revelstokemountaineer.com
For more local news visit www.revelstokemountaineer.com
· 250 571 9525 info@revelstokemountaineer.com Discourse Community Publishing 213-1130 Sun Peaks Rd, Sun Peaks,B.C. V0E 5N0, Canada
PUBLISHER
Brandi Schier info@revelstokemountaineer.com
PARTNERSHIPS SPECIALIST
Anam Rahman anam@revelstokemountaineer.com
EDITOR
Hollie Ferguson info@revelstokemountaineer.com
REPORTER
Lys Morton lys@revelstokemountaineer.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Charlotte Smith
Claire Levrat
EDITORIAL DESIGN/ADVERTISING DESIGN/ WEBSITE
Chris Payne chris@revelstokemountaineer.com
Introduction
Last year I wrote how nervous I was to try and “put a bow” on housing in Revelstoke, including how we at the Mountaineer didn’t want to shy away from the fact that an international housing crisis was present in nearly every aspect of our community. So, I put my energy in reporting on so many of the different strategies folks are developing to try and create long-term housing solutions. I’m really proud of that issue and the work we did. One year later and we still get comments and compliments from readers.
Now, I was fully aware the same struggles were going to be around by this print. Housing isn’t something you solve in a year. So, how to provide new stories for this issue?
“Revelstoke problems will require Revelstoke solutions,” a community member said recently at a public meeting. That's been my go-to phrase for nearly every story in this print, from when I was reconnecting with a local business that recently got a rebrand, when contributor Charlotte Smith chatted with a developer about sustainably adding density to Revelstoke and when I got to chat with some folks who have long called Revelstoke home.
Here’s to Revelstoke strategies,
- Lys Morton, community journalist
COVER AND INSET PHOTO: Hemlock townhouses are stylish and functional, with flexible floorplans.
Photo provided by Hemlock Revelstoke
Find out what’s happening in and around Revelstoke this month in the events calendar. Don’t forget to contact Lys to add your event to our calendar and newsletter.
8
EDITOR’S NOTE A reflection on our Home Issue.
12
POSSIBLE 25 PER CENT TARIFF ON BOOKS COULD KNEECAP LOCAL RETAILERS
Fable Book Parlour and Revelstoke Museum and Archives warn proposed retaliatory tariff would hinder Canadians more than Americans.
14
REDI GRANT FUNDING COMMITTEE HEARS PITCHES FROM COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Thirty-five local organizations pitch to committee and attendees for grant support.
16
CREATING REVELSTOKE STRATEGIES FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS
Keeping money in Revelstoke in light of international financial stressors top of mind for STR meeting attendees.
17
YORKE PARKIN WINS BIG IN ITALY
The Revelstoke alpine ski racer scored three gold medals at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
18
B.C. STILL OPEN FOR COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY NEGOTIATIONS
‘We're going to defend our interest,’ B.C. energy minister Adrian Dix says.
19
REVELSTOKE TERRAIN HIGHLIGHTS SKILLS AT 2025 YETI NATURAL SELECTION
Norway’s Ståle Sandbech and Canada’s Spencer O’Brien take the win.
22
‘I’M NOT GOING ANYWHERE’
How Patrick Edmonds found home in Revelstoke.
24
TO BUILD A HOME
In an effort to make Revelstoke his home, Peter Bernacki helped lay the groundwork for Revelstoke’s future.
26
WHERE TO STAY WHILE YOU PLAY
Some top hotel picks to serve as your home away from home for adventuring in Revelstoke.
28
LIVING BOXFORT IN REVELSTOKE Sustainability, gentle density and optimal living key priorities for development company.
30
NEW NAME, SAME GOALS: REINTRODUCING GOOD WAY HOMES
Revelstoke’s Adaptive Homes relaunches as Good Way Homes and introduces the Fernwood model.
31
PINE AND PEAKS REVELSTOKE AIMS TO ADD RENTAL STOCK
Basecamp Resort’s latest project will add 75 rental units to Revelstoke’s market with phase one scheduled for September 2025.
32
AVENUE HOME + BOUTIQUE BRINGS NEW HOME DECOR, DESIGN AND STAGING SERVICES TO REVELSTOKE Family-owned Avenue Home + Boutique offers selected home decor and interior design services.
33
PAINT YOUR WAY OUT OF THE SEASONAL BLUES
While not a cure- all for Revelstoke’s damper days, interior paint can help bring some brightness back into a space.
34
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS HELP WOMEN THRIVE IN BACKCOUNTRY LEADERSHIP Through tailored programs, Revelstoke-based female mountain experts and organizations help more women embrace winter backcountry adventures.
35
PUZZLES
Check your answers for last month’s puzzles and try your hand at March’s crossword and sudoku.
Bring your instrument and your favourite songs to the Revelstoke Senior Centre’s monthly Open Mic Night. Everyone is welcome to attend. Entry is $5 non-members and $3 members. Enjoy coffee, tea, juice and baked goods. 50/50 raffle tickets available for purchase.
TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 15, 22, 29
LEARN TO ROLLER SKATE
Revelstoke Community and Aquatic Centre, 600 Campbell Ave., 6:15 p.m. –7:15 p.m.
Calling all beginner roller skaters, here’s your chance to learn with the Revelstoke Roller Derby and get all the fundamentals under your belt. No need to want to get into the roller derby world, just a want to learn how to stake. Ages 16 and up, all genders welcome for the four weeks of training. Contact revelstokerollerderby@ gmail.com for more information and to register.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
POW CANADA TOWN HALL
Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, 1007 Vernon Ave., 6:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Protect our Winters Canada invites you to a free townhall meeting to strategize ways local businesses, municipal leaders, outdoor enthusiasts and more can protect Revelstoke and the surrounding areas from unpredictable weather. Head to ProtectOurWinters.ca to RSVP.
Swing by the Revelstoke Railway Museum for an evening of board and card games every Thursday. Enjoy 50 per cent off admission and try your hand at a range of board games. All skill levels are welcome.
FRIDAY, APRIL 11
WORLD TOUR PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL
Revelstoke Legion, 600 First St. West, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Support the Revelstoke Paddlesport Association and enjoy Rapid Media’s latest film tour of paddling films. Tickets available at Revy Outdoors and at the door.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
APRÈS WITH THE PRAIRIE DOGZ
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, 2950 Camozzi Rd., 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Jam out with southern Alberta band, The Prairie Dogz at the Paul Mair plaza for Après and Music. Throw on your best flannel and enjoy a blend of country, rock and blues.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
SPECIAL OLYMPICS BARBECUE PARTY
1st Impressions parking lot, 300 First St. East, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate gold medalist Yorke Parkin, enjoy some BBQ and learn more about Special Olympics Revelstoke and how you can support local athletes. Hot dogs and hamburgers available by donation.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
PAMFF WINTER FILM EXHIBITION
Paramjit's Kitchen, 116 First St. West, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
It’s time for the third Pam’s Film Festival (PAMFF), hosted by Pam’s Kitchen and sponsored by The Wax Bench and Skookum Bike and Ski. Enjoy an evening of local filmmaking as contestants show off the best tricks, gnarliest crashes and an overall love for Revelstoke winters. Contact
ralphmetcalf90@gmail.com to submit your film and learn more.
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
CREEDENCE
CLEARWATER RELIVED Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, 1007 Vernon Ave., 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Enjoy all your favourite Creedence Clearwater Revival music with the cover band Bad Moon Riders. From Proud Mary to Bad Moon Rising and Fortunate Son, celebrate the music that defined a generation. Tickets available through Arts Revelstoke.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
LOCALS DAY
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, 2950 Camozzi Rd., 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Get your Locals Day on and enjoy $20 lift tickets and $10 standard rentals. Try out the high-end gear for 50 per cent off. Bring down proof of residency and enjoy the mountain in our backyard.
