COMMUNITY PROFILE
Council and staff are pleased to welcome you to 100 Mile House. Our economic development team is dedicated to working with our local, regional and Indigenous partners to achieve a vibrant, diverse and sustainable economy. Together, we support and enhance 100 Mile by:
Diversifying our economic base
Retaining existing businesses
Creating and attracting new business and investment
Improving our quality of life
One of our goals is to attract you, your family, your business and your industry to our community – we are ready to welcome you to more of the good life!
Joanne Doddridge Director of Economic Development & Planning
jdoddridge@100milehouse.com
District of 100 Mile House
P.O. Box 340, 385 Birch Avenue 100 Mile House BC, V0K 2E0
100milehouse.com/investing-here 250-395-2434
PHOTO: JULIE GILMORE
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100 Mile House
More of the good life
Welcome to 100 Mile House
100 Mile is an active, growing community in British Columbia’s Cariboo that is business-friendly and works with you to achieve maximum success. Our access to major transportation routes contributes to our long-standing importance as the service hub for the South Cariboo. We are proud to provide a wide variety of services and amenities that go beyond what is typically offered in communities of similar size.
Small business, recreation, arts and culture, and a supportive entrepreneurial spirit offer residents and businesses more of the good life. We are a friendly, caring community and are excited to showcase our opportunities to you.
100 Mile is on the traditional, unceded territory of The Tsq’escenemc “The People of Broken Rock” also known as Canim Lake Band.
100 Mile is a central hub for the extraordinary outdoor playground that is the South Cariboo.
– Trevor Embree Bree Group of Companies
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OTO: BE D N A R P Kelowna Calgary Prince George Williams Lake Kamloops Vancouver Seattle Canada/USA Border Vancouver 466 km 5 hr Seattle 567 km 6.5 hr Prince George 325 km 3.5 hr Williams Lake 92 km 1 hr Kamloops 196 km 2 hr Kelowna 353 km 4 hr Calgary 751 km 8.75 hr Strategically located on BC’s major N-S highway 5
Our Past
Before the gold rush, 100 Mile’s history can be traced back to the days of fur trading. From 1862 to 1870, over 100,000 people traveled the Cariboo Waggon Road into the Cariboo, making the community a hub for supplying the gold rush. As the rush subsided, ranchers moved in, and the area became a vital part of British Columbia's agricultural industry. Other industries, such as forestry, also prospered and we developed into a service centre with a diverse economy.
100 Mile House was named because it is located 100 miles from the start of the Gold Rush Trail.
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Our Present
Today, 100 Mile House is emerging as a regional leader sustaining a strong local economy, with jobs in the forest sector, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. The community is experiencing significant growth, supported by new residential housing, a stable regional hospital, a thriving retail sector, and a central location for new remote workers.
100 Mile boasts some unique statistics that make the area distinct from many others. During the summer months, visitors expand our area’s population to over 25,000. Seasonal visitors come to enjoy the recreational and lakefront summer homes and cabins, camping, RVing, resorts and the outdoor adventure at our doorstep.
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8 PHOT OBERT B R U N E T Population Population Projection Average Age Age Distribution BC Stats - 100 Mile House Health Area 100 Mile House Total Population 1,928 100 Mile House 11,965 South Cariboo 62,931 Cariboo Regional District 49.8 100 Mile House 51.3 South Cariboo 45.3 Cariboo Regional District 0–14 12.7% 15–24 9.1% 25–44 19.7% 45–64 24.6% 65+ 34.0% 6.4% growth 15,364 2026 15,454 2031 55% are between the ages 15 – 65 0–14 15–24 25–44 45–64 65+ All sources Census 2021 statcan.gc.ca unless noted
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# of Employees Top Employers Interior Health School District No. 27 West Fraser Mills 100M Save On Foods Dawson Road Maintenance Provincial Government Services Freshco 353 274 147 100 81 78 63 Source: District of 100 Mile House Labour Labour Force 750 100 Mile House 4,720 South Cariboo 5,470 Total Top Three Occupations Retail Sales & Service | 33% Trades & Transport | 21% Professional Services | 16% Source: https://www.workbc.ca/Labour-Market-Information/Regional-Profiles/Cariboo Top Industries Looking for Employees Health Care & Social Assistance Retail Trade Manufacturing Accommodation & Food Services Transportation & Warehousing Labour Force by Sector Finance, insurance & real estate Manufacturing Arts, culture, entertainment & recreation Agriculture & natural resources Public administration Professional, administrative & support Transportation & warehousing Construction Accommodation & food services Health & educational services Sales & services 3% 4% 5% 5% 5% 7% 8% 11% 17% 23% 6% 9
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Housing & Income
34% have a household income exceeding $100,000
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Housing Types 100 Mile House Average Housing Value 100 Mile House Kelowna Kamloops Metro Vancouver $850,000 $567,000 $315,000 $1,728,000 69% lower housing cost than the national average (Source: areavibes.com) 430 Single Detached Homes 70 Semi-Attached Dwellings 95 Townhomes 185 Apartments 120 Movable Annual Income
PHOTO: GRAHAM FARSTAD
Transportation
Highways
Central service hub due to our strategic highway access
Our highway location provides access to expansive services and amenities
Airports
Williams Lake and Kamloops are the nearest commercial airports
Connections to major cities in Canada and the US Rail and Freight Services
Freight service provided by Canadian National Railway (CN)
Transport trucking and specialized hauling
Full-service couriers
Nearest Ports
Ashcroft Terminals (inland port and intermodal facility)
–123 km
Port of Vancouver –450 km
Businesses looking to expand in 100 Mile will find exceptional transportation infrastructure.
