Keremeos, British Columbia

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Keremeos, British Columbia, Canada

"Healthy Living, Naturally."
Keremeos, British Columbia, Canada.
Census division
Regional District	Okanagan-Similkameen
Area:	2.11 km²
Founded	1909
Incorporated	1956
Population Village	1,197 (2001)
Population density	567.3/km²
Time zone	Pacific: UTC -8
Postal code span	V0X 1N0
Latitude Longitude	49°12′19″N, 119°49′25″W
Elevation	365 m MSL
Highways	Highway 3 Highway 3A
Waterways	Similkameen River
Mayor	Walter F. Despot
Governing body	Keremeos Village Council
Keremeos Official Site
1(sc) According to the Canada 2001 Census. 2(gr) Geographic references.

Coordinates: 49°12′19″N, 119°49′25″W

Keremeos (2005 Population approximately 1,200) is a village in southern central British Columbia, Canada. The name originated from the Similkameen native word "Keremeyeus" meaning "creek which cuts its way through the flats" referring to Keremeos Creek which flows down from the Upper Benchlands to the Similkameen River that runs by the village. Local legend claims the name means "the meeting of the winds" due to the often windy conditions experienced in the valley.

Keremeos' main industries are horticulture, agriculture, ranching, and wine making, among others. Fruit stands are also a major component of the local economy, making it the self-titled "fruit stand capital of Canada." All sorts of soft fruits and vegetables are grown in the South Similkameen's warm climate and vineyards and wineries are quickly being added as the Valley's superior wine-growing potential is being recognized.

With K Mountain as a backdrop, Keremeos, BC is a friendly community, whose "Wild West" looks and charm date back to 1909 when the postmaster of the now-abandoned community of Upper Keremeos, Mr. George Kirby, purchased land alongside the Similkameen River in anticipation of the V.V. & E. Railway passing through the area. He was right and other businesses soon followed. Keremeos was officially incorporated in 1956 and is now one of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia. Despite that growth, both the Village and the valley have retained their charm.

Area attractions include Cathedral Provincial Park, the Red Bridge, the Keremeos Columns, the Keremeos Grist Mill, excellent fishing in area lakes and rivers, APEX Mountain Resort, Twin Lakes Golf Resort, Spotted Lake, the Hedley Mining Museum and the Mascot Mine.

The Keremeos area is very scenic. Ranging from Cottonwood groves along the river to well-kept orchards to true desert landscapes to alpine peaks with azure lakes and mountain meadows.

[edit] External links

• Keremeos Official Site
• Keremeos and area information