Interfor
“The Grand Forks area provides a solid foundation of logs for the Lumber Manufacturing business. It has a strong logistical advantage for supply to the United States market. Interfor has operated here since 2008 and expects to continue its operations well into the future.”
– Dave Parsons, Mill Manager
Peter Kalasz Photography

Business Environment

From our roots in the mining boom in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries, we have become a diverse and prosperous economy focused on agriculture, forestry, tourism, and manufacturing. Grand Forks continues to evolve as our quality of life attracts professionals looking for a great place to live who can then connect to the rest of the world and work from home.

Grand Forks offers short commute times, affordable living, and can truly offer a balanced lifestyle with great career opportunities. With access to a strong labour force, great proximity to key geographical markets, and with a beautiful backdrop of nature, Grand Forks is strategically positioned to grow.

Click Here to Access and Download Our Community Profile

Click here to access our Sector Profiles, providing information about Grand Forks most important sectors.

Agriculture Sector Profile

Hospitality Sector Profile

Health and Wellness Sector Profile

Demographics

Statistics Canada, 2021

Population

Average Age

Population Growth since 2016

Age Distribution

Age Distribution	Grand Forks	Area D	Kootenay Boundary
0 – 14	470	365	4,355
15 – 24	350	225	2,750
25 – 34	370	220	3,325
35 – 44	360	285	3,005
45 – 54	440	365	3,895
55 – 64	685	715	5,815
65+	1,430	1,055	9,180

Individual Income

	Grand Forks	Area D	Kootenay Boundary	BC
Median Total Income	$26,466	$26,551	$31,708	$33,012
Median After Tax Income	$24,885	$24,527	$28,865	$29,783
Average Total Income	$34,009	$34,549	$41,850	$45,616
Average Employment Income	$30,277	$31,423	$62,962	$43,339

Household Income

Individual	Grand Forks	Area D	Kootenay Boundary	BC
Median Total Income	$49,050	$55,322	$59,721	$69,995
Median After Tax Income	$44,487	$49,856	$52,936	$61,280
Average Total Income	$60,050	$66,207	$74,878	$90,354

Education Level

Grand Forks boasts a unique 4-day school week for all K-12 programs. Their exceptional educational programs offer a wide range of learning opportunities from elementary schools, to high schools, and alternative educational options through the Walker Development Centre, and even home to a Selkirk College satellite campus, the first regional community college in British Columbia. Providing our community access to quality programs to further advance their skills while balancing their lifestyle opportunities with the 4-day school week. We are proud of our education system and are committed to lifelong learning!

As a % of the entire population
	Grand Forks	Area D	Kootenay Boundary	BC
High School	15%	15%	24%	14%
Apprenticeship or Trade	7%	8%	12%	5%
College Certificate, Diploma, or Degree	13%	14%	19%	11%
University Degree or Above	6%	6%	11%	16%

Elementary Schools

Dr. D.A. Perley Elementary
J.A. Hutton Elementary

Secondary School

Grand Forks Secondary School

Universities / Colleges

Selkirk College

Did you know?

The school district operates K-12 with a 4-day school week, providing the perfect balance with the quality of life!

Labour Force

Workforce Participation Rate	Grand Forks	Area D	Kootenay Boundary	BC
Participation Rate	50.6%	50.2%	55.4%	63.9%
Employment Rate	45.7%	47.5%	51.1%	59.6%
Unemployment Rate	9.3%	4.9%	7.9%	6.7%

Health Care

Grand Forks can provide you with all the healthcare services you and your family may require. With a variety of health resources and facilities from the Boundary Hospital, offering surgical, inpatient, and 24-hour emergency services, and access to Medi Vac Servicing. We are also only an hour away from the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail for any specialist or advanced diagnostic services.

Hospital

Boundary Hospital – 12 Acute Care Beds
Hardy View Lodge – 79 Long Term Care Beds
MedEvac Service

Clinics

Boundary Medical Clinic
Grand Forks Public Health Unit

Grand Forks is fortunate to have such a vibrant and strong economic base. Ranging from well-established forestry industry to international manufacturing companies and a vibrant agricultural sector. Given the natural beauty of the region, tourism is a bustling sector that continues to grow and thrive as well, due to the Grand Forks lifestyle that inevitably draws people visit and ultimately many choose to stay and invest here! Our desirable proximity to major markets, especially as a border community with the USA, this is but one factor that allows our businesses and community to continue to prosper.

Top 5 Industries

By employment

Health care and Social Assistance 14.6%
Manufacturing 11.8%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting 11.3%
Construction 10.7%
Retail Trade 9.7%

% of Total Population of those Employed in Grand Forks/Area D

Leading Employers

By employment

ROCKWOOL (190 employees)
Interfor 120
Bron and Sons Nursery 120
Unifab Industries Ltd. 60
Silver Kettle Village 60

Major Sectors

With local leadership that welcomes economic growth, a diverse local economy, direct access to major highway and rail networks, close proximity to regional and international airports, and an exceptional quality of life, Grand Forks provides an outstanding business environment. The unique landscape and community spirit provide an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs of any age to excel.

Forestry

The proximity to mountainous terrain between two river valleys and being home to one of the largest lumber producers in the world, there are unique opportunities for the forestry sector to flourish.

Manufacturing

From rock wool manufacturing to steel fabrication to gravel processing and even the use of remnant materials from the copper mine, our diverse manufacturing industries provide stable employment.

Agriculture

The variety of livestock farms, orchards, gardens, and apiaries and the food products and co-operatives they spawn, make a significant contribution to the overall health of Grand Forks.

Tourism

Trails, postcard scenery, history, a welcoming downtown, and an abundance of local food and agricultural experiences entrench tourism as a key piece of the identity of Grand Forks.

Proud History – Spirit of Resilience – Connected to Community

Contact Us

Interested in learning more? Get in touch with us with any questions or inquiries today. We would be happy to answer your questions and discuss opportunities with you further!

We are here to help you.

Community Futures Boundary
Grand Forks, BC

Box 2949, 1647 Central Avenue
Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0

[email protected]
Phone: (250) 442-2722
Toll-free: 1-877-267-9399

Interfor