All sources Census 2021 statcan.gc.ca unless noted
100 Mile Municipal Airport | Downtown South Cariboo Regional Airport | 12 km Williams Lake Airport | 103 km Kamloops Airport | 211 km Kelowna International Airport | 347 km Vancouver International Airport | 470 km 97 97 97 97 24 16 16 1 1 5 5 97 97 97 97 24 16 16 1 1 5 5 11
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100 Mile’s Economy Investment Edge
DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY
An economy that includes agriculture, forestry, tourism, ranching, and manufacturing, combined with a strong service, retail and professional sector.
ROBUST SERVICE CENTRE HUB
The service hub for the South Cariboo with amenities that exceed those of municipalities ten times our size.
AFFORDABLE LIVING
CONNECTIVITY
Housing cost is 69% lower than the national average. Reliable, high-speed connectivity.
The mutual respect and support we have received from both our fellow businesses along with the municipality, has helped us in building relationships and creating great advantages for a team based working environment that has been integral to our businesses success.
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– Alisha Piccolo, Kranky’s Garage
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Hwy 97 brings over 1.5 million vehicles to our area annually
100 Mile Edge
Business-friendly local government
Competitive corporate taxes
Diverse and stable local economy
Strong health and social programs
Favourable utility rates
RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
A natural destination for those who enjoy fishing, hiking, heritage and much more.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Centrally located on the only north-south route of BC with an annual vehicle count of over 1.5 million.
FAVOURABLE BUSINESS CLIMATE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
A supportive and welcoming business environment.
A strong sense of community support and volunteerism.
QUALITY OF LIFE
A lifestyle that far exceeds many larger areas offering you more of the good life.
LLEN J O N E S
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Economic Sectors & Opportunities
100 Mile has all of the commercial and business amenities you would find in a larger urban centre. Agriculture, forestry and tourism are a few of our primary industries but we have many opportunities in other sectors to explore. Businesses looking to expand in 100 Mile House will find exceptional transportation infrastructure and affordable operating costs. Our strong tourism industry is supported by franchise and independent accommodations and restaurants. Our downtown thrives with a mix of retail uses and we are attracting families and entrepreneurs who are looking for more flexible work options.
Additional information on investment in 100 Mile can be found at:
100milehouse.com/investing-here
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FORESTRY
Since the 1940s, 100 Mile has been a key location in the South Cariboo region for a thriving forest industry. The industry has evolved over time, but the community is home to a community forest, multiple woodlots, and globally recognized log-home building companies known for their quality homes. The community also has a wellestablished service sector, supply chain, and skilled labor force experienced in wood products manufacturing that supports the industry. Serving the South Cariboo, the Province of BC's Natural Resource District office manages approximately 1.24 million hectares, is located here.
