News that the Kamloops North Shore was named one of the top 100 places to invest in Canada in 2019 is not surprising to Joshua Knaak.

The Kamloops Chamber of Commerce President says it’s a very proud community that has been waiting for positive development in the area.

“The reception for it is very strong,” he said. “Land prices are less expensive as was mentioned in that article, so you can put a really good quality product out there at an affordable price.”

“People are recognizing that is there. and they’re seeing businesses going in, businesses expanding.”

Among the many businesses going in there, are Bright Eye Brewing, which Knaak said generated the most interest from the public.

He noted that while the North Shore has a reputation of being a “rough place” that’s not how many residents who live there see it.

When Knaak first moved to Kamloops, he stayed away from the area, but then he says he got to know the neighbourhood, and ended up moving there.

“And then you realize, it’s not necessarily what first glance is,” Knaak added. “It is a whole another community there, and first looks may be deceiving.”

“There are new things that are going in there, there’s positive reinforcement. A lot of the focus on housing I think in that area, is very positive as well because it’s creating spaces for people to get in off the street. It’s creating options for people that are better for them.”

Canadian Real Estate Wealth magazine also highlighted the efforts of local businesses in creating a new culture in the area much like what’s being done in Vancouver’s Gastown district.