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Life in Castlegar

Banking

There are several banks and credit unions in Castlegar you can choose to open an account with. Make sure the bank or credit union you choose to open an account with offers all the services you may need to use as an international student. MTI has previously worked with and recommends the following for international students:

CIBC - Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
1801 Columbia Ave, Castlegar, BC V1N 3Y2
(250)365-3325
https://locations.cibc.com/bc/castlegar/05070?q=&loc=Castlegar,+BC&t= 

BMO - Bank of Montreal
1990 Columbia Ave, Castlegar, BC V1N 2W7
(250)365-3325
https://branches.bmo.com/bc/castlegar/b0707/ 

What is the difference between a Bank and a Credit Union - https://moneygenius.ca/banking/credit-union-vs-bank

Communications

There are a couple of businesses in Castlegar for you to choose from that offer Canadian mobile phone plans:

Telus & Koodo - Andre’s Electronic Experts
1965 Columbia Ave Unit 200, Castlegar, BC V1N 2W8
(250)365-6455
https://www.andreselectronicexperts.com/
Monday - Friday 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Saturday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Bell - Connect Wireless
646 18 St, Castlegar, BC V1N 2M9
(250)304-2727
Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Bell, Virgin Plus, and Lucky Mobile - Bestbuy Express
1983 Columbia Ave Unit 112 Kootenay Crossing, Castlegar, BC V1N 2W8
(250)365-2413
https://stores.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/bc/castlegar/1983-columbia-ave-unit-112
Monday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Transportation Services

BC Transit operates various bus routes within and around Castlegar. Check their website for detailed information about specific routes and schedules:

West Kootenay Transit Maps - https://www.bctransit.com/west-kootenay/schedules-and-maps/

Community

For a small community, Castlegar has a lot to offer for anyone moving to Canada. Below are some organizations that offer various programs open to the community:

Castlegar & District Community Complex - https://www.rdck.ca/our-community/recreation/castlegar-district-community-complex/

  • Aquatic Center

  • Fitness Center

  • Ice Hockey Arena

  • Senior Center

  • Seasonal Programs and Events

Castlegar & District Public Library - https://castlegar.bc.libraries.coop/

  • Community Events

  • Library Events

  • Book borrowing

  • Kids Reading Programs

Kootenay Family Place - https://kootenayfamilyplace.org/

  • Children Services

  • Family/Parent Resources

  • Youth Programs

  • Community Programs

  • Volunteer Opportunities

My Kootenay Now Community Calendar - https://www.mykootenaynow.com/community-calendar/

  • Local and regional events

  • Farmers Markets

  • Sports Events

  • Theatre Events

Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy - https://cbal.org/castlegar/

  • Newcomers Support

  • English Language Classes

  • Community Programs

Childcare

Childcare

Castlegar has several daycare options available depending on your child’s age. Below are some daycares managed by the Kootenay Family Place:

Selkirk College Children’s Center
301 Frank Beinder Way, Castlegar, British Columbia, V1N 4L3
(250) 608-5042
selkirkchildcare@kootenayfamilyplace.org
https://selkirk.ca/student-life-support/campus-services/childcare-services/castlegar-childcare ​

Castlegar & District Kids Club

2111 6th Avenue, Castlegar, British Columbia, V1N 3B2

250-608-4027

kidsclub@kootenayfamilyplace.org

https://kootenayfamilyplace.org/childrens-services/childcare/

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