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The Skilled Immigrant InfoCentre (SIIC) will be closing on March 31, 2025 due to funding cuts. This website will no longer be available after this date. Please save any guides you would like ahead of the closure. If you have any questions, please email siic@vpl.ca.

Kootenay Region

photograph of the British Columbia Houses of Parliament in Victoria
Source

Overview

The Kootenay region is located in the southeast corner of the province, bordering Alberta to the east and the United States to the south. It is one of Canada’s leading destinations for outdoor pursuits such as hiking, mountain biking, skiing, fishing, and river rafting. It is also known for its thriving art and culture scene. 

The total population of the Kootenay region is 163,100. Cranbrook is the largest city in this area and serves as the center for commercial and government services. Nelson is another key city. 

 

map of B.C. with the Kootenay region highlighted

Job Outlook

Over the next decade (2023-2033), it is projected that there will be 25,720 job openings in the Kootenay region, with an average annual employment growth rate of 0.5%. The following careers are expected to see the highest proportion of job openings.

Table listing top ten occupations in Kootenay region from 2023-2033

Source: WorkBC  

 

Key Industries

Coal production, critical minerals mining, forestry, and tourism all contribute to the local economy while value-added manufacturing industries, technology, and digital media are emerging in the Kootenay region. Several hydroelectric dams are also located in this region, creating employment opportunities in the utilities sector.

table listing Kootenay key industries and their employment counts for 2023

Sources: WorkBC,  Trade and Invest BC, ImagineKootenay