For the last several months, we’ve been working hard to support Slocan Valley businesses—especially those impacted by last summer’s wildfires.
We launched the Support Slocan Valley campaign in August of 2024, alongside our valued partners, Columbia Basin Trust and Community Futures Central Kootenay.
Here’s what we’ve been up to:
- Launched our Support Slocan Valley campaign at Market Night in Nelson on August 30, 2024 with $10 off shopping vouchers for Slocan Valley vendors
- Offered the same vouchers at the Slocan Saturday Market and the New Denver Friday Market in September
- Delivered free coffee & $5 off retail vouchers in the Valley Voice to mailboxes in the wildfire-impacted communities of Winlaw, Slocan, Silverton and New Denver for residents to use at participating businesses (and reimbursed the businesses for a win-win situation!)
- Released six powerful videos sharing community stories & wildfire impacts
- Provided free consulting, training & Business Recovery Loans to help businesses recover
- Featured ecommerce and online product-based businesses through our “Buy Canadian, Support Slocan Valley” spotlight on this webpage (scroll down!) and on our Slocan Valley social media channels.
The Wildfires of 2024
Business owners in the Slocan Valley are a resilient bunch. This summer, five massive wildfires swept through the Slocan Valley, forcing evacuations in the villages of Slocan and Silverton and surrounding areas, halting tourism, and closing Highway 6—the lifeline through the region.
Impacts were felt by both residents and businesses alike. From businesses grappling with closures to locals banding together to feed fire crews and helping evacuees, the Valley witnessed both profound challenges and inspiring resilience.
In the midst of the crisis, the community stepped up—opening homes, helping neighbors move animals and belongings and rallying behind local businesses.
As we move forward, help us support the Valley’s recovery by shopping local, dining local and supporting local. And let’s celebrate the resilience of this beautiful region and its amazing inhabitants.
- Wildfire footage courtesy of Petra Hekkenberg and Whitney Taylor
- Music by Aeon Sphere
Silverton
Welcome to Silverton! Located on the eastern shore of Slocan Lake, this is a place where natural beauty and community spirit intertwine.
With a population of about 200 people, it’s one of B.C.’s smallest municipalities. It features stunning lakefront views, fresh mountain air and a rich sense of history .
Aside from its quaint and historical charm, it’s the people who make Silverton truly special. In this video we met up with the fine folks at the Silverton General Store, Caravan Company Goods and Silverton Building Supplies to find out why they love to work and live in this special community.
Slocan
Welcome to the Village of Slocan! It may be small in size, but it’s big in history and heart.
Nestled at the southern tip of Slocan Lake, and framed by Valhalla Provincial Park, Slocan is surrounded by pure natural beauty.
It’s a gateway to outdoor adventure or a place to just get away from it all.
Back in the day, this booming mining town served as the terminus for the old railway, and sternwheelers plied the lake carrying minerals, goods and people.
Slocan is a place that chooses you. It’s where neighbors unite, and creativity and authenticity shine.
In this video, we met up with the wonderful people at Bliss Cafe, Ice Creek Lodge, The Col Guesthouse, Slocan City Hotel, Slocan Village Market and Mountain Valley Station to find out why they love to work and live here.
Winlaw
Welcome to Winlaw, the funkiest little town in the heart of the Slocan Valley, British Columbia!
Located midway between the Village of Slocan and the Highway 3 junction, Winlove as it’s often called, is an unincorporated town filled with a kaleidoscope of people, styles and lifestyles.
Winlaw is a place like no other—a community shaped by its connection to nature, its creative out-of-the-box thinkers, and their commitment to living in harmony with each other and the land.
Winlaw is truly and delightfully unconventional. In this video we met up with the incredible people at Emery Herbals, Mama Sita’s Cafe, Sleep is for Sissies Cafe, Emporio Supply Company, Pharatree Learning Centre and Gaia Tree Whole Foods to find out why they choose to work and live here.
New Denver
Welcome to New Denver! The Village of New Denver is a place where creativity and community shine.
Nestled against the eastern shores of Slocan Lake, it offers a tranquil pace of life, a deep sense of connection and stunning views.
With roots dating back to the silver rush of the late 1800s, this vibrant community blends history and culture with outdoor adventure and quaint shops. From scenic trails and rocky beaches to the Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre and peaceful Kohan Gardens, New Denver leaves a lasting impression on all who work, live or visit here.
About 500 people live here, and many of them embody the “do-it-yourself” resilient spirit.
In this video, we met up with the amazing people at Fireweed Hub, Raven’s Nest, New Denver Domes, Big Dog Music, Laurel Tree Fabric and Fibre and Just One More to find out why they love to work and live in this special community.
Crescent Valley
Welcome to Crescent Valley! The southern gateway to the Slocan Valley.
This small community welcomes white water paddlers, sun bathers, hikers and cyclists, and everyone in between. And it may only have a few small businesses, but this place is big on connection.