SUNDAY, APRIL 13
SILENT BOOK CLUB
The Sound Cellar, 101 First St. West, in the alley, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Bring your current read and curl up in The Sound Cellar
Join the Revelstoke Roller Derby for the Learn to Skate course. Photo provided by Revelstoke Roller Derby/Facebook
lounge for an evening of relaxed reading among other book fans, hosted by Fable Book Parlour. No need to discuss the existential themes in your book, no need to try and answer what the narrative thread is. Just some dedicated reading time and maybe some friendly chatter later on. Open to ages 16 and up, free to attend, bring your favourite mug for some hot drinks.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16
BROWN BAG HISTORYMOUNT BEGBIE SCHOOL
Revelstoke Museum & Archives, 315 First St. West, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Learn about Revelstoke’s beloved Mount Begbie School and how education has changed over the years with special guest, former teacher Rosemary Tracy. Bring your lunch to the Revelstoke Museum & Archives for this week’s Brown Bag History event. Talks held on the second floor, tickets are $10.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
LADIES AUXILIARY
EASTER PARTY
Revelstoke Legion, 600 First St. West, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 46’s Ladies Auxiliary hosts a community Easter party at the Revelstoke Legion upper hall. Enjoy games, prizes, photos with the Easter bunny and more.
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
LFI WINTER MARKET
Revelstoke Community and Aquatic Centre, 600 Campbell Ave., 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Bring your reusable bags and enjoy the last winter market of the 2024/2025 season before Revelstoke Local Food Initiative takes a break and gets ready for the summer farmer’s market. Enjoy a range of homemade gifts, local produce and more.
It’s time to say goodbye to the 2024/2025 winter season and get in one last day of riding at Revelstoke Mountain Resort before the resort gets ready for summer adventures.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27 AND
MONDAY, APRIL 28
THE SOUNDTRACK OF OUR LIVES
Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre, 1007 Vernon Ave., 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Revelstoke Community Choir presents their spring concert, The Soundtrack of Our Lives. Enjoy an evening of favourite songs from past decades. From The Beatles to Cher, Bob Seger to Cyndi Lauper. Enjoy special guests Revelstoke Children’s Choir and other local performers. All ages welcome, tickets available at Fable Book Parlour and at the door.
SUNDAY, APRIL 27
FINAL EXHIBITION DAY
Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, 320 Wilson St., 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Enjoy the final day of Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre’s latest exhibit. Explore works from Ann Mansolino, Janette Carmichael, Sophie Atkinson and Parks Canada’s Art in the Park artist residency.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30
BROWN BAG HISTORY - ADVENTURES OF A NATIONAL PARKS WILDLIFE BIOLOGIST
Revelstoke Museum & Archives, 315 First St. West, 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Join John Woods as he shares stories about being a wildlife biologist with Parks Canada. Bring your lunch to the Revelstoke Museum & Archives for this week’s Brown Bag History event. Talks held on the second floor, tickets are $10.
Revelstoke Community Choir presents their spring concert, The Soundtrack of Our Lives
Photo provided by Revelstoke Community Choir
Enjoy one last Local’s Day at Revelstoke Mountain Resort for the 2024/2025 season.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
EDITOR’S NOTE
A REFLECTION ON OUR HOME ISSUE.
By Hollie Ferguson
Ah, the Home Issue. Traditionally our largest issue, this annual edition has quickly become a personal favourite for all the ways it inspires storytelling about Revelstoke. From profiles on influential and long-time locals to features on companies providing creative solutions to housing scarcity, the Home Issue offers an opportunity to shine a spotlight on so many aspects of our community.
Reporter Lys Morton demonstrates the power of this opportunity with two profiles on Revy residents Peter Bernaki and Patrick Edmonds, and it's no coincidence that we started the home section with those stories.
I’ll let you in on a little trade secret: laying out stories in a magazine is something of an art. Each section should blend into the next, creating a comprehensive and cohesive story all its own. In this, there needs to be a healthy balance of hard news filled with information vital for locals and visitors alike, and profiles, sports stories or celebrations of community achievements.
So, when I sat down to tell the story of this year’s Home Issue, I wanted to start with the voices of those who have contributed to making Revelstoke home for so many. Right behind the stories with the most important news, such as local impacts of tariffs, short-term rental solutions and Columbia River Treaty renegotiations, you’ll find these voices.
One common thread connects these two stories, and it can be summed up in a quote from Patrick, who told Lys, “I’m not going anywhere.” This sentiment is echoed almost exactly by Peter who said, “I came out here to stay. I can’t see us moving to a different town ever.”
That permanence is the impact a place like Revelstoke has on people. The phrase RevyStuck is around for a reason, after all.
So many of the other stories in this issue share the theme of sticking around, of making this city better, including a look into Boxfort homes, cowritten by Lys and contributor Charlotte Smith, a profile on locally-owned Avenue Home + Boutique and even a peek at opportunities for women in the backcountry, both lovingly written by contributor Claire Levrat. With all these stories, this issue is a reflection of how Revelstoke becomes home for all who venture here.
I hope in these pages, something will remind you why you chose Revelstoke, and if it does, please share that with us. With your story, perhaps next year’s Home Issue will be 46 pages.
With warmth and love,
Hollie Ferguson Editor
Revelstoke Mountaineer editor, Hollie Ferguson.
Photo by Tamra Jaeger Photography
BUILDING DESIGN & INTERIORS
ABOUT US
Two73 Design is a forward-thinking Lean design company with studios located in Revelstoke and Nelson, BC. We specialize in collaborating with esteemed clients to address design challenges across diverse sectors such as residential, multiunit housing, commercial, and retail. Our emphasis on sustainability and the use of low-carbon materials sets us apart.
We take pride in our partnerships with local design professionals, enabling us to deliver luxury solutions. Actively engaging in city Advisory commission boards, our dedicated team possesses the creative passion and expertise to tackle a range of project typepoglies and size. As a result, we have garnered a strong and loyal following among repeat clients and local builders.
STUDIO LOCATIONS
Revelstoke Nelson
CORE SERVICES
Pre-Design
Schematic Design
Stakeholder Coordination
Design Development
Construction Documents
Specifications
Permit Applications
Tendering
Contract Administration
On-Site Coordination
DESIGN SERVICES
Residential Design
Interior Design
Retail & Commercial Design
Public Space Design
High Performance Design
Passive House Design
Net Zero Design
3D Visualization & Rendering
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
Site Assessment & Selection
Feasibility Studies
Building Code Review
Regional Building Science Development Plan Study
JAMES MUNNS
JONATHON HOARE
THOMAS DANIHER
FABLE BOOK PARLOUR AND REVELSTOKE MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES WARN PROPOSED RETALIATORY TARIFF WOULD HINDER CANADIANS MORE THAN AMERICANS.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer.
Local book retailers are calling for the federal government to reconsider a proposed 25 per cent tariff on book imports from the United States starting Wednesday, April 2. The latest move in an escalating trade war between Canada and the US, the possible tariff could kneecap bookstores and museums leading up to the summer tourism season.
Revestoke Museum and Archives (RMA) earns 15 to 20 per cent of its annual gift shop revenue from book sales, including its own published books and some from local authors. A portion of this revenue stream pays salaries and keeps the front desk staffed. While all books published by the museum are printed in Canada and exempt from the potential tariff most of the other books the museum stocks would be hit.
“Losing 25 per cent of that percentage will have a huge impact,” Laura VanZant, RMA assistant curator said. She recently reached out to the federal government to provide feedback regarding the proposed tariff and is urging others to do the same.
Still, the museum is trying to plan for if and when the 25 per cent tariff on book imports from the United States comes into effect.
VanZant reached out to the RMA board and asked if she could take the usual bi-monthly budget for book purchases and instead bulk buy everything needed for book sales until the end of October. Once approved, VanZant reached out to the museum’s distributor and heard how they’re also trying to prepare for the tariff impact.
“I said, ‘please cancel all our current orders with you. We’re putting this big one in but then you won’t hear from us until this is over’. And she totally understands, she sent us a letter that they’ve sent to Members of Parliament while they do their own
troubleshooting.”
VanZant has already spent time getting as much in the RMA gift shop sourced from local and Canadian vendors in preparation for tariffs and growing trade war struggles, but the proposed tariff on books came as a shock.
“Yes, there are a lot of Canadian authors. Yes we carry as many of them as we can. But those books are printed or warehoused and shipped from the States. There’s no way around these tariffs for a lot of those books.”
Stacy Batchelor, co-owner and manager of Fable Book Parlour explained it’s been eye-opening seeing what in the store’s catalog would be impacted.
“I was surprised how many books are routed one way or another through the States. So, it’s been a bit of a fact finding mission for us to find what is truly only based in Canada that we can carry.”
