Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay BoundaryBritish Columbia
Population 3,361: a town in British Columbia. Statistics Canada places it in the Kootenay Boundary census division.
Is Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary a good place to live?
A town with more to fix than most. Its lowest grade is for jobs & income (D). Pupils here do less well than most (C−). Health is a strength (B). Owners valued their homes at a median $400,000 in 2021, which is 6.6 years of the typical household’s pay. The overall grade comes out at D, better than 6% of Canadian towns. It ranks #234 of 250 in British Columbia.
Figures: home values and income: Statistics Canada, Census 2021.
This town's rent is the 2021 census rent scaled to 2025 by its province's ratio of surveyed to census rents: no rental survey covers it, so its Cost Grade is less sure. Safety less sure: no police service names this town, so its crime figure is the nearest police detachment's, shared with a wider area. Crime here is counted against the people who live here, but many visitors or second-home owners add to it, so the rate per resident runs higher than residents' own risk. Health is graded on the health region's survey figures and life expectancy, with the distance to hospital giving the town its own spread.
What makes Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary stand out
The 3 things Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary does most differently from other towns.
How Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary grades
Each subject compares Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary with Canadian towns of 2,500 or more, ordered by how far it is from the middle. Towns in other countries are graded separately.
How TownRatings grades Canadian towns →
Big White and 9 more in and around Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary
Museums, historic sites, parks, gardens and days out in and near Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary, the best known first.
Ski hillBig Whitein town
WaterfallBoundary Fallsin townSki hillBig White Ski Resortin townSki hillSki hillMount Baldy Ski Areain townSki hillSki hillMcCulloch Cross-Country Ski Trails Recreation Sitein townSki hillSki hillMcKinney Nordic Ski Clubin townPhotos: each place’s Wikidata image, from Wikimedia Commons under the licence below (our copy, resized).
Photo credits (3)
- Big White: Hamedog at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Boundary Falls: AndrewEnns, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Big White Ski Resort: Hamedog at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The data
Data highlights are ordered by what stands out in Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary.
The car carries only 77% of commuters in Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary, fewer than in both British Columbia’s towns and Canadian towns
The average trip to work took 28 min, higher than both British Columbia’s towns (26 min) and Canadian towns (26 min).
How working residents got to work · census 2021
| Census 2021 | Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car or van | 77% | 87% | 89% |
| Average trip | 28 min | 26 min | 26 min |
Statistics Canada, Census 2021 (labour and commuting) · The 2021 census was taken in May 2021, during COVID-19 restrictions: more people than usual worked from home or were off work.
Summer runs warm in Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary: July highs of 31.6°C, above British Columbia’s towns and Canadian towns
Rain and melted snow add up to 344 mm a year, lower than both British Columbia’s towns (1,152 mm) and Canadian towns (883 mm). January nights in Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary drop to −3.8°C on average. December is the snowiest month, with 20 cm on average. For the wettest month, look to June: 44 mm on average.
Average high by season · ECCC normals, 1991–2020
| Normals, 1991–2020 | Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| July afternoon high | 31.6°C | 23.1°C | 25.5°C |
| Precipitation a year | 344 mm | 1,152 mm | 883 mm |
| January night low | −3.8°C | 0.5°C | −13.5°C |
| Days with frost a year | 111 | 60 | 159 |
Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020 (Osoyoos)
Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary and its edges hold 5 schools: 3 elementary schools, 1 secondary school and 1 school for every grade
From the middle of town, the first elementary school is 23 km off, above British Columbia’s towns (0.6 km) and Canadian towns (0.5 km) alike. Measured from the centre, the closest high school lies 34 km off, above British Columbia’s towns (1.8 km) and Canadian towns (1.2 km) alike.
