By Andru McCracken

Real estate is hopping in Valemount. According to the realtor John Peterson, just one commercial property remains for sale on 5th Avenue that he knows of.

“I think people have decided that this is a very good place to build,” he said. “It has a lot of potential and things are happening. Regardless of the gondola, I think our town could stand on its own.”

However, he believes that the gondola project will happen.

“I have had lots of requests (for commercial property) along the highway. There is very high interest in property here now. Developers are looking. Individuals are looking.”

For many locals, these are tough economic times because of the decline of the forest industry and the long term closure of the local mill. However, on the face of it, Valemount appears to be doing well with two new buildings at the entrance to town, the Visitor Information Centre and PetroCanada / A&W building.

Developer Sandy Reid said that this renovated corner helped convinced him to expand his IGA building further down 5th Avenue, adding a Fields Department Store, which is currently under construction.

Though the school district has not yet made anything public, the ‘for sale’ sign has disappeared from the old high school property which is also located on 5th Avenue.