Granisle

Granisle sits on the shores of Babine Lake, British Columbia’s longest natural lake, where the ghosts of copper mining meet the reality of retirement living. This tiny community of 337 people has reinvented itself from boom-to-bust mining town into something more sustainable: a haven for folks who’ve figured out that happiness doesn’t require a Starbucks on every corner.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Nearly half the population is over 65, making Granisle one of BC’s most senior-heavy communities. That’s not demographic decline—it’s demographic choice. People aren’t accidentally ending up here; they’re choosing lake views over city chaos, and the 11% population growth suggests they’re onto something.

The housing market reflects this reality: 77% single-family homes scattered across nearly 40 square kilometers means everyone gets their space. The median household income of $47,200 might look modest on paper, but when your backyard is a 177-kilometer lake famous for rainbow trout and your entertainment budget consists of gas for the boat, those dollars stretch differently.

Granisle’s economic foundation rests on government services and healthcare—the kind of stable, recession-resistant employment that keeps small communities functioning. The high unemployment rate reflects seasonal tourism work and a population that’s largely chosen retirement over the rat race.

For mortgage brokers working with clients who prioritize lifestyle over location premiums, Granisle represents a unique opportunity. Whether it’s retirees cashing out Vancouver real estate for lakefront living or investors betting on BC’s recreational property market, we understand this community’s appeal.

Our maximum loan-to-value ratio here is 50%, reflecting the specialized nature of this market. We’re not just lending on houses; we’re lending on a lifestyle choice that’s becoming increasingly attractive to British Columbians seeking something different.