Similar to RMA, Fable has focused on sourcing other goods from local and Canadian vendors including stickers, artwork and more. Another strategy Fable is exploring in case of tariffs is pushing more focus on its used book sales and exchange program. Batchelor and her team are exploring a mass purchase similar to RMA’s strategy, but she noted that suppliers are already starting to struggle with a rush from various book retailers to get orders in. Batchelor hopes the tightknit independent bookstore community will support each other by sharing and moving stock around if possible.
“I hope it won’t come to that, but we’ve had that before, other stores are looking for a book and they can see in this large database that we have a copy and they ask if we can hold it because the customer is traveling our way anyway. It might be a way we
sort of dodge that supply bottleneck.”
While VanZant understands the need for tariff response, she argues a 25 per cent tariff on books would have a bigger impact on Canadian businesses, authors and citizens.
“I don't love the concept of putting a tariff on people's ability to access education and their ability to access wellness resources, that's not great.”
There’s one strategy both Batchelor and VanZant agree could help Revelstoke’s museums, library and local book store if the 25 per cent tariff takes effect; the unwavering support from the community.
“Even when things are uncertain like this, we can feel fairly confident [at RMA] that we'll be okay. Even if we see a loss of revenue because of the tariffs on books, our community always supports us and always rallies behind us,” VanZant said.
Revelstoke Mountaineer reached out to Okanagan Regional Library for comment, but they were unable to reply by print.
If you want to send in feedback regarding proposed tariffs, head to the Government of Canada website for the Consultations on Canada’s Response to United States Tariffs on Canadian Goods: Comment Submission Form. The 25 per cent book tariff code is 4901.99.00.
ReDi Grant pitches were presented at the Revelstoke Community Centre Wednesday, March 5.
REDI GRANT FUNDING COMMITTEE HEARS PITCHES FROM COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
THIRTY-FIVE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS PITCH TO COMMITTEE AND ATTENDEES FOR GRANT SUPPORT.
By Lys Morton
Thirty-five local organizations presented 46 project pitches to a committee of community members and a room full of residents Wednesday, March 5 for the The Resident Directed (ReDi) Grant 2025 program, a stream of community funding provided by the Columbia Basin Trust.
The ReDi Grant program is operated by Columbia Basin Trust and provides municipalities with funding that can be distributed to various community programs and organizations based on the needs and input of residents. While Revelstoke has been receiving ReDi Grant funding for well over a decade, the latest iteration of the program provides the City of Revelstoke with over $383,000 to distribute.
Attendees were able to vote for which programs they wanted to see supported with a total of 204 votes cast. The ReDi Grant committee evaluated the pitches, community votes and available funding before presenting its recommendations to a future city council for approval.
Organizations gave a brief summary of what they were seeking funding for, what other streams of funding they would access and how each of the program would benefit Revelstoke. Funding requests ranged from Avalanche Canada seeking $1,900 for its Staying Alive Public Avalanche Safety event to Community Connections Revelstoke Society seeking $80,000 in support of its food bank program.
Some requests were education focused, from Revelstoke Bear Aware Society looking to increase its education programs to Diverse Family Roots Society supporting its Families Housing that Fits program and other networking opportunities.
Other requests were equipment related, such as Illecillewaet Greenbelt Society seeking funding for a new snowcat trailer and Revelstoke Adaptive Accessibility Society seeking funding for a ski cart and Mobi mat to increase accessible skiing in Revelstoke.
Supporting Revelstoke’s food security was also a focus, with Indigenous Friendship Society of Revelstoke seeking funding for its partnership Food Commons Project with Revelstoke Local Food Initiative Society, which also submitted a request to better support overall food security in town.
Two of Revelstoke’s staple summer events, LUNA Fest and REVY.Live Outside sought a combined $27,900 to help fill the gaps left by other funding streams that were canceled for the upcoming season. Recreational groups like Revelstoke Cycling Association and Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club sought grant support in maintaining trails and resources that increasingly higher levels of locals and tourists are accessing.
In total, nearly $824,000 was requested in funding. The ReDi Grant committee presented its recommendations for approved pitches at a March 25 general council meeting where all recommendations were approved by council. Requests will now be presented at the April 17 Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) board meeting for final approval by David Brooks-Hill, CSRD Area B director.
TOURISM TALKS DESTINATION
BRANDING.
Revelstoke Period?
Whether you love it or hate it, the brand that represents Revelstoke has been widely adopted We thought it was worth sharing some history and insight into the brand to help everyone understand where it came from, what it represents, and how it can be used
Where did it come from and why was it chosen?
Derived from one of our original train station signs, our identity is unique and full of character. Originally hand-painted, the wordmark is industrial yet retains a human touch This wordmark embodies the characteristics of our community playful, industrious, and confident
What does the punctuation mean?
One of the most talked-about aspects of the brand is the period at the end Some see it as a statement of confidence, others as a quirky design decision In truth, it invites interpretation! Whatever it means to you, the punctuation has become an integral part of our brand story But realistically, no one knows why it was on the original sign or why it was painted over Go check out the original sign at the Revelstoke Railway Museum!
So, can anyone use it?
Yes! The destination brand is a community asset, and local businesses, organizations, and individuals are welcome to use it within the guidelines, of course To ensure consistency and quality, there are a few steps to follow, including entering a sublicense agreement and paying fees (some organizations and uses are exempt) But your first step is contact the brand manager at media@seerevelstoke com
But don’t worry it’s much easier than it sounds!
To read our full guide on using the destination brand, scan the QR code!
To read previous Tourism Talks columns, to learn about destination management in Revelstoke, or read more about our team members head to DestinationRevelstoke com
Photo by Ryan Watmough
CREATING REVELSTOKE STRATEGIES FOR SHORT-TERM RENTALS
KEEPING MONEY IN REVELSTOKE IN LIGHT OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL STRESSORS TOP OF MIND FOR STR MEETING ATTENDEES.
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke’s short-term rental future was once again the focus of a community meeting Wednesday, Feb. 26 with staff holding a public information session at the Revelstoke Community Centre. Paul Simon, director of development services stressed at the top of the meeting that Revelstoke is still in the early stages of what will be a long process.
“Regulating this type of development is complex,” Simon told an audience of roughly 60 in-person attendees and an online audience. “No municipality has found the one silver bullet to do this.”
Staff are gearing up for eight months of community feedback sessions, public information sessions and a survey gathering information on what Revelstoke wants to see for the future of STRs.
Seeking data for solutions
Municipalities across the province are already publishing the data around provincial regulations for STRs, giving Revelstoke staff a chance to explore ways Revelstoke could navigate different scenarios.
A particular stat shows that restricting STRs, including opting into a permanent residence clause might not be the needed strategy to alleviate large scale housing and rental shortages. Municipalities that were required to implement permanent residence regulations have not always seen an increase in available long term housing and other international data points to STRs possibly not being as large a drain on longer term rental stock as previously thought
“It might not be as great as may appear on the surface,” Simon told the crowd when asked if it was possible to assess the economic impact of a low long-term rental stock.
Permanent residence; to opt-in or to opt-out
The potential for future councils to opt in and out of the permanent residence clause of Bill 35 could mean local businesses navigating the ins and outs of a shifting policy. STRs closing shop due to owners not living in them as a main residence won’t just shift Revelstoke’s STR stock, it could mean a loss for various businesses in town connected to the STR market.
“That’s the worst case scenario,” Caroline Lachapelle, Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce’s executive director told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
Still, Lachapelle is confident city staff will keep that particular challenge in mind as they build out new STR frameworks and potentially pitch to council Revelstoke provincially opting out of the permanent residency clause but building their own local bylaws for the scenario. She highlighted during the STR information session and to Revelstoke Mountaineer that city staff have been proactively communicating at a level previously unseen.
“I think something that the public might not be aware of is the astronomical amount of meetings that the chamber has with the city in private, talking about the pinch points they’ve created and solutions businesses think could work.”
Creating a Revelstoke short-term rental solution
“Revelstoke problems are best solved by Revelstoke solutions,” Coun. Tim Stapenhurst wrote on the Slido site, used to collect questions and comments from in-person and online attendees. As Simon pointed out, previous STR regulations within Revelstoke have been focused on finding the balance best tailored to Revelstoke.
Other residents want the longer term future of Revelstoke to be kept in mind during planning.
“Nobody's been talking about quality of life. When you're surrounded by short-term rentals, it changes the neighbourhood, your surroundings, your neighbours. It's not pleasant,” Carolyn Lorrain, long-term rental landlord said. She mentioned supporting current zoning for Revelstoke’s STRs instead of allowing a blanket allowance throughout the city, letting folks move to areas where they can expect STRs to be.
