Our View on McBride
McBride is a classic Robson Valley town, set on Highway 16 between Prince George and Jasper. It was born as a railway divisional point for the Grand Trunk Pacific, and that heritage remains central, from the historic station on Main Street to the railroad’s role as a major employer. Life is quiet for its roughly 600 residents, defined by the rhythms of a small, remote community surrounded by the Rockies and Cariboo Mountains. While the lifestyle has a clear appeal for those seeking a genuine rural setting, the economic fundamentals present risks we can’t ignore.
When we look at the numbers, we see fragility. The economy rests on a narrow base of forestry, agriculture, retail, and transportation, with no single industry providing deep employment. This concentration creates vulnerability, a fact reflected in the 17.2% unemployment rate. With a median household income of just $56,800, local purchasing power is limited. Perhaps the most telling statistic is that nearly 30% of all income in the area comes from government transfers, signaling a lack of private-sector dynamism and a dependency that heightens risk during any economic downturn.
The demographics also shape our view. The population is aging, with a median age of 49.2 and over 27% of residents aged 65 or older. It’s an attractive spot for retirees and outdoor enthusiasts, but the overall population has shrunk by 4.5% since 2016. An aging, shrinking population is a major warning sign for future property demand. It creates a very thin market with a small pool of potential buyers, which directly impacts property liquidity.
For brokers, this context is key to understanding our conservative position. In a small market with a declining population, homes can take a very long time to sell. In a forced-sale scenario, that timeline gets even longer, accumulating costs and risk for our investors. This is precisely why our maximum loan-to-value in McBride is 50%. This isn’t a subjective judgment on the community’s quality of life; it’s a calculated risk assessment based on market depth, economic resilience, and our duty to protect investor capital. The housing stock is primarily single-detached homes, and we are open to financing deals in McBride. But every application will be judged on its ability to provide a significant equity buffer to weather potential economic shifts and prolonged sale periods.
the Nearest Tim Hortons
the Nearest Costco
Our Mortgage Products Available in McBride
| Mortgage Product Name | Max LTV | Key Notes for McBride |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
| Variable Income | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bare Land and Unique Properties | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
| Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
| Equity Lending | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
| Purchases | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
Detailed Mortgage Product Information
Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation in McBride:
50.0 %
“Their credit report reads like a horror novel, but the house was just renovated and is worth a lot…”
Here’s what happens when life takes a wrong turn. A bad business venture. Workplace Injury. That divorce that dragged on for two years. Suddenly your credit score looks like a batting average and the banks won’t even return your calls.
But here’s the thing – none of that changes what your ho...
Variable Income
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Variable Income in McBride:
50.0 %
“Their income is all over the map, but there’s definitely income…”
Here’s a funny thing about lending based on Line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment: It’s a neat little box to underwrite against. Works great if you’re a salaried employee. Not so great if you’re running a fishing charter in Campbell River where thres fishing season, and the rest of the year.
We get it. Income isn’t always ti...
Bare Land and Unique Properties
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bare Land and Unique Properties in McBride:
50.0 %
“The appraisal came back as ‘property type: other’…”
Here’s a truth about real estate that nobody wants to admit: not everything fits in a box. Banks have boxes. Nice, tidy boxes labeled “single family home” and “condo” and “townhouse.” Their computer systems literally don’t have a dropdown menu option for “converted church with commercial kitchen” or “geodesic dome on 40 acres.”
We’ve funded...
Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term in McBride:
50.0 %
“Subjects came off their current home last week but their new place closes Friday…”
Here’s a funny thing about bridge financing: everyone thinks it’s complicated. It’s not. Someone needs to close on their new house before their old house sells. Or their sale fell through after they removed subjects on their dream home. Or they found the perfect downsizer condo but haven’t listed the family hom...
Equity Lending
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Equity Lending in McBride:
50.0 %
“They have tons of equity but don’t qualify under B20…”
Here’s the thing about equity lending: it exists because banks literally can’t do it. B20 guidelines require income verification. Full stop. No wiggle room. No common sense exceptions.
We’re provincially regulated. The funds we lend on come from individual investors, not the Bank of Canada. So when your client has 50% equity but their in...
Purchases
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Purchases in McBride:
50.0 %
Moving is supposed to be exciting. New town, new job, new chapter. So why do banks act like you’re asking for their firstborn when you need a mortgage?
“You haven’t been at your new job for thre months”
“Your self-employment income doesn’t count in a new market.”
“We need to see established a year if you are part time contract - even if you’re working 40 hours under your new role”
Meanwhile...