History of the Valley

Prior to the settlement of the Elk Valley, the area was inhabited by migrant Indians who visited the hunter’s Eden each year to harvest fish and game to carry them through the winter months. Migrants of the Tobacco Plains Band of the Khtunaxa (Kootenay) Indians were likely the first to enter the Elk Valley. Some of their artifacts and drawings can still be found in the area. Thomas Blackiston of the 1800’s Pallister expedition saw, and is credited with naming the Crowsnest Pass. The first white man known to travel though the pass was Michael Phillips in 1873. He returned the following year in search of gold and was disappointed to find only coal.

In 1884, Dr. George Mercer Dawson of the Geological Survey of Canada came to the valley to explore the coal deposits and found that they were extensive. A syndicate was formed to develop the mines and, through the efforts of members like William Fernie and James Baker, the Crowsnest Pass Coal Co. was formed. The Canadian Pacific Railway then began construction of the BC Southern Railway. It wasn’t until the 1900’s that the availability of rail transportation into the Crowsnest Pass and the demand for coal to fuel the trains created a sudden market. Although the reserves in the Upper Elk Valley were vast, it was felt it was uneconomical to construct rail lines to the Fording River Valley. As a result, mining in what is now known as Elkford did not begin until 1968. Now, over 25 years later, Elkford boasts two highly productive coal mines operated by Fording Coal Limited which provide the main source of employment in Elkford.

Many ranchers, trappers and guides found the valley to be a paradise. Wildlife in the valley was a delight to most sportsmen. In the early 1900’s the valley attracted hunters and fishermen from all parts of Canada and the United States, who all came. to take home rich rewards from the huge fish and game reserves. Many colorful old timers resided in and around Elkford. One such character was "Wildcat Charlie" who has affectionately become a symbol of Elkford’s roots. Charlie Weigert was said to be a solitary, but cheerful German rancher who owned the lands of the Sulphur Springs.

Population - 2,463
Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census

Transportation
1. Air
Aircraft can land at the Elk Valley Airport 20 km south of Elkford. This modern aircraft landing strip, operated by Elk Valley Air Services, has a 4,000 ft paved runway. At present, approach lighting is being considered to permit 24 hour use. The airport is owned by the Regional District of East Kootenay. Small planes and helicopter charter services are available.
The nearest commercial airport and air freight facilities are located in Cranbrook/Kimberley. This airport is served by Air BC and Canadian Airlines with daily jet service to the Okanagan, Kamloops, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. The airport has a 1,830m by 45m runway with 24 hour air-ground and approach lighting and ground services. Charter and other aviation services are also available.

2. Roads
Elkford is served by a paved two-lane, provincial highway which is regularly maintained and snow cleared. Highway 43 intersects Highway 3 (the Crowsnest Pass) at Sparwood, linking Elkford with Alberta, Cranbrook and beyond.

3. Truck
A full line of trucking services are available throughout the Elk Valley, including flat deck services, vans, freight pick-up and delivery, hauling of explosives and liquor, inter-provincial trucking and same day service to Cranbrook, Lethbridge, Calgary and Edmonton. A full range of courier services are also available.

4. Rail
Canadian Pacific Railway uses the facilities in the Elk Valley primarily to transport coal by unit cars to the Roberts Bank port facilities on the west coast. Rail access for public transportation is located at Golden, B.C.

5. Bus/Public
Greyhound Bus Lines operate out of Sparwood providing passenger and freight services. Leyden Bus Lines, Dickens Bus Lines and Koltran Coach all provide charter bus service in the Elk Valley. No taxi service is available in Elkford, but Kootenay Taxi Ltd. serves our community.

6. Customs
The nearest customs office is situated at Airport Access Road, Cranbrook (426-2161). The nearest border crossing is situated at Roosville (887-3413, fax 887-3247). Roosville is open 24 hours per day.

Climate
Elkford has a moderate climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters. The proximity of the town in the High Rock Mountain Range greatly influences the weather patterns. The high elevation of the community generally results in a reduction in the severity of winter cold periods while keeping summer heat from reaching extreme temperatures.

Weather statistics for Elkford can be obtained by contacting:
Atmospheric Environmental Services
Climate Services
Suite 700, 1200 West 73 Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6P 6H9
Tel: (250) 664-9156

Town Organization

Elkford is governed by a Mayor and six Councilors. Each is elected for a three year term with the most recent election taking place on November 19th 2005.

