Burns Lake

If you’ve ever driven through the heart of British Columbia, chances are you’ve passed through a place like Burns Lake without giving it much thought. But let me tell you, this small town of just over 1,600 folks has a story—and a real estate angle—that’s worth a closer look, especially if you’re a mortgage broker or a borrower hunting for unique opportunities.

First off, Burns Lake sits in the Bulkley Valley, surrounded by over 5,000 kilometers of shoreline along lakes and rivers. It’s a paradise for anyone who dreams of a cabin by the water or a quiet escape from the hustle of bigger cities. But here’s the catch: with a harsh Zone 3b climate—think brutal winters and a short growing season—it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. That’s exactly why property values here don’t skyrocket like they do in Kelowna or Victoria. For borrowers, this means potentially snagging a deal on a home or land if you’re willing to brave the cold. And for brokers, it’s a chance to present clients with off-the-beaten-path options that still have solid equity potential.

What sets Burns Lake apart from other small BC towns? It’s got a gritty, resilient spirit. The 2012 closure of the Babine Forest Products Mill hit hard, and recovery hasn’t been a straight line. Yet, sectors like education and health care keep the local economy humming along. That stability matters when we at Tekamar Mortgage Fund assess risk for lending. We’re not just throwing darts at a map—we look at whether a community can support a borrower’s ability to maintain a property long-term. For borrowers reading this, that means we’re not just looking at your credit score; we’re factoring in the bigger picture of where you’re buying. Brokers, take note: if your client’s got a deal here, we’re open to a chat.

Now, let’s talk numbers—without drowning in them. Our maximum loan-to-value (LTV) in Burns Lake is 55%. That’s lower than our cap of 70% in bigger centers like Vernon, but it reflects the reality of a remote market where selling a property can take longer if things go south. We’re all about safety first, especially since our funds come from friends and family investors. We’re not in the business of gambling with principal. For borrowers, this means you’ll need more skin in the game, but it also means we’re laser-focused on ensuring the deal works for everyone. Brokers, if you’ve got a client with strong equity in a Burns Lake property, let’s talk about how we can structure something solid.

One local gem worth mentioning is the Burns Lake Heritage Centre. It’s a small museum that punches above its weight, showcasing the area’s Indigenous and logging history. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just a stopover—it’s a place with roots. From a real estate perspective, that cultural depth can add intangible value to a property, especially for buyers seeking a sense of community.

At Tekamar, our tagline is “We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.” Burns Lake fits that bill perfectly. Most mortgage investment corporations stick to Vancouver or the Fraser Valley, but we thrive in smaller towns like this. Whether you’re a borrower looking for equity lending on a non-traditional property or a broker with a deal that doesn’t fit the big-city mold, we’re here to help. Got a quirky cabin or bare land deal in Burns Lake? Give us a call. We’re not afraid of a challenge—just don’t ask us to shovel your driveway in January.