River City Repair

Where: Fernie, BC

Year Established: 2022

Owner: Gord Bunston

I specialize in repairing outdoor gear used for paddling sports and in wet environments such as drysuits, waders, rafts, and gaskets. I also sell gaskets to help with DIY repair and will be offering tailoring in time.

Give us a brief description of your manufacturing processes and philosophy.

My main goal is to keep things out of the landfill.

How many employees and/or contractors do you work with?

I’m a sole proprietorship.

What brought you to the Kootenays and how long have you been here?

The paddling of course. I’ve been here over 10 years now.

Tell us about the history and relative work experience of your founder(s).

I’ve worked in the outdoors industry for 20 years now. I started as a camp counsellor and International Canoe Guide before landing a spot in a raft, which led me to become involved with Search and Rescue and then I was asked to become a firefighter at the local volunteer hall. Soon after I became a paramedic, ski patroller, swiftwater rescue instructor and I began working on the Regional Emergency Management team as Emergency Social Services Director. I’m also a stroke survivor and peanut butter lover. These days, if not playing outside with river gear, I can be found fixing it.