| School | Level | Students | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverdell ElementaryIn Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay BoundaryElementary | Elementary | – | English public |
| Big White Community SchoolIn Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay BoundaryAll grades | All grades | – | English public |
| Schools within 3 km | Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest secondary school | 34 km | 1.8 km | 1.2 km |
| Nearest elementary school | 23 km | 0.6 km | 0.5 km |
Provincial school lists and results, 2025/26
Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary’s grade for safety: a C
These figures come from the closest detachment: none reports for Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary itself
Violent crime in the area its police cover: 26.9 per 1,000 people a year. For violence alone, its police area’s index was 104, above both British Columbia’s towns (76) and Canadian towns (86). In addition, its police area records 35.3 property incidents per 1,000 residents a year. Figures for Crime Severity Index, Violent Crime Severity Index, violent crime and property crime per 1,000 are published for the Boundary/Midway detachment area as a whole, not for Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary alone.
Year by year · Crime Severity Index for each year
| 2023–2025 | Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | 26.9 | 12.5 | 12 |
| Violent Crime Severity Index | 104 | 76 | 86 |
| Crime Severity Index | 90 | 83 | 67 |
| Property crime per 1,000 | 35.3 | 31 | 31.2 |
Statistics Canada, Uniform Crime Reporting Survey, 2023–2025 average
Rent takes less of local pay in Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary than in British Columbia’s towns or Canadian towns: 17% of household income
Owners make up 79% of households.
What homes were worth · The median owner’s estimate at the 2021 census
| Census 2021 | Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent as a share of income | 17% | 24% | 20% |
| Median home value, 2021 | $400,000 | $720,000 | $406,000 |
| Households spending 30%+ on shelter | 17% | 21% | 18% |
| Households owning their home | 79% | 76% | 74% |
Statistics Canada, Census 2021; CMHC Rental Market Survey via Statistics Canada · The 2021 census asked owners what their home was worth; those values, and 2020 incomes, are what this compares.
29% of homes tested in Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary’s area are above the radon guideline
3 flood studies cover the town, the latest by Regional District of Kootenay Boundary. Averaged over the years, quake damage costs $0.013 per $1,000 of buildings, about level with Canadian towns ($0.030) and below British Columbia’s towns ($0.36). Wildfire is a moderate presence around Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary: 3.4% of the land within 25 km has burned since 1986, 0.09% a year, short of the band that counts against Risk.
Radon tests above the guideline · share of tested homes, 200 Bq/m³
| Hazards | Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radon tests above the guideline | 29% | 1.8% | 6.6% |
| Earthquake loss per $1,000 of buildings a year | $0.013 | $0.36 | $0.030 |
NRCan seismic risk model and burned areas, Health Canada radon survey, the Flood Hazard Map Inventory · Data for radon tests covers the Kootenay/Boundary health region
A hospital trip from Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary means 38 km on average, in a straight line
On average 14% of adults live with arthritis, diabetes or high blood pressure, lower than both British Columbia’s towns (15%) and Canadian towns (17%). Lives in the region last 79.5 years on average (2022/2024): 82.8 for women, 76.5 for men. Across the region, 55% of adults say their health is very good or excellent; British Columbia as a whole manages 50%.
Very good or excellent health · adults, age-standardised
| Health | Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chronic conditions (average share) | 14% | 15% | 17% |
| Very good or excellent health | 55% | 50% | 52% |
| Life expectancy at birth | 79.5 | 81.0 | 81.5 |
| Smokers | 9.9% | 9% | 12% |
Statistics Canada, Canadian Community Health Survey 2023/2024 and life expectancy 2022/2024; Open Database of Healthcare Facilities · Health survey and life expectancy: one figure for all of the Kootenay-Boundary Health Service Delivery Area
Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary in November: highs near 7°C, lows near freezing
ECCC’s forecast for Rock Creek is on the Weather page, hour by hour. December follows at 2°C by day and −3°C by night. Snowfall in a normal November: 8 cm. Rain and snow over a typical November come to 28 mm.