With international economic threats on the horizon and all levels of governments strategizing how to navigate upcoming tariffs, trade deals and more, some residents want to see STRs focused on creating one more local economic opportunity for Revelstoke. Opinions were divided on whether to use the permanent residence clause to keep ownership local, but a core theme remained the same.
“The hotels that are generally being built in Revelstoke are corporate owned by companies outside of Canada, which means revenue leaving Revelstoke. Short-term rentals are owned by a lot of locals, and we're seeing that revenue stay in Revestoke,” Emily Revell, owner of Stay Revy Vacation Rentals said.
A recent TalkRevelstoke survey gathered input and community solutions for STR regulations in Revelstoke. The survey asked whether participants think Revelstoke has enough current STR stock, whether local residents should be able to participate in Revelstoke’s tourism industry via STR stock and where STRs should be zoned. An economic analysis was scheduled to start in March and a bylaw drafting could start by July before staff present the draft for public input by October. Those interested in keeping track of updates are encouraged to sign up for emails from the city via the TalkRevelstoke page.
Revelstoke’s latest short-term rental information session brought in roughly 60 audience members to the Revelstoke community centre.
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
YORKE PARKIN WINS BIG IN ITALY
THE REVELSTOKE ALPINE SKI RACER SCORED THREE GOLD MEDALS AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS WORLD WINTER GAMES.
By Lys Morton
Yorke Parkin, Revelstoke alpine ski racer and Team Canada athlete was top of the podium in Italy at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. Parkin scored three gold medals in Advanced Slalom, Advanced Giant Slalom and Advanced Super G races.
“It was a nice experience to race in Italy and ski in different conditions,” Parkin told Revelstoke Mountaineer via email. The races proved some of the hardest he’s taken on in his four years of alpine skiing with the Special Olympics, and Parkin said he’s proud of his results and thankful for the support locally and internationally. Family members from around the world came out to cheer on Parkin during his six days of competition.
At 16 years old and currently one of the youngest members of Team Canada, the wins on the world stage could mark a long journey with Team Canada for Parkin, or the start of something new.
“I could keep on doing Special Olympics ski racing until I’m 50, and I really need to think about that and my next steps. Do I want to keep racing and winning? Or do I want to stop skiing and start coaching?” Parkin told Revelstoke Mountaineer in a previous interview. If he continues to compete, Parkin also said he would have to consider whether to keep training locally with Revelstoke Ski Club or possibly connect with other Special Olympics clubs in B.C. to see what training options they provide.
There’s one particular trait needed from an athlete to coach and compete, and it’s a trait one of Parkon’s coaches, Saige Beaumont, saw from him in spades.
“Yorke was there to support and motivate his teammates. The games were go, go, go and could be quite emotionally and physically taxing. We really all came together as a strong team to support each other,” Beaumont told Revelstoke Mountaineer in a written statement. She traveled with Parkin and the rest of his team to cheer on all the Team Canada athletes during the events from March 8 to March 15. Beaumont said joy was high in the crowd each time Parkin crossed the finish line and stepped onto the podium.
Special Olympics Team Canada came home with 39 gold medals, 48 silver and 38 bronze across five different sports. Ninety athletes wore Team Canada’s colours during the seven days of competition.
“It’s a pretty special moment, “Parkin told audiences in an Instagram post. “I feel pretty good.”
A welcome home event for Parkin and his team will take place Saturday, April 12 at 1st Impressions. All are welcome. Check our calendar for more details.
Yorke Parkin and coach Saige Beaumont celebrate one of his three gold medal wins at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Photo provided by Special Olympics Canada
B.C. STILL OPEN FOR COLUMBIA RIVER TREATY
“Canadian action to terminate the treaty would have little effect on the current dispute, and would obviously involve losses on all sides,” Dix explained. Instead, Dix said the focus will be on waiting for all parties to return to the table and he noted that the treaty has long had political support from all parties
“Since the 2014 modernization, the treaty has enjoyed bipartisan support. It is in the interest of both countries to renew the treaty in the ways that Canada and the United States agreed to in the agreement-in-principle.”
Still, the current agreement-in-principle, which puts a stronger emphasis on Canada’s management of water flow is not legally binding, meaning that all regulations and management will stick to the 2014 version and additional interim agreements negotiated in 2024. This current form of the treaty has left many residents along the Columbia River frustrated with fluctuating levels and inconsistent river flow. Dix acknowledged the numerous communities who reached out to voice their concerns about a longer delay in solidifying a treaty update that would provide more water stability for the region
“We are not there yet, but we are no less resolute to get there.”
In-person community meetings throughout the Columbia River basin will be scheduled for this year once possible next steps can be presented. More information and future registration can be found through the Columbia River
Are you a 2SLGBTQ+ owned business/org? Does your business actively support and welcome the 2SLGBTQ+ community? Would you like to be publicly listed in the Kootenay Pride Guide? Project Partners: Website coming soon...
Pride organizations throughout the Columbia Basin are working on putting together the Kootenay Pride Guide. This print and online directory will be available in late 2025. email: info@kootenayprideguide.ca email:
Columbia River Treaty renegotiations are on hold while the current United States administration reviews international files. Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
REVELSTOKE TERRAIN HIGHLIGHTS SKILLS AT 2025 YETI NATURAL SELECTION
NORWAY’S STÅLE SANDBECH AND CANADA’S SPENCER O’BRIEN TAKE THE WIN.
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke’s terrain and famous snow took centre stage at the 2025 YETI Natural Selection Revelstoke, with both competition days hosted in Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s (RMR) Montana Bowl. Storms rolled in days before the Friday, March 14 start and competitors were eager to hit the slopes.
“This snow is the best situation we could have asked for,” Ellery Manning, youngest competitor at Natural Selection and winner of the inaugural Research and Development competition told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “Snow better watch out!”
The snow was ready to give riders a show, whether supportive or offering more of a challenge. Competitor Madison Blackley possibly shared the most telling words in what challenge the terrain offered.
“I don’t want to get lost in there,” Blackley told crowds at the launch party. She might have been referring to the clusters of trees that gave riders
a chance to weave in and out. But many riders were entirely swallowed by the deep powder after landing, bringing drone pilot Gabriel Kocher to a standstill as he waited for riders to dig out of the mound and carry on. That particular challenge only seemed to bring more excitement for riders and fans alike
“I’ve dreamed of venues like this. I can’t explain how magical this mountain is,” Blake Moller told Revelstoke Mountaineer. Other competitors added it wasn’t just the snow and conditions fueling their eagerness to hit the slopes but also the support from the community.
“There is immense pride in it being in Canada,” Mikey Ciccarelli, 2024 YETI Natural Selection winner and Canadian rider said. The growing popularity of Natural Selection Revelstoke has been an overall boost for Canada’s spot in the snowboarding world, one he’s excited to see develop more with Revelstoke’s help.
The move from heliskiing competitors out to a
remote part of the Selkirk mountains to hosting the entire competition in Montana Bowl was in part due to the growing support Revelstoke has shown the international snowboard competition, Liam Griffin, Natural Selection chief operations officer said.
“This town has shown up time and time again. So, we had a sort of ‘build it and they will come,’ moment this year based on how much interest we had last year from folks wanting to come out to the venue.”
Audiences trekked in and out of the YETI viewing zone, high fiving competitors as they rode into the venue and finding spots in the deep snow to settle in and watch the competition. Audiences also gathered at RMR’s Revelation Lodge to watch the rides.
“It’s one of the biggest snowboarding events and it’s here in our backyard? Of course you get excited for that,” local rider Vicky Mohr told Revelstoke Mountaineer. “You can be a part of it, whether you ride to the competition or enjoy at the lodge, and that makes it fun for so many.”
While technical issues delayed viewing for outside audiences the vibes were still high to cheer on the riders and celebrate snowboarding.
“It's quite a bit scary seeing the challenging terrain that they're going in, but it's a fun atmosphere, and it brings a lot of folks together,” said local boarder Samantha Barrow, who viewed the rides from the screen inside the lodge. Having ridden at various resorts in Canada, she’s excited to see Revelstoke as the backdrop for some of the most skilled riders.
