November is Take Action on Radon Month, a national initiative led by Health Canada and TakeActionOnRadon.ca to help Canadians learn about the hidden health risks of radon gas and what we can do to protect our homes and families.

If you’re a homeowner in Kimberley, Cranbrook, or the surrounding areas, this is something worth paying attention to because our region shows some of the highest radon readings in B.C.

What Is Radon, and Why Should You Care?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the ground. You can’t see it, smell it, or taste it, but if it builds up inside your home, it can pose a serious health risk. Over time, exposure to high radon levels can increase the risk of lung cancer, even for non-smokers.

The good news? It’s easy to test and even easier to fix.

What the Local Data Shows

The Kimberley Community Radon Report (June 2024) found that:

• 159 homes in Kimberley participated in radon testing between 2022 and 2023.

• Nearly half (49%) of those homes tested above Health Canada’s safe guideline of 200 Bq/m³.

• 36% were between 100–200 Bq/m³, and only 23% were under 100 Bq/m³.

That means that 1 in 2 homes in our community may have elevated radon levels, and most homeowners have no idea until they test.

 How to Test Your Home for Radon

Testing is simple and affordable. You can order a 91-day long-term test kit directly from TakeActionOnRadon.ca/test or from your local health authority.

Here’s how it works:

1. Place the small test device in your home (usually in a basement or lowest living area).

2. Leave it undisturbed for 91 days.

3. Mail it back to the lab for analysis and you’ll get your results.

What to Do If Your Levels Are High

If your results come back above 200 Bq/m³, Health Canada recommends taking action to reduce radon levels.

• Between 200–600 Bq/m³: Plan to fix within 2 years.

• Above 600 Bq/m³: Act within 1 year.

Certified radon mitigation professionals can install systems that reduce radon levels by up to 90%.

You can find a certified pro here:  TakeActionOnRadon.ca/test/find-a-radon-mitigation-professional

Why This Matters to Homeowners

As a REALTOR® in the Kimberley–Cranbrook area, I see firsthand how important it is for buyers and sellers to understand radon. Testing your home not only protects your family’s health but can also give you an edge in the real estate market.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put, knowing your home’s radon level shows that you’re informed, proactive, and care about long-term safety.

Take Action This November

If you haven’t tested yet, November is the perfect time to start. You can:

• Order a test kit at TakeActionOnRadon.ca/test

• Learn more at TakeActionOnRadon.ca

• Or reach out to me. I’m always happy to connect you with trusted professionals and resources to make the process simple.

Let’s make sure our community stays informed and protected. Because a healthy home is a happy home 💛

There’s something happening in the East Kootenay right now, and it’s not just the fall colours lighting up the valley. More and more people are trading big-city burnout for mountain-town balance, and Kimberley, BC is at the centre of it.

As a REALTOR® who made this move myself, I can tell you firsthand that people aren’t just looking for a home anymore. They’re looking for a life.

🏡 My Kimberley Story: Finding Home and Balance

A few years back, I was living in Canmore, Alberta, another beautiful mountain town that I absolutely loved. But as anyone familiar with the Bow Valley market knows, owning a home there can feel out of reach. Prices were sky-high, and I realized that even after years of hard work, I’d never be able to afford the kind of home or lifestyle I wanted.

My husband and I are both snowboarders, and one winter he decided to ride a few resorts along the Powder Highway. That’s when he discovered Kimberley. A few months later, we came back in the summer to go camping, and that was all it took.

We fell in love.

Kimberley had everything we wanted: endless trails like Kimberley Nature Park, Lois Creek, and Forest Crowne, plus a strong community vibe and down-to-earth locals. It felt real, welcoming, and refreshingly not “touristy.”

And the best part? Homeownership was actually within reach.

💡 Kimberley Real Estate Market Update: September 2025

Fast forward to today, and many buyers are discovering exactly what we did.

Here’s what the latest data from the Association of Interior REALTORS® shows for September 2025 in Kimberley:

• Sales activity increased by 21% compared to last year.

• Average sale price decreased by 24%, with detached single-family homes and yards now starting around $405,000.

• Inventory dropped nearly 31%, showing that homes are still selling steadily.

• Average days on market dipped slightly, meaning well-priced homes are moving quickly.

For buyers, this creates a unique opportunity. The market is active but not overheated, giving first-time homebuyers and relocation buyers the chance to find great homes without bidding wars.

For sellers, it means there’s consistent demand, especially for well-presented listings that highlight Kimberley’s lifestyle and outdoor appeal.

🌲 The East Kootenay Lifestyle Advantage

Ask anyone why they’ve moved here and you’ll hear the same reasons again and again:

• A slower pace of life that lets you truly enjoy your days.

• Access to year-round outdoor recreation like hiking, biking, skiing, and paddling.

• A genuine sense of community that makes newcomers feel welcome.

The East Kootenay lifestyle is about balance. You can finish your workday, grab your dog, and hit a trail before sunset. You can own a home that feels like a retreat, without giving up comfort or connection.

🏘️ What This Means for Kimberley Real Estate

The takeaway is simple. Kimberley is offering something rare in today’s market: affordable homeownership in a beautiful, connected mountain community.

Buyers are finding they don’t have to choose between lifestyle and practicality. They can have both.

And for sellers, this growing interest means now is a smart time to showcase what makes your property special. Homes that are move-in ready, priced right, and marketed with professional visuals continue to stand out.

☕ Why Kimberley Still Feels Like a Permanent Vacation

Living here honestly feels like a permanent vacation. Maybe it’s the trails, maybe it’s the friendly faces, but there’s an energy in Kimberley that’s hard to describe until you experience it.

I’ve lived in fourteen towns, four states, three provinces, and three countries, and nowhere has captured my heart like this place.

If you’ve been dreaming about slowing down, breathing mountain air, and owning a home that actually feels like you, maybe it’s time to explore what life in Kimberley, BC could look like.

I’d love to help you discover it, whether that’s through a virtual tour or an in-person visit.