Rossland is a small mountain city in southeastern British Columbia, Canada, located in the Selkirk Mountains near the U.S. border. Originally founded as a gold mining town in the 1890s, Rossland has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, known for its excellent ski resorts and mountain biking trails.

 

Gold was discovered on Red Mountain in 1887, leading to the establishment of a settlement later acquired by prospector Ross Thompson in 1892. The town was renamed Rossland in 1894 and experienced a boom as a thriving gold mining town between 1890 and 1916. 

 

During its peak in 1897, Rossland had a population of 7,000 and was home to 4 banks, 42 saloons, and several newspapers.

 

Today, Rossland's economy is largely driven by tourism, with the nearby Red Mountain Resort attracting thousands of visitors yearly. The town also has a mining museum that offers underground tours of the old Le Roi Gold Mine.

 

Rossland is home to several historic buildings, including the Miners' Union Hall (1898), the Court House (1901), and the Bank of Montreal building (1898). The Court House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1980.

 

Rossland has produced several notable athletes, including NHL hockey player Dallas Drake, Olympic gold medalist alpine skier Nancy Greene, and Olympic gold medalist downhill skier Kerrin Lee-Gartner. Former Canadian Prime Minister John Turner grew up in Rossland after moving to Canada from England as an infant.

 

According to the 2021 census, most of Rossland's population (70.9%) identifies as irreligious, while 26.2% identify as Christian. The remaining population includes adherents of Judaism (0.8%), Buddhism (0.2%), and other faiths (1.5%).

 

History of Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

Rossland was founded in the late 19th century as a gold mining town after gold was discovered on Red Mountain in 1887. Prospector Ross Thompson, after whom the town was originally named, acquired the town site and surrounding area in 1892. It was officially renamed Rossland in 1894.

 

Between 1890 and 1916, Rossland experienced a boom as a thriving gold mining town. At its peak in 1897, the town had a population of 7,000 and was home to 4 banks, 42 saloons, several newspapers, and other businesses serving the mining industry.

 

Residents began discussing incorporating as a city as early as May 1895. In March 1897, Rossland officially became a city when the "Speedy Incorporation of Towns Act" received Royal Assent. By this time, the city had eight doctors and 17 legal firms and continued to grow rapidly.

 

Early Rossland had several notable establishments, including Presbyterian, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches, a school, and a small electricity generator that came online in 1896. The Rossland Miner newspaper, founded in the late 1890s, became the most enduring of several local papers.

 

Industrial disputes, strikes, and declining copper prices plagued Rossland's mining boom. By 1911, the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company had gained a near monopoly on mining in the area. However, the town's population shrank due to the Great Depression and the closure of the Northport smelter in 1921.

 

Rossland has transitioned to a largely residential city, with most residents employed at nearby industrial plants. The town has become known as a winter sports destination with the Red Mountain Resort complex. The Rossland Museum offers exhibits on the town's mining history and heritage.

 

Geography of Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

Rossland is located in the West Kootenay region of south-central British Columbia, Canada. It lies high in the Monashee Mountains, immediately east of the intersections of BC highways 3B and 22. The city is approximately 1,023 meters (3,355 feet) above sea level.

 

Climate

Rossland has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb). The city experiences warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Average temperatures range from around -5°C (23°F) in January to 22°C (72°F) in July.

 

Terrain

The city is located inside the crater of a dormant volcano in the Kootenay Range. The surrounding terrain is mountainous, with the nearby Red Mountain Resort providing excellent skiing and mountain biking opportunities.

 

Coordinates

Rossland's latitude is 49.076809° N, and its longitude is -117.802017° W. The city's GPS coordinates are 49° 4' 36.5124" N and 117° 48' 7.2612" W.

 

Demographics of Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

Population

• The population of Rossland in 2021 was 4,140, an increase of 11.0% from 3,729 in 2016.
• The population density of Rossland is 69.3 people per square kilometre.
• Rossland has a land area of 59.72 square kilometres.

 

Age Distribution

• The median age in Rossland is 40.7 years old.
• 18.2% of the population is under 15 years old, 65.6% is between 15-64 years old, and 16.3% is 65 years and over.

• The male-to-female ratio in Rossland is approximately 1:1.

 

Language

• 86.9% of the population in Rossland speaks only English, while 0.1% speaks only French.
• Other common languages spoken include Chinese (1.1%), Southeast Asian languages (1.0%), Korean (1.0%), and Filipino (0.9%).

 

Marital Status

• 66% of the population in Rossland is married, compared to 71% across British Columbia.
• 43% of households in Rossland have children at home, slightly higher than the provincial average of 41%.

