Small Communities, Big Impact
In Wardner and Trout Lake, local ideas are creating lasting change.
Across the Columbia Basin, every community is different. Some have projects ready to move forward but need extra capacity or coordination. Others are still exploring possibilities and benefit from connections, guidance and a sounding board.
That’s where Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Liaisons come in. Working alongside local governments, First Nations communities, community organizations and volunteers, they help communities identify opportunities, navigate challenges and connect with resources that can turn ideas into action.
In Trout Lake and Wardner, that support helped community-led efforts enhance gathering places that serve as hubs for connection, celebration and emergency preparedness. While each project was unique, they shared a common approach: listening, collaboration and support tailored to local needs.
The Park Wardner Built
Located in the East Kootenay, Wardner has a population of about 70 residents. During the summer months, that number nearly doubles as visitors arrive to enjoy nearby Lake Koocanusa. Residents and visitors also enjoy the local park.
When Wardner residents began imagining the future of this community park, they started with a simple goal: create a space that reflects the community and brings people together.
What followed was nearly two years of planning, conversation and volunteer effort. Through community meetings, an open house and ongoing discussions, residents helped shape a shared vision for the park and the role it could play in community life.
Today, that vision is taking shape.
Led by the Wardner Community Association and supported by the Trust, the project has transformed the park into a more welcoming place to gather, play and connect. Improvements throughout the site have created new opportunities for recreation and community events while enhancing a space that already holds an important place in the lives of residents.
But for many involved, the project is about more than the physical changes. It reflects the pride, commitment and co-operation that helped bring it to life.
As the community looks ahead to future phases of development, the park stands as an example of what can happen when residents come together around a shared vision—and work together to make it a reality.
Trout Lake’s Happening Spot
In the tiny West Kootenay community of Trout Lake, neighbours are eagerly anticipating the arrival of two babies. A community baby shower is already being planned at the hall—one of many gatherings that bring people together throughout the year.
On any given day, the Trout Lake Community Hall might host a musical jam session, potluck dinner, seed swap, fitness class or wedding reception.
Originally built as a school, the hall was moved from Beaton to Trout Lake in 1967. Decades later, the building required significant upgrades to continue serving the community.
Led by the Trout Lake Community Club, the project included a new foundation, heating system and backup generator, along with fire-resistant siding and more accessible washrooms.
For residents, the improvements are about more than maintaining a building.
“Having a secure place to gather is really important,” says Lise Tataryn, Club President. Frequent power outages and wildfire threats have highlighted the hall’s role as a place where people connect, support one another and access information during emergencies.
“We’re grateful for the funding,” says Tataryn. “We love our little hall.”
Today, the upgraded facility continues to serve as one of the community’s most important gathering places while strengthening local resilience for years to come.
Wardner’s Range of Improvements
Kelsey Bullock, a Board member with the Wardner Community Association, takes pride in the local community hall.
“We rent it out for birthdays and weddings,” she says. “We have a full kitchen, so for events like Wardner Days we host a pancake breakfast, and for other events at the park, everyone heads to the hall for dinner, darts and music.”
To continue meeting community needs, the hall needed substantial upgrades. The Wardner Community Association led improvements that included solar panels, a backup generator, a furnace replacement, a smart thermostat, LED lighting, new siding and energy efficient windows.
The project also included planting 50 trees along the edge of the property.
The solar installation has already resulted in significant reductions to power costs, helping lower operating expenses and improve the hall’s long-term sustainability.
The upgrades have also strengthened the hall’s ability to serve as an emergency response centre, increasing the community’s capacity to respond during power outages and other emergencies.
For a small community with a busy community hub, those improvements will help ensure the hall remains a welcoming and reliable gathering place for years to come.
