Amenities and services
Is there enough power, water and sewer for the development?
Yes, systems are functioning and currently services the existing houses in Koocanusa Village. It is designed to accommodate 1,000 homes. Power is supplied by a three-phase service which has sufficient capacity to service the entire development of 1,000 homes.
What amenities are planned?
Additional amenities will include a community centre, fire hall, sports fields, restaurant and pub, marina store and grocery store. These amenities will be phased in as the development proceeds beginning in 2023.
Is there cell phone service and Wi-Fi?
Yes. Cell phone service and Wi-Fi are provided by third party suppliers. The two most common internet suppliers in the area are
Indiiginet and
Tough Country.
Building
Can I build a house right away?
Yes, as soon as you have the required permits from the Regional District of East Kootenay you can build immediately.
Are there architectural guidelines?
Yes. The Statutory Building Scheme is registered against the title to each lot and
sets out the design considerations and approval process to allow construction to begin. This
should be read in conjunction with the zoning requirements of the Regional District of East Kootenay.
Is there a building timeline? If so, how long do I have to build?
Building commitments do not currently exist.
Do you have a recommended list of builders?
We can assist with the selection of a suitable builder. Please call Reto Barrington for contact info for builders.
Are prefab or manufactured homes permitted?
Yes. Please review the Statutory Building Scheme and Zoning Bylaw for details.
Boating
When does the lake become boat-able and how long is the season?
Typically, the lake is deep enough by mid June and boating season lasts four months. Our community enjoys the lake longest because of our prime location in the heart of the lake.
Is there a boat launch?
Yes. There is a boat launch at the marina for KV owners.
If I don’t own a lakefront lot how do I access the beach?
You can access the beach via pedestrian access corridors. Also, there is a beach area at the north end of the marina for lot owners’ use.
If I own a lakefront lot can I have my own dock?
Private moorage docks are not permitted in front of the lakefront lots at KV. The zoning of this project is intended to create moorage within the marina rather than on the lakeshore. This is regulated by the provincial government and not the developer of Koocanusa Village.
Owners may place a swimming dock in front of their lakefront lot so long as it is not connected to the shore by a ramp. This is not uncommon in British Columbia where many lakes have similar regulations.
While we have all seen many examples of docks being attached to shorelines in front of a residential lot, most are not licensed. In our case that situation is further complicated by the fact there is a strip of crown land in front of the lakefront lots, which is typically referred to as the foreshore. Improvements on the foreshore require permitting from the provincial government as well.
Can I store my boat or RV on my property?
Yes, subject to limitations set out in the Statutory Building Scheme and the RDEK zoning bylaw. Storage of boats and RVs is restricted to limitations noted in those documents.
Can I occupy an RV on a lot in Koocanusa Village before I build?
The only opportunity to occupy an RV on your lot is if you have a building permit and are actively building. This right is limited to 2 years during active construction.
Costs
How much do the lots cost?
Koocanusa Village has/or will have a number of price points and product types available for purchase with lots starting at $175,000.
Click here for more details and availability.
How much are the strata fees and what do they include?
There are two stratas currently registered within KV. The 2022 charge is $300 per year in EPS 771 (Lakeside Estates). The 2022 charge in EPS 832 (Lakeview Terrace) is $100 per year. These fees cover strata insurance, management and expenses approved by strata members at the Annual General Meeting.
I see there is a rent charge, what does that include?
Annual rent charge is a utility charge which covers water and sewer service. Current annual fees are $1,402 per year for those lot owners who have not received a building permit and $2,004 for active use. These charges include both sewer and water charges.
Are there any other fees or monthly costs?
There is a charge to allow the Community Association to collect dues. This is registered on title to the lot. The 2022 annual fee was $100.
What are the anticipated taxes on the purchase price?
In BC, the taxes include 5% GST and a BC Property Transfer Tax of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remaining balance of the purchase price.
Marina
What is the capacity of the marina?
In addition to a store with gas, the marina has 75 slips and will be further developed as demand requires.
Can you purchase a marina slip or are they leased?
Marina slips can be rented by lot owners, but not purchased. Priority will be given to owners of lots in Koocanusa Village. We intend on producing adequate numbers of boat slips to provide a slip for the majority of lot owners. We are approved for 570 boat slips at full build out.
How much will a marina slip cost?
For 2022, the rental rates were $950/season, $200/week or $40/day, with priority given to Koocanusa Village owners.
Click here to inquire on renting a slip.
More
How far is Koocanusa from major centres?
Koocanusa Village is approximately 40 minutes south of Fernie, BC and 45 minutes south of Cranbrook. Travel time from Calgary is 3 hour and 45 minutes, from Lethbridge it is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Are there pet restrictions?
Pets are welcome! Of course, they must be controlled at all times and you need to clean up after them.
What other recreation activities are available at Lake Koocanusa in addition to boating?
Lake Koocanusa is centrally located for many outdoor activities. These include:
- Downhill skiing at Fernie or Kimberly
- Cross country skiing and touring to backcountry lodges
- Hiking either in the valleys or ascending mountain terrain
- Mountain biking and fat biking on hundreds of kilometres of natural trails
- Fishing in Lake Koocanusa for Gerrard Rainbow, Kokanee Salmon, and Bull Trout
- Fishing in multiple smaller lakes and rivers in the area within 45 minutes for Rainbow Trout and Eastern Brook Trout
- Motorized backcountry riding for dirt bikes or quads
- Hunting, either rifle or bow, for elk, deer and wild turkey
There were issues with the previous developer. Does he have anything to do with Koocanusa Village?
No, the previous developer went into foreclosure in 2016 and is completely removed from the project and ownership. The current owner is KV Properties Inc. That is the name that will appear on the titles to all lots offered for sale. We are capitalized to develop the project to full completion.
KV Properties Inc. is owned by a group of seven investors. The President of KV Properties Inc. is Reto Barrington. The company is governed by a
Board of Directors who are all investors with ties to the area and are actively involved in completing the long-term plan for the project. KV Properties draws on this deep experience and capital base for its stability and strategic decisions.
Design is underway under the guidance of an experienced design team. See more on their expertise.
250-431-8612
NEW! Liquor available: cold beer, wine, spirits
Washrooms
Free WiFi
Boat fuel – Shell V Power Marked (contains no ethanol)
Ice
Water
Ice cream
COLD beverages
Basic needs groceries
Local sausage, pepperoni & jerky
Seasonal produce from local farmers & crafts
Summer general supplies
Shaded deck
