Burns Lake

Burns Lake
The Corporation of the Village of Burns Lake[1]
Downtown 2011
Downtown 2011
Burns Lake is located in British Columbia
Burns Lake
Burns Lake
Location of Burns Lake in British Columbia
Coordinates: 54°13′45″N 125°45′45″W / 54.22917°N 125.76250°W / 54.22917; -125.76250
CountryCanada
ProvinceBritish Columbia
RegionNechako Country
Regional districtBulkley-Nechako
Incorporated1923
Government
 • TypeMunicipal
 • Governing bodyBurns Lake Village Council
 • Mayor[3]Henry Wiebe
 • Councillors[4]Darrell Hill
Kevin White
Charlie Rensby
Kristy Bjarnson
Area
 • Total
6.59 km2 (2.54 sq mi)
 • Land6.59 km2 (2.54 sq mi)
 • Water0.00 km2 (0.00 sq mi)
Elevation
720 m (2,360 ft)
Population
 (2021)
 • Total
1,659[2]
 • Density269.8/km2 (699/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC−08:00 (PST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−07:00 (PDT)
Area code250
HighwayBritish Columbia Highway 16
WaterwaysBurns Lake
WebsiteVillage of Burns Lake
Burns Lake's welcome sign

Burns Lake is a rural village in the North-western-Central Interior of British Columbia, Canada, incorporated in 1923. The village had a population of 1,659 as of the 2021 Census.[5]

The village is known for its rich First Nations heritage, and for its network of mountain biking trails, which have received acclaim by becoming Canada's first IMBA Ride Centre.[6] In winter, cross country skiing trails and snowmobile wilderness trails are created.[7] Burns Lake is located in the midst of a large networks of lakes called the Lakes District, with fishing and hunting year round, and water activities in the summer months.

There are two First Nations reserves that are part of the town, and another four nearby, making it one of the few communities in the province that have almost equal populations of persons of native or European descent. Local nations include Wetʼsuwetʼen First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Ts'il Kaz Koh First Nation, Skin Tyee First Nation and Nee-Tahi-Buhn Band.

The town serves as a hub for the local logging, saw-milling, mining and tourist industries. It also serves as the main commercial centre for the surrounding area including François Lake, Colleymount, Grassy Plains, Rose Lake, Topley, and Granisle. There are three pubs, several cafes and restaurants a selection of stores, hotels and motels, and services including a library and a hospital. It is also the location of the head offices of the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako.

  1. ^ "British Columbia Regional Districts, Municipalities, Corporate Name, Date of Incorporation and Postal Address" (XLS). British Columbia Ministry of Communities, Sport and Cultural Development. Archived from the original on July 13, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
  2. ^ "2021 Census of Population geographic summary: Burns Lake, Village (VL)". www12.statcan.gc.ca. Retrieved 2023-07-12.
  3. ^ "Burns Lake - Municipal Office — Biographies".
  4. ^ "Burns Lake - Municipal Office — Biographies".
  5. ^ http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/search-recherche/productresults-resultatsproduits-eng.cfm?LANG=E&GEOCODE=2021A00055951022
  6. ^ "Where to ride | IMBA".
  7. ^ "Welcome to Burns Lake". The Village of Burns Lake. The Village of Burns Lake. 2017. Retrieved January 27, 2017. During the winter, Olympic quality cross-country skiing trails and facilities draw in competitors and recreational skiers from across the province. Snowshoe enthusiasts can follow in their tracks too. Additionally, Burns Lake is a snowmobiler's paradise, with vast wilderness trails near town.