 Historic Buildings in Downtown Nakusp, Rory A. McLeod photo
Agriculture and Forestry With mining in decline, Nakusp turned to agriculture and forestry. Fertile land in the Arrow and Slocan Lakes area was cleared for growing apples and soft fruits, and the surrounding forests and associated mills provided a solid base of seemingly permanent jobs. Dramatic change came again in 1968 with the completion of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam. The dam at Castlegar, approximately 160km/100mi downstream, raised the water level of the Arrow Lakes by 24m/80ft. Thousands of hectares/acres of productive farmland were lost, along with numerous First Nations archaeological and burial sites. Thousands of people were forced to relocate, and entire towns were submerged. Built on the elevated flood plain of Kuskanax Creek, the town of Nakusp fared better than most, losing only two streets and some industrial land.
Nakusp Today Today, the forestry industry is as much a bust as the Silvery Slocan mining boom. Mills have been relocated or closed, and logging has all but stopped. The people of Nakusp, meanwhile, are resilient and optimistic. A new industrial park is in the works, and the hope is that the quality of life and the raw beauty of Nakusp will bring a new employer. Check out the Nakusp Visitor Centre for more information about the culture and history of the area.
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