Granisle

Let’s talk about Granisle, British Columbia—a small village that’s got more character than many places twice its size. Nestled on the shores of Babine Lake in the heart of BC’s northern interior, this isn’t your typical suburban sprawl or bustling city hub. With a population hovering around 337, Granisle offers a quiet, almost untouched charm that’s drawing a specific kind of buyer—think retirees or folks craving a slower pace. And at Tekamar Mortgage Fund, we’re paying attention to places like this, because we know opportunity often hides where others aren’t looking.

What sets Granisle apart from other small BC communities? For starters, it’s got a unique history tied to mining, which shaped its early days before the industry tapered off. Now, it’s pivoting to tourism and recreation, with Babine Lake as its crown jewel. We’re talking world-class fishing and even grizzly bear expeditions for the adventurous. If you’re a borrower eyeing a property near the lake for a retirement cabin, that’s a story we can get behind. And for brokers, if your client’s deal involves a single-detached home—about 77% of the housing stock here—we’re ready to chat about how our equity lending focus can help close it.

From a real estate lens, Granisle is intriguing but not without quirks. The median age here is a striking 64, with nearly half the population over 65. That tells us this is a retiree haven, which can mean stable, long-term ownership but also a narrower buyer pool if a property needs to move fast in a foreclosure scenario. At Tekamar, we’re cautious but open—our maximum loan-to-value (LTV) in Granisle is 50%, reflecting the remote location and economic fragility. We’re not just throwing numbers around; we factor in how long it might take to recover funds if things go south. For borrowers, this means we’ll look hard at your equity position to ensure a clear exit strategy. Brokers, if you’ve got a deal with solid equity but income or credit challenges, give us a call—we thrive on these puzzles outside the Vancouver bubble.

Economically, Granisle faces headwinds with high unemployment and a median household income under $50,000. Tourism is the main game in town, but it’s not a juggernaut. Still, there’s something to be said for a place where the cost of living isn’t skyrocketing like in bigger centers. If you’re a borrower dreaming of a quiet lakeside escape, Granisle might just fit the bill without breaking the bank. And brokers, remember our tagline—“We’ll lend where other MICs won’t.” We’re not scared off by small towns; we just need the numbers to make sense.

One last tidbit: if you ever visit, check out the local marina on Babine Lake. It’s a hidden gem where the community gathers, and it gives you a real feel for Granisle’s laid-back vibe. Whether you’re a borrower picturing your future deck overlooking the water or a broker scouting unique properties for clients, there’s a story here worth telling. At Tekamar, we’ve been at this for over 20 years, focusing on towns without stoplights. Granisle fits right into our sweet spot—so let’s talk about how we can make your next deal happen.