 

Economy of Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

The economy of Rossland, British Columbia, has undergone a significant transformation over the years:

 

Mining and Industry

• Rossland was founded as a thriving gold mining town in the late 19th century, and its population peaked at around 7,000 in 1897.
• The mining industry dominated Rossland's economy for several decades but faced challenges such as industrial disputes, strikes, and declining copper prices.
• In 1906, the Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company gained a near monopoly on mining in the area. Still, the town's population declined due to the Great Depression and the closure of the Northport smelter in 1921.

 

Tourism

• Today, Rossland's economy is largely driven by tourism, with the nearby Red Mountain Resort attracting thousands of visitors yearly.
• The provincial government has provided funding through the Resort Municipality Initiative to support Rossland's tourism sector, including investments in visitor amenities and transportation.
• Rossland has become a popular destination for outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking, and hiking in the Monashee Mountains.

 

Other Industries

• Some residents are employed at nearby Warfield, Tadanac, and Trail industrial plants.
• In 2017, the Record Ridge South mining property was sold for $750 million to Gryphon Enterprises, which plans to start an open-pit magnesium mine.
• Rossland's economy also includes small businesses, services, and retail establishments serving the local population and visitors.

 

Rossland has transitioned from a mining-based economy to one more focused on tourism and outdoor recreation while maintaining a diverse mix of industries and employers.

 

Education in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

The education system in Rossland, British Columbia, is diverse, offering a range of options for students:

 

Public Schools

• Rossland Summit School (K-9) is the main public school in Rossland, operated by School District 20 Kootenay-Columbia.
• École des Sept-sommets is a French-language public elementary school (K-7) operated by the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique .
• Many Rossland students complete their high school education at J.L. Crowe Secondary School in nearby Trail, which offers a full suite of electives, athletics, and programs like outdoor and hockey academies.

 

Alternative Schools

• Seven Summits Centre for Learning is a charitable educational centre that partners with School District 71 and offers a blended learning model for grades 8-12.
• Kootenay-Columbia Learning Centre is an alternate and alternative school with campuses in Trail and Castlegar, providing individualized learning and support for student needs.

 

Post-Secondary

• Selkirk College has a campus nearby Trail, offering over 60 programs to more than 2,700 full-time students annually.

 

Rossland provides a range of educational options, from French immersion and community-focused public schools to alternative and blended learning models catering to the diverse needs and interests of local students.

 

Transport System in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

Rossland, British Columbia, has a variety of transportation options available to its residents and visitors:

 

Public Transportation

Kootenay Transit Co.

• Kootenay Transit Co. provides public transportation services in the West Kootenay region, including Rossland, Trail, and Castlegar.

 

West Kootenay Transit System

• Operated by BC Transit, the West Kootenay Transit System serves communities throughout the region, including Rossland, Trail, and Castlegar. It offers fixed-route service and regional connector routes.

 

Rossland & Railway

• This service provides transportation options in the Kootenay Region, including routes near Rossland & Railway.

 

Private Transportation Services

Mountain Shuttle

• Offers shuttle services to and from Red Mountain Resort, a popular ski destination in Rossland.

 

Kootenay Gateway

• Services: Airport shuttles, safe ride home program, private shuttle, and local transportation to and from the ski hill (RED Mountain Resort).

 

Air Transportation

Trail Regional Airport

• Pacific Coastal Airlines provides daily flights from Vancouver and Kelowna.

 

West Kootenay Regional Airport

• Air Canada Express offers daily flights to Vancouver and Calgary on Dash-8 aircraft.

 

Spokane International Airport

• Direct flights connecting to several U.S. cities and international destinations.

 

Kelowna International Airport

• Flights from various Canadian cities and international destinations.

 

Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport

• Flights from Calgary and Vancouver.

 

Penticton Regional Airport

• Flights connecting to other regional destinations and international destinations.

 

Additional Information

• Rossland Ski Bus: This bus operates during the winter ski season, providing transportation between various points in Rossland and RED Mountain Resort.
• BC Transit: Provides additional health connections and paratransit services connecting other regional destinations and smaller communities.

 

Rossland offers a mix of public and private transportation options, catering to the needs of its residents and visitors.

 

Living in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

• Rossland has a population of 4,140 as of the 2021 census, an 11% increase from 2016.
• The population density is 69.3 people per square kilometre.
• The median age is 40.7 years old.
• 86.9% of the population speaks only English, with other common languages including Chinese, Southeast Asian, Korean, and Filipino.
• 66% of the population is married, and 43% of households have children.

• Rossland's economy was historically dominated by gold mining but has transitioned to focus more on tourism, particularly the nearby Red Mountain Resort.
• Some residents are employed at nearby Warfield, Tadanac, and Trail industrial plants.
• 2017, a $750 million magnesium mine project was announced for the Record Ridge South property.
• The town has a mix of small businesses, services, and retail establishments.

