Former School Site Secured for Valemount’s Future

A six-acre property near downtown Valemount has been secured for community benefit by Columbia Basin Trust. The purchase supports future planning efforts with the Village of Valemount for the former Valemount Secondary School site.

Located at 1300 6th Avenue, the property was acquired by a developer in 2007 following demolition of the school, with plans for a commercial and residential resort development. The project did not proceed, and the site has remained undeveloped. The Trust completed its purchase of the property in September, preserving the potential for community-serving uses.

“The chance to secure a property of this size in the heart of Valemount was a unique and important opportunity,” said Johnny Strilaeff, President and CEO of Columbia Basin Trust. “This purchase preserves options for the future and creates space to explore ideas that respond to local needs and priorities.”

Over the coming months, the Trust and the Village will work together to explore potential uses for the property and consider how it can best support current and emerging community needs. No decisions have been made regarding future development.

“By purchasing the site of the former high school, Columbia Basin Trust is giving us a chance to dream up the best redevelopment options for a prime piece of real estate that has long sat conspicuously empty along our main thoroughfare, waiting for a shovel that never came,” said Rachel Fraser, Acting Mayor of the Village of Valemount. “We are so grateful for the Trust’s continued investment in our community, and for this incredible opportunity to enhance the Village core and benefit our residents.”