Embracing the Lifestyle that Salmon Arm offers

As a long-time builder of new homes in the Shuswap region, many of our clients move here from somewhere else. We often hear the ‘back-stories’ about what motivated them to select our area. Of course, for Don and Coady, the owners of Hindbo Construction, they know exactly why being able to live, work and play in the Shuswap is so incredible! Having lived there for decades, they’re proud of their community and thrilled to have the opportunity to build a home for a newcomer.

One of their clients provided an interesting description how they chose the Salmon Arm lifestyle. On a weekend trip from Prince George to visit friends in Salmon Arm, Margaret and her husband came to the realization that this place was calling their name! Having enjoyed living in Prince George for over 40 years, where they had worked and raised their family, they were ready for a milder climate and some new, very enticing views! By the end of the weekend, they were determined to make this small, friendly city their home.

Meanwhile they started to learn about the best places to live in Salmon Arm, BC and fell in love with its well-known small town, friendly feel. There are 20,000 residents in Salmon Arm, so the City has all the amenities of a much larger place, but everyone agrees that this area has a welcoming, comfortable ambience. It didn’t take long for Margaret and her husband to feel at home! Both physically active people, they were drawn to clubs and groups that included an activity, such as Pickle Ball and Dragon Boating!

Margaret speaks affectionately about the camaraderie that she received after joining the ‘Friends Abreast’ Dragonboat Team. As a cancer survivor herself, she loves the physical demand of the sport, the close friendships that she enjoys, and the magnificent beauty seen from the water!

The 'Friends Abreast’ Dragon Boat team started in 2002 and was the first dragon boat team established in the Shuswap. There are now several different Dragon Boat teams in the area, each with its own unique philosophy. The ‘Friends Abreast’ team focuses on physical activity and camaraderie between breast cancer survivors and supporting friends. As a team their goal is to raise awareness, demonstrate that there’s an active life available to those who battle this disease and to just have fun on the water! In the last years, they have participated in many dragon boat festivals throughout British Columbia. Often, at these events, there’s a Pink Carnation Ceremony to recognize the large part that Breast Cancer survivors play in the sport and to remember those who we have lost to Cancer. The Team also participates in several community events such as the Carnation Campaign where they hand out carnations to women with the reminder to have a mammogram. Late last year the team needed some new ‘Team Shirts’ and, on their behalf, Margaret asked Hindbo’s General Manager, Doug Wall, if they would be willing to help out! As one of the top construction companies in BC, this was a great opportunity to support the community and it was even more meaningful because one of their clients was a member of the group. They immediately fulfilled the request. Margaret was thrilled and so was the entire Team!

Many of the people who have moved to this area are families who want to raise their children in a smaller community or empty nesters looking forward to their ‘retirement’ dream home. In either case, Salmon Arm is a great choice! Just as Margaret and her husband came to Salmon Arm for their retirement years, her friend and fellow-paddler Liz came several years earlier. Liz and her husband wanted to raise their children in a more closely-knit community and when a job opportunity arrived, they jumped at it. Her love for this community is as apparent as it is for Margaret. She offered several thoughts on the benefits of this City’s allure. The schools are well-respected by the parents and students alike. The teachers live in this community and feel an extra special interest in their students doing well. The recreational opportunities are endless with skiing, trails, lakes within a half hour of the City. Organized sports include the usual baseball, hockey, soccer, and basketball but also include curling, pickleball, cycling, kayaking and more. The Arts and Culture scene reaches out to both young and old. As well, there are many well-known local artisans in the area. Interestingly, there are many International Companies in Salmon Arm, which provide substantial employment opportunities. With airports available in Kelowna and in Kamloops, a necessary business trip can be accessed just an hour away. For relaxation, Revelstoke and the majestic Rocky Mountains are just an hour away to the northeast.

Hindbo Construction has been in Salmon Arm since it’s inception. The Hindbo Team consider themselves lucky to be able to live, work and play in this area. Don Hindbo built his business here over the past 30 years and is so proud to now have his son Coady working along side of him. Their ‘Company get-togethers’ are family-focused because most of their employees also live in the area, raising their own families. Like the local teachers, the Hindbo Team want their homes to be the best for their clients, their future neighbours. That’s how community-minded people think! The natural beauty of the Salmon Arm area is obvious to the eye, but the community thrives because of the positive caring attitude of its residents. Maybe you should consider a visit….