Jaffray, British Columbia

Jaffray is an unincorporated community on the west side of Little Sand Creek in the East Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia. On BC Highway 3/93, the locality is by road about 80 km southwest of Sparwood and 47 km southeast of Cranbrook.

History
Jaffray was formerly a siding, depot and steam train water stop. In the early 1900s, Robert Jaffray and several of his brothers worked at the local sawmills, eventually leaving and homesteading in Lacombe, Alberta. Even though some local people believed that Jaffray may have been named after the brothers, according to folklore, Jaffray had already been named by the time they came to the area. Frank Desrosier may have been the first resident to purchase land in the Jaffray town-site, purchasing District Lot 3055. In September 1900, Robert Elmsby received a crown grant on D.L. 3543, obtaining 200 acre for two hundred dollars, including most of what is now Jaffray proper.

Since the first residents settled, Jaffray has had four hotels, including the Jaffray Hotel, the Henderson's Hotel, Desrosier's Hotel and the Pearson Hotel. Historical general stores included Anthony Modigh's General Store, Economy Corner Store, and the Jaffray General Store.

Fire protection
In September 1995, the Regional District of East Kootenay, with the direction of founding Fire Chief John Betenia, and community approval of an RDEK bylaw, opened the Jaffray Volunteer Fire Department with 31 volunteer firefighter trainees.

The department has expanded considerably since inception and now includes a rescue team with First Responder Level III status. 

Geography
Jaffray is located near the picturesque Steeples, which include Fisher Peak, and the Lizard Mountain ranges, not far from Lake Koocanusa. The village is found on Highway 3 and 93, west of the Elko Highway 93 junction; just north of the Canadian/United States border at Rooseville, BC. This portion of the Rocky Mountain Trench is relatively flat, with open woodland and grasslands. The area is very popular for its great recreational opportunities.

Education
Part of School District 5 Southeast Kootenay, Jaffray Elementary Junior Secondary School has about 225 students from Kindergarten to Grade 10.

Notable people

 * Dean Brody (1975– ), country recording artist, residence as a youth.

Radio stations
(broadcast from Jaffray)
 * 101.3 FM - CBC Radio One, repeater located in Jaffray.

(available in Jaffray (broadcast from Cranbrook))
 * 107.5 FM - CFSM-FM, 107.5 2Day FM
 * 104.7 FM - CHBZ-FM, B-104
 * 102.9 FM - CHDR-FM, The Drive FM