News - Balfour & District | Business & Historic Association

Anglican Archbishop To Deconsecrate Historic Balfour Church

Post published:May 23, 2022

Anglican Archbishop To Deconsecrate Historic Balfour Church On June 6, 2022, the Archbishop Lynne McNaughton of the Diocese of Kootenay, Anglican Church of Canada, will deconsecrate Balfour’s historic St. Michael’s and All Angels’ Church. When a building is initially consecrated, it is dedicated for Christian worship. Located in the heart of the old townsite of Balfour, the landmark Church held its first service back in 1892. Since then, it has not only been faithful in its ministry and mission for 129 years, it has also remained a popular community focal point, hosting everything from weddings, to countless fundraisers and even served as lodging for the Ktunaxa peoples at certain times of the year. The last Anglican service held in St. Michael’s was on December 24, 2019. The service is slated to start at 10:00 a.m., and will begin with Archbishop McNaughton inviting memories and visiting various points inside the church before proceeding outside, where the service will come to a close. The public is welcome to attend depending on COVID-19 gathering limitations. There is always a sense of…

Meet our Members! Jake Murfitt of the Ainsworth Hotsprings

Post published:March 11, 2022

How long has your business been in the Balfour/Harrop area? The Ainsworth Hot Springs were first considered a vacation spot as early as 1929 when Mr. John Burns II of Nelson purchased and began developing the property. The present hotel was built in 1987 by Norm and Joyce Mackie, and the Resort as we know it became a successful family operation. In 2015, the Resort was sold to the Lower Kootenay Band (Yaqan Nukiy) of Creston, reconnecting them to a significant cultural site of the Ktunaxa people. With the addition of the Yaqan Nukiy Suites, Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort will continue to grow and strengthen the local tourism economy. What services do you provide? What makes your business special? The Resort provides year-round employment to 50-60 people in the operation and management of the business. Services include Hot Springs pool and cave, Accommodation, Food & Beverage, and Gift Shop. The Hot Springs is what people come to enjoy. The warm mineral water was first referred to by the Ktunaxa people as nupika wu’u, meaning spirit water. It is…

Meet Our Members! Charmaine & Mike of Bibby Fine Furniture & Interiors

Post published:December 10, 2021

Members of the community, Mike and Charmaine Bibby, have been providing the area with gorgeous furniture and interior design services for more than five years. You may recognize some of the handcrafted pieces by their signature hand carved Bee! Mike was born and raised in England and was inspired and influenced by some of the worlds finest furniture makers. He grew up just a few miles from the famous Robert Thompson, a master furniture maker. The tradition of adorning furniture with a carved logo, which is so popular in Yorkshire, is also seen in Mike's work. Their hand carved bee log is very subtly incorporated in each furniture item - always perfectly placed and distinctive and makes your furniture item one of a kind. We caught up with them to learn a little more about what they love about their product and what they love about our area! How long has your business been in the Balfour/Harrop area? Bibby Fine Interiors has been operating for more than 5 years, but last year concentrated on online or e-design during…

We Did it! The Balfour and District Business and Historic Association Acquires Landmark Church

Post published:August 21, 2021

The Balfour and District Business and Historic Association (BDBHA) is pleased to announce the purchase of the historic St. Michael’s and All Angels’ Church in Balfour. The transaction was completed August 13, 2021. Located in the old townsite of Balfour, the former Anglican church was built in 1892 and has remained a popular religious and community focal point ever since it opened its doors. The 129-year-old wooden landmark has seen many changes over its lifetime, but it still retains its quaintness and charm, from its intricately carved doors, its distinctive circular, stain-glass window above the entranceway, to its vented steeple. The last Anglican service held at St. Michael’s was on December 24, 2019. The decision by the BDBHA to purchase the historic church from the Diocese of Kootenay, Anglican Church of Canada, was not easy. The Association owes a debt of gratitude to the Diocese for extending the sale agreement a year to allow for successful donation campaigns and fund-raising drives. Like all non-profit organizations, the Association has had to deal with the challenges of raising…