History
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Revelstoke began in the 1880's as a transportation and supply center for the mining industry. Bolstered when the Canadian Pacific Railway was built through the area the City was named Revelstoke by the CPR in appreciation of Lord Revelstoke, the head of Baring & Glyn, a UK banking firm that saved the CPR from bankruptcy in the summer of 1885. Both the mining industry and railway construction required substantial amounts of timber fueling the growth of the timber industry in the area.
From 1900 until the early 1960s, Revelstoke grew at a gradual and steady pace. Construction of the Trans Canada Highway through Rogers Pass in 1962 opened the area to tourism. Rapid growth to service tourism took place and the economy was further diversified.
Beginning in 1965, three hydroelectric dams, which created large lakes, were built in the Revelstoke area. When the mega-project boom ended in 1985, the town experienced a significant downturn. This downturn was admirably overcome through the development and implementation of a community economic development strategy which included: a downtown revitalization project; development and diversification of small businesses; encouragement of tourism; and strengthening of the timber industry through many initiatives including the creation of the Revelstoke Community Forest Corporation which is, as the name implies, a community owned forest company.
The economy of Revelstoke is tied directly to its geographic location, physical environment and the natural resources of the region. The forest industry, transportation - Canadian Pacific Rail and Trans Canada Highway, tourism and government services all contribute significantly to the community's economic health. Other resources available for development include water and minerals.
The growth and development of the tourism and hospitality sector over the past thirty years and especially since the announcement of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, have contributed to the diversification of the local economy. Revelstoke is the service center for a large geographic region and accordingly public services and government offices are located in the city and the employment generated contributes significantly to the economic base. The Selkirk and Monashee Mountains are highly mineralized and in the past a number of ore deposits have been developed as mines. Mineral exploration continues to be actively pursued in the region.
"Revelstoke Ski Club"
Revelstoke has the longest running ski club in Canada. The Mount Revelstoke Ski Hill site, just within the Mount Revelstoke National Park northeast of Revelstoke, has a history as old as the settlement itself. A local miner introduced "Norwegian Snowshoes" to Revelstoke as early as 1892 and the first ski club in Canada was organized the next year.
People:
Nels Nelsen
Although Nels Nelsen is remembered primarily for his daring and skill as a champion ski jumper, his contribution to the development of the sport of skiing in Western Canada was perhaps even more impressive.
Born in Norway in 1894, he arrived in Revelstoke, British Columbia as an immigrant in 1912. Within two years of his arrival, he had established himself as a driving force in the local skiing community organizing its first winter carnival and ski tournament in 1915 on a small hill on the lower slopes of Mount Revelstoke, located in the Mount Revelstoke National Park. The Revelstoke Ski club came into being the same year largely as a result of his efforts as did a larger hill, variously known as the "Big Hill" or "Suicide Hill", which was later re-named in his memory.
Nelsen Lodge, Revelstoke Mountain Resort's ski-in/ski-out luxuriously appointed, concrete constructed condominium hotel is named after Nels.
Charles Lindmark
Hikers and skiers should worship Charles Lindmark for his vision of allowing outdoor recreation enthusiasts to scale the summits of Mount Revelstoke. Lindmark successfully pushed for the development of the first trail on Mount Revelstoke in his capacity as Mayor in the early 20th Century. The Trans Canada Highway's completion at Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park in the 1960's opened-up Revelstoke and Mount Revelstoke for year-round fun. Today, skiers, hikers and climbers flock to Mount Revelstoke for world-class heli-skiing, back-country skiing and rock climbing. Lodges, resorts and cabins now dot the mountains around Revelstoke; skiers and climbers are found relaxing their muscles at the Halcyon Hot Springs and Albert Canyon Hot Springs.
Lord Revelstoke
Lord Revelstoke had an important impact on Revelstoke's development. Thanks to him, the Barings Bank of London lent the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) funds to complete the transcontinental railway across Canada in the 19th Century. The community formerly known as ‘Farwell' was renamed ‘Revelstoke' in 1886 by the Government of Canada to honour his name. Before the railway's completion, shopping, hotels and restaurants lined ‘Front Street', Farwell's main street on the banks of the Columbia River. A land dispute caused the CPR to locate its station in what is today Revelstoke's downtown. Today's visitors to Revelstoke may stay in hotels, shop and eat near Grizzly Plaza located in-between Victoria Road and 1st Street.
Albert Rogers
Revelstoke's tourism industry has Albert Rogers to thank for world-class hot springs and a highway route going right through town. Travelers of the Trans Canada Highway through the BC Interior can stop at the Albert Canyon Hot Springs near Revelstoke in order to relieve aching muscles. Its location just East of Mount Revelstoke National Park also makes the hot springs a relaxing place for skiers to stop after a day on the slopes. Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park is a major reason why shoppers can shop, eaters can dine and tourists can stay at stores, restaurants and hotels in Revelstoke due o the Trans Canada Highway which passes through Revelstoke and Rogers Pass.
Captain Robert Sanderson
Sanderson's hotel no longer stands, but his legacy of harnessing the healing power of the Halcyon Hot Springs' hot mineral water in 1890 lives on. Sanderson was a mechanical engineer who built steam ships, but his Halcyon Hotel served as a place of calm and serenity for about 30 years. Sanderson could not possibly have imagined how today's version of the Halcyon Hot Springs has become much more than a hotel and mineral pool. Visitors may camp, spa, and dine after relaxing in the hot spring and before sleeping in a stylish chalet. The Kootenay mountain range remains as Sanderson dreamed: a place where one can find peace, serenity and healing at the Halcyon Hot Springs near Revelstoke.