A pulse generated in Townsite can be felt up and down the coast. It’s the hip, cool place to be and its revitalization benefits the entire community.
It’s fitting that a new wave of entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and people looking for a creative lifestyle away from the maddening crowds of large urban centres have found their way to Townsite.
Tees-Kwat was one of the main village sites of aboriginal people for thousands of years. In 1909, three businessmen from Minnesota incorporated the Powell River Company with a vision of constructing a pulp and paper mill. Attracted by the deep harbour and a short, powerful river to supply energy, the cofounders undertook not only the construction of an industrial complex, but the building of Townsite to house workers and their families.
The homes were modelled after the Craftsman Style, a design that grew out of the Arts and Crafts Movement and complemented the Garden City approach the cofounders of the company had adopted as their philosophy. Over a hundred years later, these homes, along with their affordable prices, attracted new residents to Powell River, many of whom were looking for an alternative lifestyle.
Some of the people who found their way to the community have started businesses, creating jobs and contributing to the City of Powell River’s tax base. Townsite Brewing is one of the new businesses contributing to the buzz. With two gold medals from the 2012 BC Beer Awards and a growing reputation in the craft brewery industry, the company has generated interest in Townsite and attracted the attention of national and provincial publications.
The new enterprises blend in well with established businesses, as well as promoting respect and admiration for the community’s heritage features. They want to conserve buildings from the past and keep them viable.
Townsite will continue to grow and attract more innovative, creative businesses. There are plans to transform the old Powell Stores building into a multi-faceted retail outlet for small businesses, local food, arts and crafts products and more. An art gallery could turn up one day as could a space for larger gatherings, equipped with a commercial kitchen.
Townsite’s revitalization plays a central role in the city’s economic development plan, which will be unveiled in the coming weeks. It’s a smart approach, as incubating, nurturing and supporting local small businesses has been proven to be the key component in financial stability and growth.
Townsite, with its heritage values, established businesses and innovative new companies, has once again found its place at the heart of the community.
