Welcome to Wells, British Columbia.

Follow British Columbia’s historic Gold Rush Trail and you’ll still find treasure in Wells. It’s taken some creativity for the tiny town near Barkerville to unearth new nuggets.

During the glory days of the Cariboo Gold Rush, more than 4,500 miners pick-axed their way into Wells. Mines opened. The town boomed.

But by the 1960s, the mines had closed. The only “rush” saw people leaving town for other work. Wells’ population and livelihood rusted along with the abandoned mining equipment.

The Big Change

High speed Internet has changed the town’s fortune, thanks to forward-thinking people like Sundance Topham. “I think it’s fair to say high-speed Internet has helped keep businesses alive and bring renewed life to Wells. I like to say we are an eclectic mix of old miners, artists, semi-retired people and now young families.” In 2004, Topham was the Marketing and Economic Development Officer for the District of Wells. He, the mayor and local businesses worked with Network BC to add affordable broadband service to homes, businesses and the local school. B.C.-based Internet service provider ABC Communications helped wire the town. “The town was dwindling,” says ABC founder, Bob Allen. “Internet service gave local businesses the opportunity to promote themselves and do business in ways they weren’t able to before.”

Sundance Topham, Marketing and Economic Development Officer.

The Shine has Returned to Wells

Topham says the bustle is back. “The void has been filled by artists, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists.”

With broadband access, a growing number of local artisans and gallery owners promote their work year round to national and international audiences. Local websites entice tourists. The high point of the season is the annual ArtsWells festival on the B.C. Day long weekend.

Wells now welcomes more than 100,000 visitors between May and September.

Did You Know?

• Today, 93 per cent of British Columbians have access to high-speed Internet.
• B.C. is one of the most connected jurisdictions in the world.
• Bridging the digital divide increases access to health information, education, economic opportunities and government services.
• $1.5M to connect more B.C. residents to broadband. [Oct. 12, 2010 information bulletin]