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Elkford Conference Centre Receives Recognition

An official ribbon-cutting and Grand Opening Ceremony was held on June 21, 2012 to formally recognize the opening of the newly constructed Elkford Community Conference Centre. Minister Ida Chong from the Ministry of Community, Sport & Cultural Development, Bill Bennett, MLA Kootenay East, representatives from Columbia Basin Trust, Teck Coal Limited and the Canadian Wood Council joined Mayor Dean McKerracher, Council, Staff and residents of the District of Elkford to celebrate this momentous event.

On Thursday, September 27, the District of Elkford was awarded the 2012 Union of BC Municipalities Community Excellence Award, Small Community, Leadership and Innovation in recognition of the new Elkford Community Conference Centre, as the building addresses environmental concerns and regulatory requirements. The Community Excellence Awards program is an opportunity to showcase municipalities and regional districts who ‘lead the pack’, take risks to innovate, establish new partnerships, question established ways of doing business and pioneer new customer service practices.

From left to right: Douglas Sollows (Architect, Douglas Sollows Architect Inc.), Neil Muth (President & Chief Executive Officer, Columbia Basin Trust), Cindy Gallinger (Board Member, Columbia Basin Trust), Mayor Dean McKerracher (District of Elkford), Honourable Minister Ida Chong (Ministry of Community, Sport & Cultural Development), Bill Bennett (MLA, Kootenay East), Bill Downing (President, Structurlam), Mark Porter (Associated Engineering), Cal McDougal (Land Administrator, Teck Coal)

The $6.4 million energy-efficient Community Conference Centre is constructed of structural wood. It conserves maximum energy and reduces the Centre’s environmental footprint. The 1,800-square-metre building features a Visitor Centre, playschool, commercial kitchen, banquet hall with a stage for the performing arts, multi-purpose meeting rooms as well as historical displays. The building is being widely recognized for its innovative use of wood products, as it is the first commercial application of Cross Laminated Timbers (CLT) wall panels in North America.

Download June 22 Press Release

Download Oct 1 Press Release


The District of Elkford has graduated from the Tourism BC’s Community Tourism Foundation program in 2006, which resulted in the development of a community tourism plan. In the last years, the District has undertaken a comprehensive branding exercise in order to attract new residents, businesses and visitors, with support from the Community Tourism Opportunities program.

For more information on the District of Elkford and to inquire about the facility to host your next event, visit: Elkford.ca.