Skip to content

Tired of ‘big city life’? One-stoplight town hosts contest to lure in city slickers

Contest by BC Rural Centre hopes to attract city folks to a small town in the Kootenays
10729349_web1_180222-BPD-M-KASLO
Overlooking one of the main streets in Kaslo, B.C. (@johanjkpg/Instagram)

In a quiet city near Kootenay Lake, just under 1,000 people are enjoying the rural simplicities – and the one streetlight – in Kaslo.

And the small town is hoping more people catch on.

The BC Rural Centre has organized a new contest aimed at “young urban creative professionals,” who are frustrated with the daily big-city life and looking to settle down in the Kootenays.

“We’re looking for people tired of the metro rat race, who would like to explore the advantages (and challenges) of rural life,” reads the contest.

To take part, contestants submit a brief two-minute video explaining why they’d consider moving to Kaslo, and how they’d contribute to the community.

People can then vote for which video they like best.

Winners will receive four nights’ stay at the Kaslo Hotel overlooking Kootenay Lake, meals, and a $500 travel stipend during this year’s Canada Day long weekend.

The catch: the winner will be taken on a tour visiting the local school (singular), meet small business owners and entrepreneurs, take part in a neighbourhood outdoor potluck and of course, check out the available real estate.



About the Author: Ashley Wadhwani-Smith

I began my journalistic journey at Black Press Media as a community reporter in my hometown of Maple Ridge, B.C.
Read more