100 Mile is recognized as the Handcrafted Log Home Capital of North America
Opportunities
Bioenergy projects
Value-added manufacturing
Residual fibre processing
Service sector
Opportunities
Organic Foods
Specialty condiments
Locally grown food
Experiential and agritourism offerings
AGRICULTURE
We take pride in our long history of supporting the agriculture industry and it continues to thrive, with a new generation of farmers choosing a rural lifestyle. 100 Mile boasts a diverse farming industry focused on food security, livestock raising, and hay crop production. Innovations in backyard and hobby farming, small-scale food production, and young people choosing to live closer to the land are helping to expand the sector. In the summer months, locals and visitors buy locally produced goods, creating new opportunities for agri-food processing and agri-tourism ventures.
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TOURISM
We are proud of our variety of attractions and activities, including outdoor recreation, cultural and historic sites, events and festivals. Centennial Park, complete with Bridge Creek Waterfall, is a hidden treasure of the Cariboo located right in the heart of 100 Mile and is one of the prettiest spots on earth. We are an all-seasons playground providing some of the best rainbow trout fishing lakes, plus many of the province’s best fishing resorts, guest ranches and wilderness lodges.
Opportunities
Agritourism and Culinary
Outdoor Adventure
Family Friendly Entertainment
Fishing Highway Programs and Events
Opportunities
Activity and experienced based businesses
Diverse retail offerings
Businesses that complement the existing retail mix
RETAIL
Franchises, boutique shops, grocery stores, drugs stores, professional services, auto repair shops, over-night accommodations, hardware stores, car dealerships and restaurants populate our retail and service sector. We have an attractive, walkable downtown that offers all the amenities you need for a quick stop or to spend a relaxing day enjoying more of the good life.
Our area’s population increases from 15,000 to over 25,000 in the summer
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VIRTUAL & REMOTE WORK
With a changing workforce environment, 100 Mile House is experiencing an influx of new residents looking for that perfect location that provides easy access to nature, time for family, and other perks like decreased commute time and a work-from-home option. With our solid telecommunications infrastructure, easy highway access, proximity to larger centres, and a lower cost of living, we offer one of the best opportunities for this sector in the Province. This opportunity has the added benefit of bringing in a new mix of skilled workers and expanding our entrepreneurship base.
Opportunities
The digital economy
Home-based offices and businesses
Independent agencies and start-ups
Artistic and creativitybased ventures
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Doing Business
100 Mile is committed to providing friendly, knowledgeable and engaging services to make doing business here as easy and seamless as possible. Whether you’re a new business owner, expanding an existing business, or exploring new markets, a wide range of support is available. We are a small, responsive office providing guidance on how to navigate municipal processes and offer many services including:
Information and statistics
Community and local government connections
Information on programs and supports
Networking opportunities
No matter what your business story is, we can help!
$21M invested in the past 5 years in infrastructure upgrades and rolling equipment
$10M +/- in utility system upgrades including a new Water Treatment Plant
$5M – recent sidewalks and asphalt projects
Complete fleet replacement over the past 8-10 years ($1.2M in past few years alone)
100 Mile House Four Pillars
Balancing budgets
Retiring long-term debt
Building reserve funds
Maintaining competitive tax rates
Municipal Services - Infrastructure
Local government maintains and supports our community and economy in many ways, including:
New roads and maintenance
Snow removal
Traffic control
Water and sewer
Recent developments have helped secure over $16 million of improvements in community infrastructure, ensuring these services are available for current and future businesses and residents.
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PHO H CHEE K 2021 13 Business Licenses 463 (2022) Municipal Permitting & Timelines Type of Permit Building Permit Business License Development Permit OCP or Zoning Amendment Subdivision Application Average Time for Approval 3 weeks for all permits once complete application is received up to 10 days 6-8 weeks 6-10 weeks 3 months Associate Fees 0.6% plus other fees $80- $120 / year $300–$500 $800 $500 up to 4 lots + $125 each additional lot $1,217.76 per unit Low Density Residential $14.64 per gross floor area Commercial $6.32 per gross floor area Industrial Development Cost Charges Source: District of 100 Mile House Property Tax 2022 Per $1,000 Assessed Value Source: District of 100 Mile House Business 16.45297 Major Industry 72.23684 Residential 7.12746 Light Industry 18.99414 Building Permit Values & Housing Starts Construction Values New Housing Starts 2022 2020 2019 2021 $9,320,135 $9,793,824 $4,890,669 $2,736,165 2022 16 2020 5 2019 2 19 13% increase in business licenses
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Our Community’s Livability
More freedom, opportunity and adventure
100 Mile House has the conveniences of the city but with a friendly, small-town feel. Affordable housing and a thriving economy combined with our open spaces and beautiful natural surroundings bring together an outstanding quality of life.
