1. How will I find accommodation when I can’t inspect it?

The Physician Liaison takes that burden off your shoulders by finding you a suitable rental home based on your specifications. You need only to describe your ideal home/setting to the Physician Recruiter who will utilize her contacts and the local Real Estate agents. The Internet is unfortunately not the best indication of what rental properties are available as they are few so accessing a network of Real Estate agents and community members is far more effective in smaller communities.  The Physician Liaison will be your eyes and ears on the ground, keeping in constant contact with you sending you photographs and descriptions in order to find a suitable home based on your expectations. If once you become familiar with the area and decide you would prefer something different, we will connect you to a local real estate agent who can assist you further.

  1. How will I get from the airport to my new accommodation?

The Physician Liaison will meet you at the airport upon arrival and either take you to your accommodation, or assist you in obtaining a rental vehicle.

  1. Do I need a car?

While there are several pluses to living in a rural area, public transportation is not one of them. And while we do have public transportation, it is limited, therefore you will need a vehicle to live in the Kootenays.

  1. How do I open a bank account when we have no banks in common?

You will work with the Physician Recruiter to choose a bank that’s right for you; an employment letter will be provided, along with producing ID, that is all you will need.

  1. How expensive is rent, or if I plan on buying, costs like rates and utilities, taxes, etc?

The average rent for a new, 4 bedroom house is $2100.  Both utilities and tax rates can be found here. Check out this cost of living calculator for our area to get all the averages compared to other areas in BC.

  1. How do I get my electricity and hydro connected?

FortisBC is our local electricity and natural gas provider and their website is: https://www.fortisbc.com

  1. What other amenities are available – shops, entertainment areas, etc.?

We have a few large chains ie. Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire, Boston Pizza, etc. along with grocery chains (Safeway, No Frills) as well as independent grocers, an independent shoe store, dress shop, health food store, coffee shops, a fantastic Indian restaurant, as well as a Thai restaurant, and many pub-style restaurants.

  1. How do I obtain my BC identification ie. Driver’s license, Medicare card?

You can obtain your Driver’s License at RHC Insurance, a local Motor Vehicle’s branch, and the BC Access Centre is the place to apply for your Medicare card and is located in Trail, 20 minutes up the highway.

We pride ourselves on providing a smooth transition for doctors moving to Castlegar. We will help you each step of your adventure with unbiased, real-world advice, and no question is insignificant. If you do not find the answers to one of your questions on this page, please feel free to connect with us to ask any questions at all, we are happy to help.