Natural Selection rookie Ståle Sandbech out of Norway took the win for the men’s bracket with Moller scoring second place and Austria’s Gigi Rüf taking third. Canadian Spencer O’Brien earned herself top spot for the women’s bracket with USA’s Elena Hight ranking second and Czechia’s Šárka Pančochová joining them on the podium. You can watch the full competition and see full results on Red Bull TV.
Patrick Edmonds can most often be found walking through Revelstoke’s core, coffee cup in one hand as he strolls through the town he loves.
Family brought Patrick here when he moved to town to help his sister raise her children.
“Now they’re all taller than me!” Patrick laughed, gesturing above his short frame and giving a glance up.
Decades of labour have curled his back, but it’s rare not to see his head held high, meeting you with a smile that could convince you he’s known you the entire time he’s lived in Revelstoke.
“Beautiful day, isn’t it?” will likely be Patrick’s reply when you say hello.
Only the heaviest of snowfalls or hardest of rains will convince him that not all of Revelstoke’s weather is fantastic. Still, he'll optimistically comment how he’s walked to work in even harsher weather.
He measures previous jobs, former homes and past travels in the walking distance from there to his spot in Revelstoke.
“Six hours to get to Noah’s Ark?
That’s not that bad,” Patrick told Revelstoke Mountaineer, referencing a previous job at the landmark campground over 30 kilometres west on the Trans Canada highway.
“It was $86 plus tip for the taxi to Three Valley one time. Forget it, I’m walking.”
The same work ethic kept Patrick at Revelstoke’s historic Regent Hotel, working in the kitchen for 15 years along with all the other jobs he lists in his stories.
While Patrick’s current health struggles have hindered long-term employment in recent years, his eyes light up at the hint of a chance he might contribute to Revelstoke, whether taking weekend landscaping jobs or helping local stores with smaller tasks.
“Give ‘er until you’re finished,” he said, recalling how often employers and fellow employees have urged him to slow down on the site.
Revelstoke is a community that he loves, and with its growth over the years, there is still a friendly streak in all of his favourite landmarks. Including local coffee shop, Dose Coffee. Almost always his first stop of the day, Patrick has a reputation for bringing the crowds.
“I’ll get there, they’ll say, ‘what are you doing here so early?’ Well, I got to get there before it gets busy. I leave, there’s 47 people in line after me.”
Dose staff hail him as a good luck charm, and a store gift card is frequently topped up by community members to cover Patrick’s morning routine. That is just one of many ways Revelstoke residents new and old look out for him, among bringing him along for Soup and a Smile lunches, coordinating clothing donations and repairs or joining along for his morning and evening walks to enjoy the life stories he easily shares.
While his family hails from the Lillooet Nation and he grew up working on the family dairy farm in Ontario before moving around Canada for work, any mention of moving on from Revelstoke gets a quick and sure response.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
Patrick Edmonds with Dose staff John Pierce and Darcie Haswell.
Photo provided by Theresa Hamilton
TO BUILD A HOME
IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE REVELSTOKE HIS HOME, PETER BERNACKI HELPED LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR REVELSTOKE’S FUTURE.
By Lys Morton
Follow British Columbia Highway 23 north until you hit Colbeck Road and follow until it bends down towards the Columbia River. You’ll spot a newly installed street sign at the top of a small road that leads into a property sheltered by trees and overlooking the river.
The sign reads Bernacki Place, named following a July 23, 2024 council meeting when the application was presented to council. Mayor Gary Sulz and councillors were quick with some lighthearted jokes and sincere compliments directed to the road's namesake and owner of the property, longtime resident Peter Bernacki.
“You’ve been in the building community all of your time here and continue to work and do great things for our community,” Sulz commented. Bernacki’s own home boasts characteristics he’s learned to implement into the different homes he has built in Revelstoke. Wider doors, allowing easier
moving of furniture but also helping frame a grand entrance into a home focused on details. Skylights pull light into stairwells and interiors, making up for the lack of windows. Roofs focus on drainage and strength to wishstand Revelstoke’s worldrenowned amount of snow and rain.
But the gems Bernacki gave himself with this build are the nearly five-meter tall windows that span almost 180 degrees, with a view of the Columbia River and the mountains north of Revelstoke. Grand as the house might be with its large kitchen, wrap-around island, wood elements and more, the windows keep the focus on the landscape.
“You can hear the river, smell it, even feel it some days. I brag a little bit, but it’s kind of amazing,” Bernacki said.
Later on in the interview, Bernacki points as a bald eagle lands on a rocky outcropping along the river, dragging a sizable stick behind it.
“We start to take this for granted. People come to
visit from all over the world and remind us just how incredible this all is.”
With roughly 50 different houses built in Revelstoke, he’s helped countless people find a community in this town. Still, Bernacki seems to dodge the question when asked what it feels like to house so many who call Revelstoke home. It might be a case of him shying away from the compliment or instead focusing on the long list of work he has his sights on.
“There should be no excuse, in a place this rich, everyone should have a place of their own.”
Home doesn’t just mean the houses Bernacki has built over the years, but the various other projects he’s had a hand in. The Mica Creek dam is a project that gave him, along with so many others, a chance to financially secure a future while also shaping what Revelstoke’s future would look like. Similarly, Downy Timber’s main yard, pouring thousands of metres of concrete, and numerous projects with CP Rail as the company remained a staple in Revelstoke helped solidify him in Revelstoke. Over the years his focus has turned to more directional projects, working on Revelstoke Community Housing Society’s board of directors, with the Revelstoke Rod and Gun Club and so many other projects and groups.
“I came out here to stay. I can’t see us moving to a different town ever,” Bernacki said when asked if Revelstoke had ever been a temporary plan following his move out nearly 60 years ago to help his older brother with his construction company before taking the business over. “It’s a little bit of everything that made us stay.”
And stay he has.
Peter Bernacki’s current home keeps the focus on the landscape he says some, “start to take for granted.”
Photo by Lys Morton/Revelstoke Mountaineer
Young Peter Bernack. Photo Provided by Peter Bernacki
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WHERE TO STAY WHILE YOU PLAY
SOME TOP HOTEL PICKS TO SERVE AS YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME WHILE ADVENTURING IN REVELSTOKE.
By Charlotte Smith
Looking for a home away from home while visiting Revelstoke? For those seeking a retreat from afar, or locals looking for a staycation, the Mountaineer compiled a few options of hotels and resorts to keep the whole family comfortable.
Basecamp Resorts
Basecamp Resorts, founded and operated by Canadian businesswoman Sky McClean, offers a home away from home experience across its three Revelstoke locations.
Overlooking the Columbia River, the Resort offers a peaceful and scenic retreat, while its Suites property places guests right in the heart of town. Both properties have a condo feel; spacious, with full kitchens and generous storage space, and boast hot tub amenities, to unwind after action-packed days.
Basecamp is suited to adventurers, offering benefits through a variety of local activity providers including Silver Tip Aviation, Apex Rafting and Pursuit Adventures. Guests can receive demo cards and discounts for Powder Rentals and Valhalla Outfitters to support their mountain experience, as well as free Nordic ski rentals.
Additionally, Basecamp partners with BC Transit to offer complimentary vouchers for the Revelstoke Mountain Resort Shuttle. For snowmobilers, newly renovated and affordable third property Northwinds is located close to Boulder and Frisbee, with plenty of parking for sleds.
Basecamp is committed to supporting the local community through its housing solutions, currently building long-term rentals as well as continuing to provide affordable housing for staff members.
Escape to the mountains in comfort with Boulder Mountain Resort (BMR), “where rustic meets
refined.”
Situated just 3.5 kilometers west of Revelstoke, the resort offers a memorable stay with a variety of unique accommodation styles on offer. Guests can choose from log cabins, glamping domes, forest bunkies and the luxurious and spacious Boulder Lodge, complete with a private deck and hot tub.
The resort is nestled in a serene forest setting, conveniently located right across the highway from the snowmobile trails on Boulder Mountain, making it an ideal base for sledders to access the terrain.
While the perfect base to explore the adventurerich paradise of the Revelstoke region, spending time at BMR is an unforgettable experience on its own. A year-round destination, the resort is a great spot for families to unwind in summer with a playground and hot tub. it also offers an outdoor gathering space overlooking the mountains, perfect for hosting events or get-togethers.
VRGE is fresh to Revelstoke’s hotel scene, redeveloping the Gateway Inn Motel into “the gateway to adventure.”