With a beautiful beach and regional park wrapping around the shoreline of the Slocan River, people have access to whitewater rafting and kayaking, canoeing, swimming, picnicking and more. This park is also an historic site for the former sawmill.
In this video, we met up with the wonderful people at Frog Peak Cafe, Endless Adventure, Tonik Distillery and Evergreen Market to find out why they love to work and live here.
All videos directed, produced, shot and written by Karen Kornelsen of Peak to Moon Creative. All editing by TreeVor.
Gurvan Custom
Gurvan has offered his creative building services since 2008, and in the Slocan Valley since 2013. His business, Gurvan Custom, blends design studio expertise with hands-on craftsmanship, and offers a unique mix of services—from branding, logo and product design to fine woodworking, wood carving, heritage restoration, and custom carpentry.
“If it’s made of wood or it lights up… we’ll do it,” he says. They also offer solutions for decor, events, rentals and housing.
What sets Gurvan Custom apart is its artistic engineering, fast turnaround for design and laser engraving, and high levels of personalization. Gurvan especially loves offering solutions that are tailor made for entrepreneurs, artists, artisans and homeowners and he provides custom work at a competitive rate and high quality. “I’m all about keeping true craftsmanship alive.”
What Gurvan loves most is bringing new ideas to life for his clients, and creating custom pieces that make homes healthier and cozier. Running his business in the Slocan Valley has also been deeply rewarding. “The great pace of life and the beauty of the valley make it the perfect place to grow my future family.”
Exciting changes are on the horizon. Gurvan is launching a second business to separate and clarify his offerings. Gurvan Custom will focus on home decor and merchandise, specializing in laser engraving and CNC router work.
Meanwhile, Nimble Nest will take his engineering and building/renovation expertise to a new level by offering a modular housing solution that he hopes to manufacture right here in the valley. The prototype is currently in development in Slocan—stay tuned!
Learn more about Gurvan Custom here → https://www.gurvancustom.com/
Sonja Rue Artist
Eight years ago, Sonja Rue moved into her art studio in Lemon Creek in the Slocan Valley to dive into her art practice full-time. She does illustrations, mixed media art and original paintings. Her work extends beyond the canvas, appearing on prints, scarves, accessories and home décor items. “My art is pretty diverse in style and appeals to both adults and children, especially those who enjoy stories, animals, nature and spirituality.”
Sonja’s art is more than just visually captivating—it’s a call to take a deeper look into the human experience, while also being a beautiful addition to someone’s home. She describes it as a way to "encourage self-reflection and questioning of the status quo through inspiring images showing moments of connection and reflection."
"When I set out to learn painting I did not expect to make it a business, I just wanted to learn,” says Sonja. “It turned out better than I expected and I loved it so much that I just kept going." Encouraged by the positive response from her community, she has spent the past five years growing her art into a sustainable business, sharing her work with a broader audience.
What Sonja loves most about running a business in the Slocan Valley is she gets the peace and quiet she needs to dive into her creative practice. The beauty of the landscape and the inspiration she gets from her eclectic community really inspire her creations. "The people I encounter here through sharing my art have been so encouraging and supportive, they help me remember how important art is to society and culture and that it is a valuable addition to our community."
Sonja has been busy revamping her website and online shop, with many new prints and original paintings available to buy. She’s also excited to have an exhibition of original paintings at The Hidden Garden Gallery in New Denver from June 24-29, 2025 and an open studio event at her property in May (date to be announced soon on her website).
Witch Way Soaps
Nestled in the heart of the Slocan Valley, Witch Way Soaps brings a touch of magic to everyday self-care. Crafted by owner and maker Heather Tarr in Vallican along the Slocan River Road, these artisan cold process soap bars aren’t just a treat for the skin—they’re works of art.
From all-natural bars to vibrant designs swirled with mica colors, every one of Heather’s creations reflects the joy and creativity poured into it. Beyond soap, she also makes arnica pain relief balm, lotion bars, lip balms and candles, each made with high-quality ingredients and a passion for her craft.
One of her more unique bars is her “frog” soaps featuring our local Frog Peak. Heather, a lifelong entrepreneur, thrives on pushing artistic boundaries. “I am constantly trying to come up with more intricate and unique things to make with soap, the challenge is half the fun!”
Self-employed since age 14, she believes, "If you love what you do, you never have to work again." That passion shines through not only in the products but also in the connections made at local markets. Though an introvert at heart, she’s found unexpected joy in meeting customers, watching first-time visitors light up at her creations, and welcoming returning fans making a beeline for their favourite bars. “The community has been extremely supportive and validating towards me and I am so appreciative.”
While she says running a business here has its challenges, there’s no place Heather would rather be. As she prepares for a new season of local markets starting in April, she encourages the community to follow Witch Way Soaps on Facebook for updates.