by Randi Jensen

The quiet vibrant community of Balfour is nestled on the doorstep of Kootenay Lake, 30 minutes east of Nelson. It is home to the longest FREE running ferry in the world and embracing the ferry terminal, is an array of flourishing businesses.

The settlement of this community began in the late 1800s. When a British immigrant named Charles Busk arrived, he fell in love with the area. In 1889 he staked a large 200-acre pre-emption claim on the peninsula and named it Balfour after a British statesman who had interests in mining in the area. A keen orchardist, he had high hopes that the area would become a main fruit-growing centre. Due to the sandy soil and lack of water, his plans were dashed.  During the heyday of the paddle wheels in the early part of the 20th century, Balfour was a major stop.  The Kootenay Lake Hotel, a CPR endeavour, opened on May 10, 1912.  World War I interrupted tourist travel and after only 4 years in operation the Military Hospitals Commission requested to lease the hotel as a tuberculosis sanatorium. Signing a 5-year lease the building was renovated into a convalescent centre. It operated steadily for 3 years and then dropped off at the end of the war. In the early 20s the CPR felt that using the building as a sanatorium ruined its reputation as a fine hotel and recommended that the building be sold.  It was demolished; today all that remains isa  corner of one of the cement footings on Upper Balfour Road.  Many people in the community held on even though Busk and the CPR moved on. The opportunities for fishing, hunting and farming remained, on a smaller scale.

Water is a big story in Balfour. For many years the Balfour Irrigation Society operated a substantial water system with approximately 375 hook-ups, on a volunteer basis. In December 2010, after much community and government agency consultation, a new water treatment plant was installed. This installation will remove a ‘no-build’ and boil water advisory that has been in place since January 2000.  Development is expected pick up in the area at a fast pace. In January 2011 the public water system will be transferred to the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK).

Other recent initiatives in Balfour include the formation of a Chamber of Commerce in 2006.   The organization facilitates future development discussions and decisions, joint marketing campaigns and adds cohesion to a growing community. The following is a brief overview of the local business sector in the Balfour area.

The Old World Bakery occupies the old laundromat from 20 years past.  It is famous for its heritage loaves and hemp cookies the size of small pies.  In addition to lots of delectable treats, they feature amazing spinach/feta croissants and samosas that are consistently yummy.  Right next door is the Gill & Gift which is the number one fishing tackle shop in the area; other gifts and novelties are available.  Car or boat fuel is available here too.

In the summer months Balfour boasts a local fashion designer who carries her own label.   Blue Sky Clothing Co., in keeping with Kootenay culture, offers only natural fibre couture and accommodates ‘real-sized’ women.  The Ferry Terminal kiosk is open only during the summer months but has a year-round store on Baker Street in Nelson and recently opened a store on Commercial Drive in Vancouver.

Between the ferry dock and Blue Sky, Lang’s Family Diner sidles the lakefront.  Here you can often find tourists and locals chomping on burgers and fries and watching the ferry come and go while looking at great mountain views.

The ferry landing community has a newly renovated pub and bistro, the Dock ‘n’ Duck, occupying the spot where the rock’n Rainbow Resort operated some 30 years ago! (for those who remember)

The Balfour Superette, situated just west of the ferry terminal on Hwy. 3A, services the local population with a corner store, liquor store and post office. Just beyond the ferry terminal on the peninsula waterfront is the Balfour Beach Inn, well known as the BBI to locals. There you can find a lounge, family dining and hotel rooms.

Spread out beyond the traditional town site but in nearby proximity is Kootenay Lakeview Lodge, a timber frame hotel overlooking Kootenay Lake and bordering their own par 3 Golf and a challenging Pitch & Put.  The Lodge includes McQ’s North Country Grill.  The Balfour Golf Course is a short 3-minute drive away. This 18-hole golf course on Upper Balfour Road is the biggest driver of the local economy. It offers a magnificent 6510-yard golfing challenge, designed by Les Furber, featuring a 250 yard driving range, practice putting green, lessons, rentals and full-service pro-shop. Attached is the Osprey Grill offering home-style cooking. The bonus is spectacular lake views with ospreys and eagles circling above.

For visitors to Balfour, there are a number of places to stay; motels, hotels and B’n'Bs and campgrounds.  Activities and daytrips are plentiful.  Ainsworth Hot Springs is 10 minutes up the highway towards Kaslo (30 minutes north), and the beautiful Kokanee Provincial Park is 10 minutes towards Nelson (30 minutes west). Take a ferry ride to the East Shore and enjoy their main street that is smattered with high-end artisan studios. The loop towards New Denver and Naksup offer the best bike rides on the North American continent.

Most people living in this area stay if they can because of the clean crisp air, stellar mountain and lake views and peaceful country living.  Kayaking, hiking, swimming, fishing, campfires! Balfour is a fabulous area to live, or to come to for a vacation! In fact many people who live in this little community started as tourists and loved it so much they moved here. There is an entrenched local population too, with families that go back – often four generations. Whether it is a planned retirement, a home and commute to work or a business, it is agreed that when you live in Balfour you love where you live!