The hotel is far more than just a comfortable and modern accommodation, setting guests up with everything they need to take on the outdoors and partnering with several local businesses to provide a range of in-house services.
Through Powder Rentals, VRGE provides all the equipment needed for a stellar snowy experience, from skiing to sledding. In the summer, Tantrum Bike provides rentals for biking enthusiasts. The hotel also offers secure gear storage and a garage for those bringing their own equipment.
Guests can unwind with Repose Massage Therapy and its hot tub facilities, the perfect complement to high-adrenaline activities. The enclosed fire pit area is a central communal space; in winter it is licensed for apres-ski socialising. Guests can also enjoy dining at the Lüft Café & Bar, which is quickly becoming a local hotspot.
Regent Hotel
The Regent is one of the oldest family-owned hotels in Canada and the oldest family-owned business in Revelstoke. A historic name in the community, and once deeply entwined with the railway industry, today the hotel is a charming place to stay for an unforgettable Revelstoke experience. Conveniently located downtown, guests are steps away from the town’s eateries and attractions. The hotel also boasts its delicious and renowned 112 Restaurant and Lounge, as well as the lively
River City Pub, which hosts events and live music throughout the week.
The Regent offers rooms that blend modern comfort and scenic views with the hotel’s unique heritage; what is particularly special is that no two are the same.
Health-minded guests can visit the fitness centre, sauna and hot tub, ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration. While offering enough amenities for a great experience, its prime location means it is the perfect base for exploring everything the city and region have to offer.
Sutton Place Hotel
Located at the base of the Revelstoke Mountain Resort, the Sutton Place Hotel offers no shortage of year-round activities for adventure enthusiasts.
In winter, guests have a seamless ski-in ski-out experience, pairing days on the slopes with nights in the charming village. During summer, the resort offers mountain biking, hiking and the thrilling Mountain Pipe Coaster.
The Sutton’s self-contained condominium suites are spacious units with all the amenities you would find in your kitchen at home, allowing for groups of all sizes to self-cater. With Mackenzie Village now up and running as a commercial space, guests have conveniences like grocery shopping even closer.
Each suite features washing machines and dryers, which are particularly handy in the colder months. A stand-out feature of the hotel is its heated outdoor pool, open year-round for guests to enjoy.
For those looking to venture beyond the resort, it is only a short shuttle ride to the town centre. The soon-to-be-completed multi-use pathway will allow individuals to walk or bike this route over the summer.
Wherever you choose to stay while visiting Revelstoke you’ll be provided with a memorable experience, and the perfect base to explore everything the region has to offer.
Boulder Mountain Resort
VRGE
Basecamp Resorts’ stunning location by the Columbia River. Photo provided by Basecamp Resorts
Communal firepit area for guests to enjoy après-ski socialising at VRGE Hotel. Photo provided by VRGE Hotel
The Regent Hotel’s charming and historic interior. Photo provided by Regent Hotel
The Sutton Place Hotel, located at the base of the Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Photo provided by the Sutton Place Hotel
Geo-camping dome and log cabin at Boulder Mountain Resort.
Photo provided by Boulder Mountain Resort
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LIVING BOXFORT IN REVELSTOKE
SUSTAINABILITY, GENTLE DENSITY AND OPTIMAL LIVING KEY PRIORITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
By Charlotte Smith and Lys Morton
Quality, attainable and thoughtfully-designed housing is how Chris Pollen, founder of Boxfort Homes, describes the company’s projects in Revelstoke. Hemlock, a collection of 39 residences in Revelstoke’s growing Southside neighbourhood offers multifamily townhouses as a practical housing solution for the community.
Being one of Boxfort’s primary areas of focus, Revelstoke’s rapid growth as a resort town presented a clear need for accessible housing. The Hemlock project spanned several years of planning and began taking shape when Boxfort acquired the mid-size lot opposite the Southside grocery store, one of the various amenities Pollen has been drawn in by.
The company later purchased two other properties attached to the lot to complete the Humbert Street corner, including Peaks Revelstoke townhomes, a new stacked-townhome development.
“You have this great local grocery store, you have the greenbelt and these trails, you have Kovach Park and two schools. Southside has more going for it than some neighbourhoods in way larger cities,” Pollen said.
Boxfort’s houses were designed as multifamily rather than single-family homes, a decision which Pollen explained aligns with the Revelstoke Official Community Plan (OCP).
“The OCP encourages infill development and for 15 per cent of all-new homes to be multifamily with doors,” he said. “That’s exactly what we are providing here at Hemlock.”
With extensive experience building similar multifamily townhouses in Calgary, Whistler, Squamish and Victoria, Pollen has seen just how these builds succeed in other communities.
“No one was doing it in Revelstoke,” he said. “We saw an opportunity to increase density and transform this lot in a way that benefits the community.”
Hemlock Townhouses
Hemlock townhouses have flexible floorplans designed to optimise living. Boxfort offset the smaller square footage of 1350 sq. ft by spreading the three or four spacious bedrooms and numerous bathrooms over three levels. The living spaces are light and stylish, with functional layouts to effectively utilize the space. Each home also contains a private garage.
Many of the townhouses include a legal micro-suite of 300 sq. ft, containing a kitchenette, washer, dryer and bathroom. This offers the benefit of selfcontained living, and additional value to the houses. It is forward-thinking should the rental opportunities allowed in single-family housing extend to multi-family.
“Boxfort believes that bed and breakfasts should also be allowed in multifamily houses,” Pollen said. “Everyone should be able to participate in a resort community.”
In addition to a functional and cutting edge interior, Pollen was committed to ensuring the exterior reflected the natural beauty of the Revelstoke. The homes are inspired by Norwegian design, featuring bold architectural expression with vertical cedar siding.
A practical draw of the exterior is the front door entrances on Humbert Street, which give the townhouses a proper home feel and offer convenience for guests and deliveries.
Southside location
Hemlock Neighbourhood has an optimal spot in the heart of Southside. The townhouses are located directly across from the grocery store, with a 10-minute walk downtown and a seven-minute drive to Revelstoke Mountain Resort. With close proximity to Kovach Park and the Greenbelt Trails, outdoor recreation is truly on its doorstep.
“Our aim is providing a healthy, happy and safe place to call your own as well as integrating you into the community as much as we possibly can,” Pollen said. Pollen hopes the block will also contribute to Southside becoming a more commercial neighbourhood by creating gentle density, as encouraged by the OCP.
“Density is required to bring some of those businesses in and we thought ‘what a beautiful way to do it’,” he said.
Attainable housing
Hemlock homes are designed with real Revelstoke residents in mind – people who live, work and are connected to the community here – and locals were given
Hemlock townhouses are stylish and functional, with flexible floorplans.
Photo provided by Hemlock Revelstoke.
first access to the townhouses before they went to the public.
Boxfort wanted Hemlock to be accessible for middle income families, and consider the neighbourhood as middle-income housing in terms of new builds in Revelstoke.
“We wanted to use nice materials, but also be thoughtful so that the houses were not overpriced and excessive”, Pollen explained.
They have already seen significant uptake from families, as well as some of the townhouses being used to accommodate staff working for businesses in the area.
Pollen also highlighted the growing interest from individuals and families considering permanent or seasonal moves to Revelstoke. In a community with an evolving demographic, Boxfort ensured that Hemlock could meet a diverse range of needs, ultimately making it an attainable option for as many as possible.
“We're very excited about what we've delivered, and the ongoing impact Hemlock will have on the community.”
Peaks Revelstoke Townhomes
Peaks is one of three Boxfort Homes developments which take advantage of what Pollen said is Southside’s unique mix of zoning and housing scenarios that could be developed.
“You can have this mix of single units, and townhomes and that next to the post office and create these really walkable communities. And you can do that sustainably in the Southside.”
With Boxfort hailing from Calgary, Pollen has seen communities developed with thousands of single-family homes before assets like transit, schools and
shops can be supported. Keeping that in mind, he wants Peaks Townhomes to help with the city’s overall plans to develop Southside into a neighbourhood node in the coming years, bringing in the population density needed to support more businesses and resources within the area.
“By adding the houses in a gentle density way, especially with town homes, we're able to help impact that social benefit.”
Peaks Revelstoke townhomes’ location is another measure of how developing Southside as a node could increase public transit usage, bike infrastructure and more. Growth would be aided by an increased population within Southside, Pollen said, explaining that sustainability means minimizing impact on current city utilities and infrastructure along with environmental impact.
