Originally
know as Hendryx, this community was settled because of a very
productive silver, lead and zinc mine, know as the Bluebell
Mine.
From
1895 to 1929 the population was stable, but with the closure
of the mine the population dwindled until in 1943 there were
only 22 left. In 1950 the mine re-opened, and the population
soared to almost 300 within three years.
The
expansion of the mine required more electricity and in 1952
Cominco built the power lines across the lake, bring power
to the East Shore without the use of generators. Riondel continued
to be a bustling, thriving town until the closing of the mine
once again in 1972.
The
community then became a popular retirement community and at
one time had more seniors per capita than any other postal
code in Canada.
The
village today has a population of approximately 400 people,
a lakeshore campground, beach, community centre, playground,
9-hole golf course, grocery and liquor store, cafe, pub and
medical clinic.
Accommodation/Adventure
Providers
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For
Information Contact:
Kootenay
Lake Chamber of Commerce
Box 120, Crawford Bay, BC V0B 1E0
Email: Info@KootenayLake.bc.ca
Phone: 250-227-9267 (summer only) or
250-227-9315 (year-round)
Fax: 250-227-9441
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your business to over 5.5 million BC visitors per year.
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on the BC Adventure Network, British Columbia's largest
and most visited tourism Web site . . . more
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