I would also like to move to BC. I could not afford Vic/ Van. I have 3 kids also. Recomendations?

the Kootenay region of BC is a good place to raise a family. mostly small towns with a couple of small cities but everything you need is here including a lot of new construction and carpenters are in high demand. a lot of oil and gas money is being spent in this area because it is 3-4 hours from Calgary and close for weekend getaways for those with the cash. i live in Cranbrook which is the business center of the region with a good hospital and doctors, good shopping, several good ski resorts within an hour and a half. more golf courses than i can count, good schools, incredible scenery, tons of wildlife, you can go 15 minutes from town and catch fresh fish for dinner, a college that is fully affiliated with the University of Victoria, good transit system, international airport, deer wander around town, and lots more. housing is readily available and a lot more affordable than larger centers.there is even a nice casino and resort 15 minutes from town. we are an hour from the border of montana and idaho and about 3 hours drive to Spokane Washington. there is also a great junior hockey team and opportunities for minor hockey for both girls and boys. we are mad about sports and the area has produced many pro athletes and olympic champions including the Neidermeyer brothers of hockey fame that still call the area home and still participate in youth sports. we truly get all four seasons and temperatures can range from -40C (really freakin cold) in the winter to +40C(really freakin hot) in the summer. if you and the family are up to a complete lifestyle change this is the place.

here are some links for you to have a look at.

http://www.cranbrook.ca/

http://destinationcranbrook.com/

http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regions/towns/?town...

http://cranbrookproperties.com/

http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/w...

http://www.britishcolumbia.com/hotsprings/?id=19

wherever you end up i wish you the best of luck.

I live in Port Alberni. Van. Island . What do you want to know? What do you do for work? how old are the kids? Where are you now? Be glad to help if I can.