The Grand Forks flooding – a community in recovery

A history of strength and perseverance

Grand Forks, a city today of 4,050 residents in a valley within the interior of British Columbia and located at the joining of the Granby and Kettle Rivers has a rich history of perseverance. Dating back to its founding when gold and copper mining dominated the Boundary and Kootenay regions of BC within which the City is located, Grand Forks twice had its downtown core leveled due to fires.

ROCKWOOL (then ROXUL (West) Inc.) arrived in Grand Forks in November of 1999 with the purchase of the factory from Enertek Product International. The factory was formerly operated by Pacific Enercon Inc. and Bradford Insulation, two companies that had made investments into modern equipment over the years including an electric melter, and our arrival has resulted in further upgrades into the facility, growing our North American presence to service markets on the west coast.

The Grand Forks 2018 Flood

On May 10, 2018, residents of Grand Forks witnessed what was the outcome of a 100-year flood event.

Record snowfall during the winter of 2017-18 in western Canada led to 238 percent more snowpack in the mountains than during an average season. This was followed by a period of temperatures that exceeded 30°C in April and a rainy May with more than 60 mm of precipitation. The combination of these factors triggered melting conditions that put more pressure on both the Kettle and Granby Rivers than they could handle, which resulted in the most severe flooding in Grand Forks since 1948.

By the time the water reached its peak, 2,800 people were displaced from their homes in the Boundary Area, with 380 homes evacuated in Grand Forks including those of ROCKWOOL employees. 

This is an experience that will never be forgotten.

A long-term commitment to supporting the community

It was during the period of the Grand Forks flooding that we saw the community come together in remarkable ways, with courage, kindness, compassion and commitment. From the first responders and service organizations, to our employees, families and neighbours it was an example that the greatest resilience is often demonstrated by the people who make our communities a home.

Founded as a family business, ROCKWOOL has always been committed to strengthening the communities of which we are a part. Philanthropy and corporate citizenship are an integral part of our identity and we take great pride in giving back.

We’re proud to say that in 2019, we are celebrating our 20th anniversary in Grand Forks – an operation that has grown from 50 employees to the approximately 200 we have on staff today. As one of the larger employers and industries in town, ROCKWOOL contributes an estimated $12 million to the local economy annually between payroll, local economic activity via vendor and supplier business opportunities, and our community support. Our community support is done through contributions to major community events and programs, such as the Grand Forks International Baseball Tournament, Habitat for Humanity, local scholarships, and more.

Our purpose is to release the natural power of stone to enrich modern living and help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. We are inspired by that purpose every day and look forward to continuing to contribute in a positive and meaningful way to the people of Grand Forks, BC.