“We didn't increase the number of pipes or the amount of pipes in Humbert. We didn't increase the amount of sidewalks or snow removal or anything like that. But we put more tax on that lot which will now generate [money] to the city. That creates a more sustainable economic city.”
Concerns that the growing focus on Southside could lead to future displacement of residents will require strategies from the city, developers and the neighbourhood to make sure as many within Southside benefit.
“There’s a lot of life left in a lot of those houses, a lot of those lots. I think the community will experience change in many different ways,” Pollen said, explaining owners could explore utilizing the space of larger lots for possible subdivision, carriage homes and other density solutions that would align with Revelstoke’s goals for Southside.
“It’s a case of what housing innovations can we utilize in a neighbourhood like Southside?”
FREE HOME EVALUATION
Hemlock Revelstoke’s multifamily townhouses located in Southside Neighbourhood.
Photo provided by Hemlock Revelstoke.
NEW NAME, SAME GOALS: REINTRODUCING GOOD WAY HOMES
REVELSTOKE’S ADAPTIVE HOMES RELAUNCHES AS GOOD WAY HOMES INTRODUCING THE FERNWOOD MODEL.
By Lys Morton
A local prefabricated modular home company is under a new name and already receiving international support to increase production within Revelstoke. Good Way Homes, formerly Adaptive Homes, was recently awarded a growth investment from Raven Indigenous Capital Partners, an Indigenous-led and owned social finance intermediary.
Logan Ashley, the CEO of Good Way Homes and his team are putting these funds towards increasing the output of the Revelstoke factory as they work to help increase Revelstoke’s overall housing stock.
“These types of investments only happen after careful scrutiny of the business model by highly seasoned investment professionals,” Geoff Henshaw, Good Way Homes chief marketing officer told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
Along with updating its current facility, Good Way Homes is launching the Fernwood model, a new 560-square-foot one bedroom home, aimed to be net-zero ready. The modular unit can be move-in ready within three months after order, with a base price of $150,000.
Prefabricated and modular home builds are one of the key strategies to aid in Revelstoke’s housing shortage, Henshaw said. Building the home inside a facility streamlines build times and also keeps products out of the elements until complete.
“We see modular prefab as being the future of building,” Henshaw said. “Our employees will be trained and well positioned to take advantage of this.”
As Good Way Homes continues to increase production, the company plans to hire employees from Revelstoke and use the region as a hub for its builds. The team also plans to continue challenging the current thoughts around modular homes as being plain in architecture and not a long-term housing solution.
“We expect our homes to be enjoyed for generations. Prefab obviously has a reputation of being very boxy, we are challenging this perception with designs that we believe will inspire.”
Good Way Homes’ elements align with Indigenous economic planning: sustainability, quality, future generations and community.
“We believe there is a meaningful opportunity to take a way of thinking that is deeply rooted in a traditional Indigenous approach to building homes that is consistent with Indigenous economics,” Henshaw said.
Logan Ashley, CEO of Good Way Homes. Photo by Olly Hogan
PINE AND PEAKS REVELSTOKE AIMS TO ADD RENTAL STOCK
BASECAMP RESORT’S LATEST PROJECT WILL ADD 75 RENTAL UNITS TO REVELSTOKE’S MARKET WITH PHASE ONE SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 2025.
By Lys Morton
A familiar hospitality and development company is building rental opportunities in Revelstoke, aiming to open phase one by September.
Basecamp Resorts’ Pine and Peaks Revelstoke, situated at 1740 Bend Rd. is Basecamp’s largest long-term rental project. With three hotels already in Revelstoke and 25 total real estate projects in Kananaskis, Canmore, Lake Louise, Banff, Golden and Revelstoke, Pine and Peaks is the latest edition to a large profile.
For Sky McLean, founder and CEO of Basecamp, the project aims to fix a struggle her company frequently deals with in Revelstoke and other communities.
“There’s nowhere for any of our staff to live, and if we’re facing that, others must be as well,” McLean told Revelstoke Mountaineer. For years now McLean has heard from staff at all levels of Basecamp struggling to find and retain adequate rentals in communities across B.C. and Alberta. A combined experience of building high-quality hotel options and developing other realestate properties put Basecamp in a unique position to help aid the communities it operates in.
“From a hospitality standpoint, we've obviously seen all the communities we’re in in a desperate need for housing.”
Revelstoke’s Pine and Peaks development will be a model for future rental developments in Fernie and Canmore, communities struggling with the same housing challenges McLean sees in Revelstoke. Starting at $1,500 a month for a studio and with one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom layouts available, there’s been a range of demographics looking to move in.
“It’s all ages. I don’t think we’ll have a clear idea of the demographic makeup until all the units are rented.”
While McLean noted there is no silver bullet to ending Revelstoke’s housing woes, she does think how city staff are currently working with developers will continue to ease struggles.
"It's dramatically improved since we showed up in 2018. Back then we couldn’t get answers to anything.”
A waitlist for when registration opens for Pine and Peaks Revelstoke is available online with move-in scheduled for September.
The Pine and Peaks Revelstoke development will give residents views of the mountain range surrounding Revelstoke. Photo provided by Basecamp Resorts
AVENUE HOME + BOUTIQUE BRINGS NEW HOME DECOR, DESIGN AND STAGING SERVICES TO REVELSTOKE
FAMILY-OWNED
AVENUE HOME + BOUTIQUE OFFERS SELECTED HOME DECOR AND INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICES.
By Claire Levrat
Revelstoke residents may recognize Rebecca Marchildon from the Alchemy Studio downtown. Now, she and her sister, Hayley, have teamed up to launch Avenue Home + Boutique. Officially opened in Mackenzie Village on Dec. 1, 2024, the shop brings a thoughtfully curated selection of home decor, furniture and design services to the community.
“Hayley had always wanted to live in Revelstoke, so when I found this incredible space, I thought it would be a great idea to create a store together using Hayley’s strengths,” Rebecca said.
Hayley moved to Revelstoke last summer, and with new developments rising in the area, the pair saw an opportunity to create their dream shop, which would offer high-quality home decor alongside Hayley’s interior design expertise. The location was key, offering a huge commercial space that aligned with their vision.
Curated collections from Canada and Europe
“I’ve always prioritized the quality of the goods I purchase — it’s my No. 1 focus,” Hayley explained. “We want the very best for our clients, and I want the local community to shop with confidence.”
The boutique carries a variety of brands that share this commitment, many with an environmentally friendly approach. To source the best products, Hayley traveled all the way to Las Vegas, Northern California and Ontario, curating a mix of European and Canadian brands, including GUS and Pure & Original.
Since the grand opening of the shop on Jan. 25, 2025, Hayley and Rebecca have received lots of positive feedback from customers. Many locals have described the store as a missing piece in Revelstoke’s retail landscape, providing a muchneeded destination for high-end bedding, kitchen and bath essentials, specialty furniture, rugs, lighting and more. Soon, they plan on offering online shopping for local pick-up. The shop is currently open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and could be open for longer hours on Fridays in the near future.
Design and staging services
Beyond retail, Avenue Home + Boutique offers full design and staging services. Hayley brings a wealth of experience in these areas, having previously owned an events and staging company in Ontario, while Rebecca gained extensive knowledge of the industry when she built her home in Revelstoke.
Hayley’s expertise and eye for design are at the heart of this family business.
“Hayley was Canada’s top sales representative for a major window and door company before looking for a way to do more of what she loved,” Rebecca said.
With Revelstoke’s ongoing development and the new builds coming up in the neighbourhood, the sisters hope to collaborate on many more staging projects. They have already begun working with local designers and property managers, who have expressed excitement about the boutique’s services.
Recent projects include both new condo units and the renovation of existing units.
As Avenue Home + Boutique continues to grow, Hayley and Rebecca remain committed to helping local homeowners and businesses create beautifully designed spaces that reflect both style and comfort. For more information, visit Avenue Home + Boutique at Mackenzie Village or follow the store on social media.
Avenue Home + Boutique in Mackenzie Village offers curated home décor,
candles, and Canadian furniture. Photo by Madelaine Duff/MADStudio
Inside the shop, a design centre features samples of paints, wallpapers, stones and rugs. A table is here to facilitate meetings between designers and clients at no charge.
