Castlegar

Ever driven through a small town in BC and thought, “This place has something special”? That’s Castlegar for you. Nestled at the confluence of the Kootenay and Columbia Rivers, it’s a hidden gem in the West Kootenay region with a vibe that’s hard to match. It’s not just about the stunning mountain views or the outdoor playground—though those are pretty great—it’s also a spot with real potential for savvy borrowers and mortgage brokers looking to make deals happen. At Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re all about lending where others won’t, and Castlegar fits our sweet spot perfectly.

What sets Castlegar apart from other BC communities isn’t just its scenery. It’s a tight-knit town of about 8,300 people with a unique blend of lifestyle appeal and practical real estate opportunities. You’ve got access to world-class skiing at Red Mountain Resort nearby, plus cultural quirks like the annual Sculpture Walk downtown—a public art display that draws visitors and locals alike. This kind of charm attracts retirees, vacation home buyers, and folks looking for a slower pace, which keeps the housing market interesting. For borrowers, that means potential for equity in properties with strong lifestyle value. And for brokers? It’s a chance to tap into a niche market where alternative lending can shine.

Let’s talk numbers, but I’ll keep it light. Housing here leans heavily on single-detached homes—nearly 68% of the market—which often means solid equity potential for owners. That’s music to our ears at Tekamar, where equity lending is our bread and butter. We’re happy to look at deals in Castlegar with a maximum loan-to-value (LTV) of 60%, though we’ll adjust based on the specifics like deal type or property quirks. Got a client with a non-income-qualifying situation or a unique property? We’re open to those conversations, as long as there’s a clear exit strategy for repayment. Brokers, if you’ve got a deal in mind, give us a quick call to see if it fits—chances are, we can work something out.

Now, Castlegar’s economy isn’t without its challenges. With unemployment hovering higher than the BC average and a reliance on manufacturing, there’s some risk if the local mill takes a hit. But here’s the flip side: industries like health care and retail provide a buffer, and the town’s appeal as a lifestyle destination keeps demand steady. For borrowers, that means you’re not just buying a house—you’re investing in a community with staying power. Brokers, this is where your expertise can guide clients to see the long-term value, even in a smaller market.

One thing I love about Castlegar is how it balances rugged nature with accessibility. You’re not stranded in the middle of nowhere—there’s an airport with regular flights, making it a viable spot for second homes or remote workers. From a lending perspective, this kind of connectivity matters. It widens the buyer pool if, worst case, a property needs to be sold. That’s the kind of detail we at Tekamar obsess over to protect our investors (and your deal).

So, whether you’re a borrower eyeing a cozy home by the river or a broker hunting for a lender who gets small-town BC, Castlegar is worth a closer look. We’re Tekamar Mortgage Fund, and with our tagline—“We’ll lend where other MICs won’t”—we’re ready to help make it happen. Let’s chat about your next deal in this little corner of the Kootenays.