Cawston, British Columbia

Cawston is an unincorporated small community in the south Similkameen Valley, with a 2005 population of 973.

Cawston
Unincorporated Place
Cawston, British Columbia
Motto(s): 
Healthy Living, Naturally
Cawston
Location of Cawston in British Columbia
Coordinates: 49°10′56″N 119°45′38″W
Country Canada
Province British Columbia
RegionSimilkameen Country
Regional districtOkanagan-Similkameen
Area
 • Total2.09 km2 (0.81 sq mi)
Elevation
365 m (1,198 ft)
Population
 (2016)
 • Total956
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST)
Postal code
V0X 1N0
Area code(s)250 / 778 / 236
Highways Hwy 3
Hwy 3A
WaterwaysSimilkameen River

The community was named for R.L. Cawston, a pioneer rancher and magistrate who settled in the area in the 19th century. Nearby was the site of the original Hudson's Bay Company store.

History

Cawston lies within the territory of the Smelqmix (Similkameen) Nation, specifically the area of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band, which is a member of the Okanagan Nation Alliance of the Syilx. Members of the LSIB are involved in many social and cultural endeavours, such as working to revitalize the Nsyilxcen (Okanagan) language. The band currently has almost 500 members.[1][2]

School

Many of the kids in Cawston attend either Cawston Primary School or Similkameen Elementary Secondary School

Geography

Cawston is located on Highway 3 (the Crowsnest Highway) nearby communities are Keremeos (8 km to the West), Osoyoos (36 km to the East), and Penticton (50 km to the North).

Economy

Today, Cawston is a busy agricultural center. The town has two fruit packing plants, the newest being built strictly for organic produce - a fast-growing segment of the area's agricultural economy.

There are many apple and soft fruit orchards throughout the Cawston area. In recent years, vineyards and wineries have become an important part of the local economy.

The rural nature of this community has also made it a popular home to horse ranches, hobby farms and nature enthusiasts. There are many hiking trails in the area covering almost every terrain possible, from cactus and sagebrush desert to sub-alpine meadows.

Skiing and other winter activities can be enjoyed nearby as can 18 hole golf course at Twin Lakes, boating and swimming throughout the Okanagan and fishing in the Similkameen and Ashnola rivers as well as on the many lakes in the area.

References
  1. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-09-18. Retrieved 2018-09-18.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/histoires_de_chez_nous-community_memories/pm_v2.php?id=story_line&lg=English&fl=0&ex=00000413&sl=3035&pos=1&pf=1
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