Community Profile
Population of Town
of Smithers : 5217 (based on 2006 Census figures)
Trading Area Population: 20,000 Labour Force: 11,470
Average Household Income: $59,673.00
Average Family Income $65,057.00
Average Employment Income $31,543.00
(Income figures are taken from the previous census information
- new data to be released in May of 2008)
| Age |
0 -15 |
15 - 24
|
25 - 44
|
45 - 64
|
65+ |
| Population |
22% |
14% |
28% |
25% |
11% |
Housing
The Town of Smithers real estate market is very active.
As of August 2007 a single family home averaged $200,000.00-$250,000.00
while mobile homes averages $30,000.00-$40,000.00. A rural
residence on a two hectare lot would sell for $300, 000.00-$400,000.00.
Apartments rent for $550.00 to $650.00 per month. The average
serviced residential lot is priced from $70,000.00-$80,000.00
and raw, unserviced 5 acre parcels sell for $75,000.00.
The land area of Smithers
encompasses some 1600 ha, and is 489 m (1627 ft) above sea level.
For more information on Industrial,
Residential or Recreational Real Estate in Smithers,
contact Re/Max
Bulkley Valley or Calderwood
Realty the local Real Estate companies.
Climate
| Temperatures |
Precipitation |
Other |
| Ave. January: -5°C |
Ave. January: 58 mm |
Frost free period: 100
days |
| Ave. July: 21°C |
Ave. July: 46 mm |
Hours of Sunshine: 1850
hours/year |
Community Services
Smithers is home to numerous
government agencies and community services. The following is a partial list
of the types of services available:
BC Government Agent, Social
Services & Housing, Ambulance, Conservation Officer, Canada Employment Centre,
Mental Health Centre, Forest Service Office, Agriculture & Fisheries, Fire
Department, Provincial Emergency Program, Customs Office, Smithers District
Chamber of Commerce, R.C.M.P., Highways Department, Transport Canada.
Transportation & Utilities
Smithers is serviced by
a wide variety of transportation and utility providers. Local utilities are
provided by BC Hydro and Power Authority, Pacific Northern Gas and Telus.
Transportation corridors
in our area include Smithers airport, Trans-Canada Yellowhead Highway 16,
Stewart-Cassiar Highway 37, and railway. Freight and passenger services are
provided through Smithers to the rest of the province and beyond by many
companies.
Canadian National Railway, Via Rail - Skeena Route, Air
Canada Jazz daily service to and from Vancouver, Hawkair
Aviation daily service to Terrace and Vancouver, Central
Mountain Air daily service to various communities are all
available in Smithers. Charter Services are available from
Canadian Helicopters, Northen Mountain Helicopters, Central
Mountain Air, Northern Thunderbird Air and Highland Helicopters.
If ground transportation better fits your needs call Greyhound
Bus Lines, Farwest Bus lines or charter from Smithers Bus
Service. If you just need to get around town BV Taxi Service.
Canadian Freightways, Motorways, Clark Freightways and
Bandstra Transportation Systems (Member of United Van Lines)
can supply all your freight and moving needs. Smaller packages
can be moved around town or across the country by DHL Courier
Services, C.F. Parcel Express, Greyhound Bus Parcel Express,
Purolator Courier, Speedy Delivery, Canadian Regional or
Central Mountain Air.
Media
The AM radio station, The Peak, provides local coverage,
while C.J.F.W., based in
Terrace casts a wider net with news and information from
around the region. C.B.C. & C.B.C. (FM Stereo) are both
available throughout the Bulkley Valley.
Television stations C.B.C. , B.C.T.V. , Knowledge Network
are broadcast locally, and cablevision is available from
CityWest.
The Interior News
is the local weekly, and newspapers from around the province
are available at local news stands.
Medical Services
Medical Services are available in Smithers. The Bulkley Valley District Hospital
was renovated in 1975 and is now rated as a 25 bed acute care facility. There
are numerous physicians and some specialists in Smithers, supplemented by visiting
specialists in various fields. Smithers is well served by dentists and denture
clinics, chiropractors, physiotherapists, and massage therapists.
Education
The public schools in Smithers are represented by School
District No. 54. The local School Board Office is located at 4400
3rd. Avenue. Call 877-6820 for further information.
Post Secondary and College
North Coast Regional Correspondence School, 1-800-663-3865
Northwest Community College, 3966 2nd Avenue 250-847-4461
Open Learning Agency, 1-800-663-9711
University of Northern B.C. (Prince George), 250-960-5555
Christian Schools
In addition, Smithers has a number of independent
Christian Schools:
Bulkley Valley Christian School (Elementary), 4035 Walnut
Street, 250-847-9833
Bulkley Valley Christian School (Secondary), 3575 14th Avenue,
250-847-4238
St. Joseph's Catholic
School, 4054 Broadway Avenue, 250-847-9414
Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School, 1685 Lower Viewmont Rd,
250-847-3492
Service Clubs & Organizations
Elks, Legion, K-40, 2 Rotary Clubs, Bulkley Valley Foundation,
Bulkley Valley Steelhead Assn., Lions, Ladies Auxiliary
to Hospital, Kinsmen, Community Services Assn., Royal Canadian
Sea Cadets, Toastmasters, Welcome Wagon, Bulkley Lodge Society,
Volunteer Bureau.
Religious
Smithers Alliance Church, Anglican
Church of St. James, Smithers Baptist Church, Bethel Reformed Church, Canadian
Reformed Church, Christian Indian Centre, Evangelical Free Church, Jehovah's
Christian Witness, Mt. Zion Lutheran Church, Mountain View Pentecostal Assembly,
Open Door Bible Fellowship, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Smithers Christian
Reformed Church, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Smithers United Church, Christian
Reformed Church, Smithers Congregation of Jehovah's Witness, Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Cultural & Interest Organizations:
Ballet Dancing, Smithers Community Choir, Pottery Club,
Bulkley Valley Community
Arts Council, Historical & Museum Society, Dogwood Bluegrass
Society, Sweet Harmony Female, Bowling, Badminton, Big Game
Guides, Soccer, Kayaking, Golf, Piano, Concert Association,
Gallery Association, Spinners & Weavers Guild, Indian Friendship
Centre, B.V. Rod and Gun Club, Baseball/Softball, Baton
Twirlers, Canoeing, Kinder gym, Triathalon, Curling, Sky
Diving, B.V. Arts Council, Photo Club, Swiss Club, Folk
Music Society, Hudson Bay Mtn. Quilters, Barbershop Singers,
Beekeeping Club, Judo, Rugby, Training, Weightlifting, Snowmobiling,
Skiing (Downhill & Cross Country)
Recreation Facilities
Indoor
Ice and curling rinks
Regional Pool Facility with unique pool, 2 whirlpools, weight room and sauna,
climbing wall, wallyball courts
Fitness NorthWest Gym
Bowling Alley
Art Gallery and Museum
Twin Cinemas
Public Library
Outdoor
Two 18 hole golf courses: a Par 3 and a Par 72. Both have a driving range. Food
and beverage services are available at both.
Tennis facilities (6 courts)
Soccer fields and ball diamonds
Hiking, snowmobile and cross country trails (BV Nordic Centre)
Fair and Rodeo Grounds with grandstand and outbuildings
Downhill Ski area (Ski and Ride Smithers - 250 847-2058)
Mountain Bike Trails
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