Photo by Madelaine Duff/MADStudio
PAINT YOUR WAY OUT OF THE SEASONAL BLUES
WHILE NOT A CURE-ALL FOR REVELSTOKE’S DAMPER DAYS, INTERIOR PAINT CAN HELP BRING SOME BRIGHTNESS BACK INTO A SPACE.
By Lys Morton
Revelstoke’s location in an interior rainforest surrounded by mountains means sunlight can be lacking during winter days. For some a cosy home offers an escape from the short days and reduced sunlight. But can interior decor help keep away the seasonal funk? While the colour of the walls isn’t a substitute for a lack of vitamin D, it can help boost the mood during the long, cold nights of winter.
“With how dark Revelstoke gets, sticking with lighter colours can help the rooms feel brighter,” Kelsey Ferguson, Expressive Interiors owner told Revelstoke Mountaineer.
Even bright shades of blues and greens can liven up a space if paired right with other elements in a room, Ferguson said. Take a walk during sunny days and see what colours pop in the sun, then come back during overcast weather and see if those same shades still catch your eye. If so, grab some swatches that closely match those colours for a light-saving boost.
While white might seem like an obvious choice to help brighten a room, the undertone is what makes all the difference. According to Ferguson, whites with an orange or red undertone can create a brighter feeling while still keeping the space neutral. While blues and greens can help give a mood boost, white shades with a blue or green undertones will dampen things a bit. Explore cream colours for a wider range of shades that still keep yellow and orange tones.
Don’t think greys are off the table. There’s a difference between the greys of clouds delivering nearly 1,300 millimeters of rain and a softer grey like pewter that can help reflect light into the space. Again, look for greys with yellow, red or even brown undertones in them to stay in the warmer range.
"Colours have the power to evoke emotions, spark memories and shape our moods,” Ferguson said. “Paint your home with hues that bring you joy, serenity and happiness."
Kelsey Ferguson, Expressive Interiors owner chats how paint can help the mood of a room.
Photo provided by Expressive Interiors/Facebook
LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS HELP WOMEN THRIVE IN BACKCOUNTRY LEADERSHIP
THROUGH TAILORED PROGRAMS, REVELSTOKEBASED FEMALE MOUNTAIN EXPERTS AND ORGANIZATIONS HELP MORE WOMEN EMBRACE WINTER BACKCOUNTRY ADVENTURES.
By Claire Levrat
Revelstoke is home to a vibrant community that attracts outdoor enthusiasts, including some of Canada’s most experienced female guides. Yet, in a male-dominated industry, women – whether recreationists or aspiring professionals – often struggle to find support and succeed, particularly in winter backcountry sports.
Organizations like the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) are committed to better understanding the industry landscape with the goal to support women succeeding in their careers. Despite efforts to create more opportunities, women remain underrepresented in the field. Industry statistics from these organizations highlight the ongoing disparity.
Only 15 of 173 active ACMG-certified mountain guides and 26 of 355 active ski guides identify as women, according to Erin Moroz, ACMG communications and engagement coordinator.
Locally, organizations and advocates are working to boost representation through mentorships and skill-building camps designed to inspire and support women in backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.
Local camps and mentorship opportunities
Founded by professional skier Leah Evans, Girls Do Ski (GDS) offers camps and programs tailored specifically for women, with a focus on backcountry exploration.
GDS has seen growing interest in its women’s backcountry programs, particularly among those who want to feel more confident and take on leadership roles.
“A common theme we hear in the backcountry camps is women who go touring with their (often male) partner and take a backseat when it comes to decision-making. They’re looking to build the confidence to become part of the decision-making conversation,” administrator of GDS, Carmanah Minions explained.
The camp’s all-female environment encourages open discussions, allowing participants to feel at ease asking questions and discussing terrain and avalanche safety to develop a collaborative approach to backcountry travel.
“This year we offered over 15 different backcountry camp dates, ranging from beginner touring for someone who’s never stepped into the backcountry before, all the way to a guide training course for women looking to take their ACMG ski guide exams,” Minions added.
Participants range in age from 26 to 57 this season. In the past, the organization welcomed women as young as 19 and as old as 65.
Ascent Mentorships is another local program that pairs women for a season-long mentorship. Founder and executive director Emily Wright has seen steady interest, with more mentees applying than mentors, underlining the ongoing demand.
Eliana Grieber is one of the mentees in the 2024/2025 program. She loves spending her time snowboarding and going on backcountry adventures as much as when she can.
“Being in the mountains has always been a humbling experience for me,” she shared. “It is the most calming and grounding activity I know.”
While Grieber hasn’t faced major challenges entering backcountry riding, she has noticed a gap in how women and men are viewed in this space.
“Once I started touring more frequently, I did notice that women are sometimes not immediately perceived as equally knowledgeable,” she said.
Since joining the program, she has gained confidence in route planning and decision-making.
“I’m truly grateful to have been paired with my mentor. She has deep backcountry knowledge, and just listening to her articulate her thoughts while we’re out together has been incredibly valuable. Beyond that, she takes the time to teach me specific skills, which has accelerated my learning.”
As initiatives to help women in skiing and snowboarding gain traction, another backcountry activity—snowmobiling—remains largely maledominated. The sport's rugged, high-powered image can be intimidating and difficult to access, particularly for women looking to break in. Nadine Overwater, a professional snowmobile coach and guide, is committed to changing this perception in Revelstoke and B.C.
Through the La Niña Sled Camp, which she founded in 2012, she created a welcoming space for female riders to develop skills and confidence while navigating the backcountry on their own terms. La Niña Sled Camp offers clinics that cover everything from basic handling and safety to technical mountain riding, ensuring women feel empowered to ride independently.
Overwater recognized a growing interest among women wanting to ride and a gap in learning opportunities designed for them.
"I saw a huge increase in women riders and a niche for learning that would help them build confidence in a positive environment without the stress of having to keep up with their partners," she explained.
According to the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, roughly 30 per cent of snowmobilers in Canada are women. Locally, Overwater’s work is not only fostering a strong women’s snowmobiling community but also reshaping the snowmobiling culture to be more inclusive and supportive.
Her efforts, alongside other programs in Revelstoke, highlight a growing movement toward greater representation and leadership for women in all aspects of winter backcountry sports.
Mentoring the next generation of female backcountry adventurers
Madeleine Martin-Preney, an ACMG ski guide, shares this commitment and is among the local advocates working to encourage more women in backcountry sports.
After mentoring, guiding and teaching both professionals-to-be and enthusiastic recreationists, Martin-Preney sees the backcountry as a powerful space for women.
“The backcountry is an incredible environment that allows women to connect with and challenge themselves in a unique way, when they have the opportunity to be in a supportive space. In winter, it’s next-level. Women who learn how to take care of themselves in that environment and feel successful are incredibly empowered.”
While she acknowledged progress, she also sees ongoing challenges for women in the field.
“There is still prejudice, exclusion and an ‘us vs. them’ mentality that is harmful and doesn’t foster an environment where women feel safe and supported to explore their own way of learning and challenging themselves,” she said.
There is growing recognition that women approach risk, hazards and communication differently—something Martin-Preney believes the industry can learn from.
“The culture is thankfully shifting to include female perspectives, female stars, role models and women regarded as authorities in certain sectors of the backcountry. It’s still the exception, but hopefully, we’re moving towards that becoming more common and less ‘notable,’” she added.
To thrive in the industry, Martin-Preney recommends finding mentors—regardless of gender—who embody the skills and lifestyle one aspires to.
“This will likely involve several different people, so you have to put time and effort into building these connections and relationships,” she said.
“The more we see it as normal that women are in this space, the more we have a ladder for other females to climb,” says administrator of Girls Do Ski, Carmanah Minions.
Photo by Colleen Gentemann.
High Five
by Barbara Olson
Not too far left, not too far right
Blob of Bubbilicious
Stationery buys for recipe boxes
Homes for Juan and Carlos
Santa ___ (California winds)
Marilyn's beauty spot 13 Founded, as a townsite: Abbr.
Hosiery hues
Dog tag info
Once-jailed media baron
Heavily burdened
Make ___ cheque 48 Much-shared internet images 50 TV tube gas 52 Passing info? 53 "Citizen" played by Orson Welles 54 ___ Krabappel of "The Simpsons" 56 ___ down (simplify)
58 Commuter syst. to Yonge and Bloor 60 Acapulco aunt