Normal highs, the months ahead · ECCC normals, 1991–2020
| Season | High | Low | Rain and snow |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 3°C | −3°C | 77 mm |
| Spring | 18°C | 4°C | 87 mm |
| Summer | 30°C | 14°C | 99 mm |
| Autumn | 16°C | 4°C | 82 mm |
ECCC normals, 1991–2020 (Osoyoos); the forecast is on the Weather page
Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary votes in 2 federal ridings, led by Similkameen—South Okanagan—West Kootenay and Kelowna
Statistics Canada lists Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary as a regional district electoral area.
Wikidata, MAMH, MMAH, Statistics Canada
Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary’s public library works from 4 branches
They are Greenwood Public Library, Midway Public Library, Greenwood Public Library and 1 more.
Provincial library statistics, OpenStreetMap, the CRA and Statistics Canada
A provincial park at Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary’s edge: Boundary Creek Park
Public parks and reserves within 10 km: 18, above both British Columbia’s towns (14) and Canadian towns (4). National parks are all over 100 km off. Of the country within 10 km, 6.5% lies in protected areas; the median Canadian town has 2.3%. OpenStreetMap shows 36 unnamed beaches within 5 km.
Protected land · of the land within 10 km
| Outdoors | Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public protected areas within 10 km | 18 | 14 | 4 |
| Protected land within 10 km | 6.5% | 6.7% | 2.3% |
Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD), OpenStreetMap routes and beaches
Fewer children live in Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary than in British Columbia’s towns or Canadian towns: 13% are under 15
Visible minorities make up 2.4% of the population, lower than both British Columbia’s towns (8.6%) and Canadian towns (15%). Those 65 and older account for nearly a quarter of residents.
Ages · Share of residents in each age group, Census 2021
Schooling · Highest qualification, residents 15 and over
Women and men · all residents
47.8% of Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary’s residents are women
Census 2021 put women at 1,435 and men at 1,570; women are 50.9% of Canada.
| Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary | British Columbia | Canada | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 15 | 13% | 14% | 16% |
| 15 to 64 | 64% | 64% | 64% |
| 65+ | 23% | 21% | 19% |
| No certificate, diploma or degree | 15% | 13% | 16% |
| Postsecondary qualification | 54% | 56% | 56% |
Statistics Canada, Census 2021; British Columbia and Canada: medians of towns of 2,500+
Everything we know about Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary
Questions about Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary
Is Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary growing?
It added people: 2,155 in 2016, 3,004 in 2021, 39.4% more, where the middle of Canadian towns grew 4.1%. Statistics Canada’s 2025 estimate is 3,361.
Is Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary a young town or an old one?
At 48.8, its median age compares with 45.2 across Canadian towns. Children make up 13% of the population and seniors 23%.
What kind of homes are in Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary?
63% of homes are single-detached houses, against 64% for the median of Canadian towns, and 2% are in apartment buildings of five storeys or more. A household averages 2.1 people; 36% are one person living alone.
About Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary
Town in British Columbia
For Electoral Area E (West Boundary), Kootenay Boundary, TownRatings uses Statistics Canada’s census-subdivision boundary in British Columbia, and every figure on its pages covers that whole area.
Statistics Canada: population estimates 2025 (17-10-0155), Census of Population 2021, 2021 census boundaries.
- Population
- 3,361 (people, 2025 estimate)
- Province or territory
- British Columbia
- Census division
- Kootenay Boundary
- Census subdivision
- 5905054
Sources: Statistics Canada, Census of Population 2021 · population estimates 2025 (17-10-0155) and 2021 census boundaries · Uniform Crime Reporting Survey 2023–25 (35-10-0026, 35-10-0183 to 35-10-0190) · CMHC rents as published by Statistics Canada (34-10-0133) · grades by TownRatings. Under the Statistics Canada Open Licence.
Adapted from Statistics Canada (Census of Population 2021, population estimates 2025, 2021 census boundaries) under the Statistics Canada Open Licence; this does not constitute an endorsement by Statistics Canada. Neighbourhood names in some cities © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).