The Elk Valley is located in the East Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia. The region’s environmental and natural resources are closely linked to local livelihoods and the economy, including tourism, outdoor recreation, and natural resource development sectors.
Since the 1890s, coal has been mined in the Elk Valley region. Developments like EVR’s Fording River operation began in the last 50 years. Mining and other activities – including forestry, urban and rural development, transportation infrastructure, and agriculture – have all contributed to changes in the natural environment.