Profile

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…

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…

If you are a golfer, whether you are from the Kootenays or beyond, chances are you have heard of the Balfour Golf Course. The 18-hole championship Les Furber designed course offers challenging play surrounded by pristine nature and breathtaking views. Superintendent Larry Olson and his amazing staff keep the course in immaculate condition! Couple this with the exceptional service in the pro-shop by Director of Golf Craig Wilkinson, and his staff, Balfour is a must-visit course for any golf enthusiast. We caught up with Craig to find out what makes the course special, why he is passionate about his job and why he loves calling Balfour his home! How long has your business been in the Balfour/Harrop area? The course opened with 9 holes opened and expanded to 18 holes in 2002. What services do you provide? What makes your business special? A beautiful 18-hole golf course, full length driving range, short game practice area, PGA of Canada Golf Instruction, full-service restaurant and lots of off-season winter activities. What do you love about our area and how does…