District offices are situated at:
816 Michel Road
PO Box 340
Elkford, BC  V0B 1H0

Tel: (250) 865-2241 Fax: (250) 865-2429
Email: elkford@elkvalley.net

Website: www.elkford.ca

Utilities

1. Electricity
Source: BC Hydro
Electricity is supplied by BC Hydro and is drawn from the Provincial Integrated Electrical Network. The closest BC Hydro office is located at 491 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC.  
Tel: 1-800-665-1152.

2. Natural Gas
Source: Terasen Gas
Supplied by Terasen Gas, Customer Service
Tel: 1-888-224-2710

3. Water
Source: District of Elkford
Elkford’s water is supplied by three town wells with a total capacity of 1.1 million gallons. The pumping capacity is varied with a variable line pressure of 45 psi. The system is designed to accommodate a population of 7,000 people. The consumption of water averages about 1.0 million gallons per day.

4. Wastewater Service
Source: District of Elkford
Underground storm sewers collect 100% of the populated area’s surface run off. Sewage treatment is provided by Aeration Lagoons. A major upgrade of Elkford’s sewage system was begun in 1995 and completed in 1996 at a cost of $841,000.

5. Residential Utility Billing

1. Telephone
Source: Telus
Telus provides local telephone services and also has a variety of long distance savings plans.
    For residential service call: 1.888.811.2323
    For business service call: 1.800.268.6680

2. Television
Cable television is available through Shaw Cable Systems G.P.
Located at 691 - 9th Ave., Fernie 
Tel: 865-2463    Toll-Free: 1.866.356.6666
Several packages are available.
A free "Community Information" channel is available for announcements and local programming.
Initial hookup is $33.00 and the first 3 months are free.

3. Radio
CJEV 1340 AM out of Blairmore provides local broadcasts.
A free community announcement service is available.
Tel: 403-562-2806 
Fax: 403-562-8114

4. Newspapers
The Free Press - Weekly; Wednesday
Kootenay Advertiser - Weekly; Monday, Friday
Daily papers from larger centers also available.

5. Canada Post
The Post Office is located in the Elkford Square Mall. Postal Boxes available at no cost. Hours: 8:30 am to-5:30 pm Mon - Fri; 10:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday.

6. Business Tax

Health and Human Services
1. Medical
Source: Elkford Health Care Centre
Elkford has exceptionally high quality medical services available for a town its size. A modern, fully-equipped health care centre with 2 full time doctor's (with hospital privileges), nursing staff, part time physiotherapist, and x-ray and lab services all work to keep Elkford healthy and happy. Emergency staff are on call at 865-2247. After hours emergencies are handled through the Sparwood Hospital by calling 425-6212 and the ambulance number is (1-800-461-9911). A highly trained volunteer ambulance service, on call 24 hours, include a crew captain and certified attendants. Regional hospitals are located in Sparwood and Fernie. A helicopter landing pad is conveniently situated for emergency transportation.

2. Volunteer Fire Department
Source: District of Elkford
Elkford has a full time Fire Chief who oversees 27 volunteer fire fighters, two fire halls equipped with 3 pumpers, 1 ladder truck, a rescue van with "jaws of life" and a variety of other equipment. Fire Hall #1 can accommodate up to 5 live-in volunteers. Elkford is ranked by the Insurance Advisory Organization as Class Number 2 community. Calls placed to the emergency number are relayed by radio pager. A municipal fire break was cleared in 1990 and upgraded in 1993. Volunteers welcome anytime.

3. Emergency Disaster Program
Source: District of Elkford
Elkford has a Disaster Services Zone Coordinator who is designated in the Provincial Emergency Program of the Province of BC. Contact the District of Elkford office for more information at 865-2241.

4. Law Enforcement
Source: RCMP

Demography
1. Demographic Profile from 2006 Census
Source: Statistics Canada

Population 2006        2,463   (- 4.9%)
Population 2001        2,589   (- 5.1%)
Population 1996        2,729   (- 4.1%)   
Population 1991        2,846   (- 10.7%)
Population 1986        3,187   (+ 2%)
Population 1981        3,126   (+ 67%)
Population 1976        1,873   (+ 935%)
Population 1971           181

Total Private Dwellings 2006:    1,383
Total Private Dwellings 2001:    1,357
Total Private Dwellings 1996:      998
Total Private Dwellings 1991:      940

2. Retail Trade and Service Sector