Mackenzie

Mackenzie sits at the heart of northern BC’s wilderness, where the Finlay and Parsnip Rivers converge to form Williston Lake — one of the largest man-made lakes in North America. This planned community, built in the 1960s to support the forest industry, has evolved into something unexpected: a genuine outdoor recreation hub that attracts adventure seekers from across the province.

The numbers tell an interesting story. With a median household income of $88,000 and housing that’s 66.7% single-detached homes, Mackenzie offers affordability that’s increasingly rare in BC. The climate has warmed significantly over recent decades, improving by a full plant hardiness zone, making those brutal northern winters slightly more manageable.

What sets Mackenzie apart isn’t just the obvious — Powder King ski resort or the endless hiking trails. It’s the community’s resilience. Despite economic challenges (unemployment sits at 12.3%), residents here aren’t going anywhere. The movable dwellings that make up 13.5% of housing stock reflect the town’s resource-based roots, but the majority have planted permanent stakes.

For mortgage brokers, Mackenzie represents the classic northern BC lending scenario. The recreational appeal creates some demand from lifestyle buyers seeking affordable mountain living, but the remote location and economic volatility require careful assessment. Manufacturing and forestry still drive 33% of employment, creating the boom-bust cycles typical of resource towns.

Tekamar’s 50% maximum LTV reflects these realities. The equity cushion accounts for longer marketing times and the economic uncertainty that comes with resource dependence. Properties here serve specific buyers — those who want genuine wilderness access without the Whistler price tag, or workers tied to the local mills and public sector jobs that provide stability.

The demographic shift toward an older population (median age 43.6) suggests some out-migration of younger workers, but those who stay tend to be committed to the lifestyle. That’s valuable in a lending context — it means properties don’t sit empty when times get tough.