The Hazeltons — New Hazelton, Old Hazelton, and South Hazelton — form a cluster of small communities at the confluence of the Skeena and Bulkley Rivers, approximately 300 kilometres east of Prince Rupert and 440 kilometres northwest of Prince George via Highway 16. This is the heart of Gitxsan territory, one of BC's most culturally significant First Nations. The communities combine First Nations cultural life with forestry employment, healthcare services, and some tourism drawn by the remarkable totem poles at Ksan Historical Village.
The Hazeltons are small communities — New Hazelton has a population of roughly 700 people, with the broader Hazelton area totalling around 3,000-4,000 including surrounding villages. Banking services are limited but serve essential needs.
Integris Credit Union has a presence in New Hazelton and is the primary financial institution for many Hazelton area residents. Integris' understanding of northern BC's resource economy and First Nations community banking makes them the natural fit for this area. Their flexible lending criteria and community investment approach serve residents whose income patterns — including band employment, seasonal forestry work, and subsistence activities — may not fit standard big-bank models.
Gitxsan Nation and the Wet'suwet'en (whose territories extend nearby) have been engaged in significant economic and legal activity related to resource development, including the Coastal GasLink pipeline project. Increased economic development revenues flowing to First Nations in this region create growing demand for financial services — savings accounts, investment vehicles, business banking, and estate planning.
Given limited local branch infrastructure, many Hazelton area residents manage most banking online. Key options:
Home prices in the Hazelton area are very affordable — typically $150,000-$300,000 for a detached home. First-time buyers are fully exempt from BC PTT at these prices. Mortgages on reserve land require specialized Indigenous lending products.
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