Climate
932
Metres Above Sea Level
3,201 hrs Annual Sunshine
309 mm (12 in)
Annual Mean Total Rainfall
132 cm (52 in)
Annual Mean Total Snowfall
Education
School District 27 CaribooChilcotin K-12
French Immersion
Daycare centres
Thompson Rivers University satellite campus
P Average Temperature Spring Summer Fall Winter 12° C 22° C 10° C -1° C -2° C 7° C 2° C -12° C High Low
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Health Care
100 Mile is the region’s healthcare hub and provides acute care services, including emergency, inpatient and outpatient services. There are additional healthcare supports providing primary, specialized and mental health services.
Extensive healthcare and support services
100 MILE DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL
• Antepartum Care
• Chemotherapy
• Early Hearing Program
• Emergency Health
• General Medicine
• Hematology
• Hospice
• Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Nutrition/Dietitian
• Outpatient Care
• Palliative Care
• Physiotherapy
• Psychiatry
• Radiology
• Rehabilitation
• Surgical Daycare
HEALTHCARE SUPPORT SERVICES
• Assisted Living
• Chiropractor
• Counselling Services
• Dentists
• Home Care
• Independent Living
• Long Term Care
• Massage Therapy
• Medical Health Clinics
• Mental Health and Wellness
• Optometry
• Pharmacies
• Physiotherapy
EMERGENCY SERVICES
• 911 Services
• 24/7 Ambulance Service
• Fire Service
• Search & Rescue
PH BERT B R U N E T
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Recreation & Culture
Enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation activities like hiking, fishing, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Our recreation centre is nestled right behind a peaceful Wildlife Sanctuary, home to 200 species of birds. The centre provides skating programs, camps, tournaments and is home to the KIJHL 100 Mile House Wranglers.
Visitors and residents alike can enjoy our beautiful parks. Most notably, Centennial Park with a wandering creek, playground, picnic grounds, tennis courts, waterpark and skateboard park. Imagine taking a short walk through on the trails to end up at the park’s cascading waterfalls, all within minutes of downtown 100 Mile.
Amenities & Activities
PLACES TO EXPLORE
• Bridge Creek Waterfalls
• 5 provincial parks
• Camping
• Parks and playgrounds
• Water park
• Rodeo Grounds
• 4 public beaches
• Hundreds of nearby lakes
• Mountain Bike Skills Park
• Skateboard Park
• Mount Timothy
WATER & ICE
• Boating
• Water skiing
• Tube run
• Kayaking, canoeing, & paddle boarding
• Skating
SOLO SPORTS
• 18-hole golf course
• Archery
• Bowling
• Downhill skiing
• Figure skating
• Tennis
TRAILS
• Bird watching
• Hiking (including low mobility trails
• Cross-country skiing
• Mountain biking
• Horseback riding
H UNTING & FISHING
• Lake fishing
• Ice fishing
• Shooting ranges
• Hunting
TEAM SPORTS
• Badminton
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Curling
• Hockey
• Pickleball
• Rugby
• Soccer
• Volleyball
VEHICLE
• ATV trails
• Motocross
• Snowmobile trails
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Culture
100 Mile thrives with a vibrant arts and culture scene, featuring live concerts in Centennial Park, indoor performance venues, farmers market, an art gallery, and murals that reflect our history.
Community Organizations
Getting involved is easy, with a wide range of community-based organizations and clubs to choose from.
YOUTH
• Girl Guides
• Cadets
• Dance
• 4-H
• Pony Club
• Rhythmic Gymnastics
KNOWLEDGE
• Fly Fishers
• Beekeeping
• Historical Society
• Genealogy
• Stamp
ARTS
• Photography
• Performing Arts
• Quilters Guild
• Weavers & Spinners
• Writers Guild
• Belly Dancing
VEHICLE
• Model Flyers
• ATV
• Dirt Bike Association
• Classic Car
• Snowmobile Club
Annual Events
Little Britches Rodeo/Parade (May)
Festival of the Arts (May-June)
South Cariboo Farmers Market (May-September)
Hot July Nights (July)
Interlakes Rodeo BCRA Sanctioned (August)
Garlic Festival (August)
P H O T O : C OLLEE
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District of 100 Mile House 250-395-2434 100milehouse.com/ investing-here
PHOTO: ROBERT BRU N E T
PHOTO: ALLEN JONES