Cumberland

Cumberland sits where Vancouver Island’s mining heritage meets its outdoor recreation future, and the transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. This former coal town has reinvented itself as a mountain biking mecca that draws riders from across North America to tackle trails that wind through old-growth forests and along scenic ridgelines.

The numbers tell a compelling story for mortgage brokers working this market. Population growth of 18.5% since 2016 reflects genuine demand, not speculation, while the median household income of $86,000 supports solid borrowing capacity. With 64.9% of housing stock consisting of single-detached homes and another 13.9% duplexes, there’s substantial equity for borrowers to access.

Cumberland’s economic diversification away from resource extraction creates stability that many Vancouver Island communities lack. Healthcare leads employment at 17.6%, followed by construction at 10.2% and professional services at 9.8%. This mix suggests a community that’s both growing and maturing, with infrastructure keeping pace with population increases.

The lifestyle factor here can’t be overstated. Cumberland Village sits minutes from Courtenay and the Comox Valley’s amenities, yet maintains its small-town character with craft breweries, local markets, and that unmistakable island pace. Mountain bikers know Cumberland for its world-class trail network, but families discover it for the schools, retirees for the climate, and everyone for the sense of community that survives even rapid growth.

For borrowers seeking equity-based financing, bridge loans, or debt consolidation, Cumberland represents exactly the kind of stable, desirable market where Tekamar feels confident lending at our 70% maximum LTV. The combination of recreational appeal, economic diversity, and proximity to larger centers creates the kind of sustained demand that protects property values through market cycles.