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Tucked beneath the impressive cliffs of Stemwinder Mountain to the west
and Nickel Plate Mountain to the East, lies the charming village
of Hedley, British Columbia. The natives once called this place
"Sna-za-ist" - the Striped Rock Place - named for the coloured and striped cliffs on both sides of the canyon. Made
famous by the discovery of gold in 1897, Hedley became one of
the great names in Canadian gold mining history. Named after Robert R. Hedley, manager of the Hall Smelter in Nelson, who had grubstaked many of the
early prospectors, Hedley grew quickly and by 1900 boasted
a population of over 1,000 with 5 hotels and a large stamp mill. The
V.V.&E. railroad arrived in Hedley in 1909 to help haul the
gold out at the incredible rate of more than 50,000 ounces per year.
In 1936 the Mascot Mine started operation, increasing the total production to more than 1.5 million ounces of gold and
in excess of four million pounds of copper. By that time Hedley
boasted all of the major conveniences of a small city, including
a nine-hole gold course. Between 1956 and 1957 there were
several disastrous fires in the community and this, coupled with
dwindling ore production from the mines led to Hedley's steady
decline. Nowadays, Hedley is a quiet community with an
approximate population of 350. There are many Historic Sites and buildings
for tourists to visit. The first stop should always be the
fascinating displays at the Hedley Mining Museum and Wild Goat
Gift Shop. Pick up a map and visit the incredible Mascot Mine, a
1904 miner's cottage, Historic Log Barn and the Blacksmith Shop
as well as Hedley's fascinating and historic cemetery. 
Medical Care Hedley
residents can gain medical treatment at the modern diagnostic
centre in Keremeos with three resident doctors. emergency and x-ray facilities, a laboratory and a physiotherapy clinic. Those that require further care are transferred to nearby Penticton Regional hospital via the village's two ambulances.
Home care support is provided through the Health Unit, Keremeos Home Support Services and Meals on Wheels.
Keremeos Diagnostic and Treatment Center
Corner of third Street and Seventh Avenue (Hwy 3)
(250) 499-3000 Schools Keremeos Playschool
Cawston
(250) 499-2560 Cawston Primary School
Cawston
ph. (250) 499-5617 Hedley Primary School
Hedley
ph. (250) 292-8252 Similkameen Elementary Secondary
Keremeos
(250) 499-2727
http://www.sess.org Keremeos Learning Center
Keremeos
(250) 499-0040 School District #53
Oliver
(250) 498-3481 Seven Dwarfs Day Care
604 11th Ave, Keremeos
(250) 499-5652 Tee Pee Tot Day Care Centre
Fairview Road, Cawston
(250) 499-2838 Surrounding Communities: Cawston
The site of the original Hudson's Bay Company store. The community was named for R.L. Cawston, a pioneer rancher and magistrate.
Population: 845
Industry: Fruit production and packing plant
Location: On Highway 3 just southeast of Keremeos.
More Information Olalla
Olalla is a small retirement-oriented community with approximately 300 residents.
Location: Olalla is located on Highway 3A between Keremeos and Penticton in South Central British Columbia..
More Information Princeton
The largest community in the Similkameen, Princeton lies at the head of the valley. Mining, forestry and tourism are the mainstay of the community, with full services available.
Population: 2,692
Industry: Mining, Forestry, Tourism
Location: Highway 3, 45 minutes west of Keremeos, 289 km east of Vancouver
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