In British Columbia, individuals may soon find it more convenient to have their torn tent or damaged ski boots repaired. A college located in the southeastern region of B.C. is launching what is being touted as Canada’s inaugural outdoor gear repair and advanced manufacturing center.
This venture is a collaborative effort between the College of the Rockies and the Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise (KORE), a consortium representing approximately 100 local gear producers and innovators. The Rehub Circular Technology Centre, backed by $1 million in provincial funding, aims to establish a local hub for research and development for gear manufacturers while providing students with opportunities to learn about designing and fixing outdoor equipment.
Matt Mosteller, chair of the KORE board, expressed to CBC’s Daybreak South that life in the Kootenays revolves around outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and biking. This lifestyle has fostered a unique cottage industry focused on outdoor gear within the region. Mosteller emphasized the importance of finding solutions to prevent outdoor gear from being discarded in landfills.
KORE’s current focus is on extending the lifespan of outdoor equipment through maintenance and repair. The organization’s Rehub circular gear initiative involves a mobile repair team traveling through the Kootenays during the summer to assist individuals in keeping items such as jackets, ski poles, and backpacks in use. The College of the Rockies’ Gold Creek Campus in Cranbrook will now serve as a permanent base for this initiative.
The long-term objective is for the facility to become a pivotal point in Canada’s outdoor recreation sector by fostering collaboration among students, industry professionals, and the outdoor community. Mosteller envisions the college as a space where equipment can be housed, knowledge can be shared, and courses can be developed for workforce training and development.
Data from the provincial government highlights that outdoor recreation contributes $4.8 billion annually to British Columbia’s economy. The College of the Rockies sees this partnership as an opportunity to enhance its role in regional economic development and provide students with valuable hands-on skills.
President and CEO Michael Crowe stated, “For decades, College of the Rockies has been a leader in adventure education and outdoor recreation, rooted in the landscapes and industries of our region.” He emphasized that the collaboration with KORE aligns with the college’s legacy by combining outdoor expertise with advanced manufacturing, applied research, and circular economy innovation.
The initial focus is on equipping the space with the necessary resources for KORE’s maker community, with plans to swiftly establish programming and educational initiatives. Success in this endeavor could pave the way for students to pursue new career paths within their communities, offering opportunities for youth in mountain towns to build fulfilling futures while staying close to home.