• There are 2,075 private dwellings in Rossland, with 1,803 occupied by usual residents.
• The average value of a dwelling is $526,500.
• Average monthly shelter costs are $1,374 for owned dwellings and $1,240 for rented dwellings.

• Rossland has public schools operated by School District 20 Kootenay-Columbia and a French-language public elementary school.
• Alternative education options include the Seven Summits Centre for Learning and the Kootenay-Columbia Learning Centre.
• The nearest post-secondary institution is Selkirk College's campus in Trail.

• Regional public transit options like Kootenay Transit and the West Kootenay Transit System serve Rossland.
• Private transportation services include shuttle services to the nearby ski resort.
• The town is about 15 minutes from the Trail Regional Airport and 30 minutes from the West Kootenay Regional Airport.

 

Rossland offers small-town living, outdoor recreation, and access to regional transportation and services, appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts.

 

Healthcare in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

Hospitals and Medical Facilities

• The Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail, BC, serves the Rossland area. It offers a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgical procedures, maternity services, and diagnostic imaging.
• The Rossland Hospital also provides comprehensive medical services to the local community.

 

Emergency Services

• For all emergencies, residents should call 9-1-1.
• BC Ambulance Services has an ambulance bay located in Rossland.
• The Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue service manages fire services in Rossland, supported by the Rossland Volunteer Fire Department.
• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Trail Detachment serves the Rossland area.

 

Medical Clinics

• The Monashee Medical Clinic in Rossland is actively recruiting two additional physicians to join their team of four doctors.
• The clinic offers a diverse patient population, flexible full-time or part-time schedules, and opportunities for additional work in the medical community, such as hospitalist shifts, ER, and specialized services.
• The clinic has the latest cloud-based EMR and phone systems to support virtual care integration.

 

Healthcare Employment

• There are various healthcare job opportunities available in Rossland, including positions at the regional hospital, medical clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

 

Rossland has access to quality medical facilities and emergency services to meet the needs of its residents and is actively working to expand its healthcare workforce and capabilities.

 

Tourist places in Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

Rossland Mining Museum & Gold Mine Tour

• This museum features artifacts and photos from Rossland's historic gold mining past, as well as an underground tour of the old Le Roi Gold Mine that operated until 1929. 

 

Historic Buildings

• Rossland has several well-preserved historic buildings, including the Miners' Union Hall (1898), the Court House (1901), which is a National Historic Site, and the Bank of Montreal building (1898). 

 

Red Mountain Resort

• The nearby Red Mountain Resort is a major draw for visitors, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking and other outdoor activities in the summer. 

 

Outdoor Recreation

• In addition to the ski resort, Rossland is popular for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits in the Monashee Mountains. 

 

Rossland Museum & Discovery Centre

• This museum displays mining equipment and artifacts from Rossland's history as a gold mining town. It is located on 5 acres of the old plant site. 

 

Festivals and Events

• Rossland hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including music, arts, and cultural celebrations. 

 

Rossland's main tourist attractions center around its mining heritage, outdoor recreation opportunities, and well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks. The nearby Red Mountain Resort is a major draw for winter and summer visitors.

 

Local Food of Rossland, British Columbia, Canada

Rossland's dining scene reflects its history as a mining town and its current status as a popular outdoor recreation destination. Here are some highlights of the local cuisine and dining options in Rossland:

 

Italian and Mediterranean Fare

• Gabriella's Restaurant & Uptown Lounge: This restaurant serves authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Chef Gabriella Pelli Lapointe takes pride in her homemade dishes.
• The Underbelly Bistro: This bistro offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring pasta, seafood, and vegetarian options made with local ingredients.

 

Steakhouse and Gastropub

• The Flying Steamshovel Inn & Gastropub: A long-standing local institution, this gastropub serves up hearty Canadian fare like burgers, steaks, and craft cocktails in a historic setting.
• Idgie's Restaurant: Known for its garlic-infused dishes, Idgie's offers fine dining focusing on local, seasonal ingredients.

 

Asian Cuisine

• Ying Cafe: This cafe casually serves authentic Chinese and Asian dishes.
• Mook Thai Lounge: Located in a historic fire hall, this restaurant offers genuine Thai cuisine with plenty of spice.

 

Casual Dining and Cafes

• Alpine Grind: Rossland's best cafe, serving up quality coffee and baked goods, though with notoriously slow service.
• Caffe Gabriella: Located in the Prestige Hotel, this cafe offers a range of baked goods and light fare.
• Misty Mountain Pizza: A local favorite for take-out and delivery pizza.

 

Unique Dining Experiences

• Le Petite Fromage: An evening dining experience where guests cross-country ski to a remote cabin for a 3-course cheese and chocolate fondue dinner.

 

Rossland's dining scene features a mix of casual cafes, gastropubs, fine dining establishments, and unique culinary experiences, catering to locals and visitors seeking a taste of the region.

 

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