Chetwynd

So, let’s talk about Chetwynd, British Columbia—a small town with a big personality, tucked away in the Peace River region. If you’re picturing a sleepy dot in the middle of nowhere, think again. Chetwynd’s got character, from its rugged resource-driven economy to its jaw-dropping natural surroundings. And for mortgage brokers and borrowers alike, it’s a place worth understanding, especially if you’re working with alternative financing like we do at Tekamar Mortgage Fund. We’re all about lending where others won’t, and Chetwynd fits that bill perfectly.

What makes Chetwynd stand out? For starters, it’s a hub for hardy folks who don’t mind a bit of cold. With a climate that laughs in the face of gardening dreams—think Plant Hardiness Zone 3b—this isn’t exactly a spot for tropical vibes. But that harsh weather shapes a tight-knit community, one that thrives on manufacturing and resource industries like mining and oil. About 20% of the workforce is in manufacturing, and another 11% in resource extraction. That’s a double-edged sword for mortgage lending. On one hand, decent median household incomes—around $104,000—suggest some financial stability. On the other, if a major employer stumbles, the ripple effect could hit hard. As lenders, we at Tekamar keep a close eye on that economic pulse when assessing risk. For brokers, this means we’ll dig deep into a borrower’s ties to these industries before greenlighting a deal. And for borrowers, it’s a reminder to have a solid exit strategy if life throws a curveball.

Housing here tells its own story. Over half the homes are single-detached, which is great for families or retirees looking for space. But there’s also a fair chunk of movable dwellings—think trailers or mobile homes—which can be trickier to finance due to resale challenges. At Tekamar, we’re open to these quirkier properties, provided the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio stays conservative. Our max LTV in Chetwynd is 55%, reflecting the slower resale potential in a town this remote with a harsh climate. Brokers, if you’ve got a client in Chetwynd, give us a call to chat specifics—we’re picky, but we’re fair. Borrowers, that lower LTV just means we’re protecting our investors (and you) by ensuring there’s enough equity cushion if things go sideways.

Now, let’s get local for a sec. If you’ve ever driven through Chetwynd, you’ve probably noticed the quirky chainsaw carvings scattered around town—over 100 of them, turning tree stumps into art. It’s a nod to the town’s logging roots and a tourist draw. Or take a quick detour to Moberly Lake, just a short drive away, where the scenery could convince anyone to put down roots. These little details matter. They hint at a lifestyle that appeals to nature lovers or those craving quiet, even if big-city amenities are nowhere in sight. For us at Tekamar, that lifestyle factor plays into how we evaluate property desirability and exit timelines.

Here’s the bottom line: Chetwynd isn’t for everyone, but it’s got a unique charm and a community that holds its own. We’re happy to lend here at Tekamar—first mortgages, second mortgages, equity lending, you name it—as long as the numbers make sense. Our sweet spot is helping folks who don’t quite fit the bank’s cookie-cutter rules, but only if there’s a clear path to refinance or pay us out down the road. Brokers, if you’ve got a deal in Chetwynd, let’s talk about how we can structure it safely. And borrowers, if you’re in this neck of the woods and need a lender who gets small-town BC, we’re your MIC. After all, we’ve been doing this for over 20 years—lending where others won’t is kinda our thing.