Welcome to Silvermere
Population about 14,800, at the shore of Silver Lake beneath the Silvercrest Mountains, in the heart of the West Highlands. Here's what locals would tell you over coffee.
We’re glad you’re here
Moving to a new place comes with a hundred small questions. We’ve answered them.
This page is the welcome basket. The first-week essentials, the first-month tasks, the insider tips only locals know, and the people and places that make Silvermere feel like home.
If you’d rather just call someone, City Hall (250-555-0100) is friendly. So is the Library (250-555-0100).
Silvermere at a glance
- Population
- About 14,800
- Incorporated
- 1909
- Where
- The Narrows, where Silver Lake narrows between the mountains
- On the territory of
- the Indigenous Peoples of the region
Step 1
Your first week.
Four things in the first week and you’re set up for the rest of the year.
Set up your utilities
Open your water, sewer, and curbside collection account with City Finance. You'll need your move-in date and property address. Five minutes by phone.
Finance: 250-555-0100 / finance@silvermere.example
Water service infoGet your collection day
Three carts: green-lid organics (weekly), dark-grey-lid garbage (bi-weekly), recycling (alternating bi-weekly). Carts out 4-7 a.m. on collection day. Download the Silvermere Collection Calendar app to never miss a pickup.
Curbside detailsRegister your pets
All dogs and cats over 12 months need a Silvermere pet licence (Bylaw 271). It's how the West Highlands Animal Services gets your pet home if they get loose.
Pet licence infoSign up for Silvermere Alert
The City's emergency notifications. Free, immediate, and the only way you'll hear about wildfire orders, boil-water notices, and major closures the moment they happen. Text, voice, landline, or email.
Sign up freeStep 2
Your first month.
Once you’re unpacked, a few more things worth knowing.
Property taxes (due July 2, 2026)
If you own, you'll get a Property Tax Notice in late spring. Apply for the Home Owner Grant (Provincial program) by July 2, 2026 to save hundreds. Skip the annual scramble next year by enrolling in the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan.
Property tax guideRenting? Landlord-tenant resources
Tenancy in BC is governed by the Residential Tenancy Act, administered by the BC Residential Tenancy Branch, not the City. Disputes, deposits, repairs, and eviction questions all go to the RTB.
Tenant resourcesBuilding, renovating, or adding a suite?
Most projects need a permit before you start. Silvermere adopted Bylaw 411 (Zoning) in July 2024 to align with BC's small-scale multi-unit housing rules. Talk to Development Services first.
Permit infoYour tap water comes from Silver Lake
Silvermere's drinking water is sourced from Silver Lake, transported through a 1,350 mm watermain to the City's UV treatment facility. The North Well is the backup source. Watch the news section for any Water Quality Advisories.
Water system infoFrom the locals
Things you only learn after living here a while.
The shortcuts, the favourite spots, the “wait, that’s here?” moments.
Make the Library your first stop
Silvermere Public Library at 1005 3rd Street has free WiFi, free public computers (60-min daily limit), free cards for residents, and library staff who can connect you with everything else newcomers need. Honestly the best free thing in town.
Library spotlightThe Lakeline is your shortcut
Silvermere's Lakeline Bike Network connects neighbourhoods to downtown and out to Highwater College on multi-use paths and bike lanes, without sharing space with motor traffic. Once you know the routes, biking is faster than driving for many trips.
Lakeline routesLocals plan around Lakelight
The Silvermere Lakelight Festival fills the Silver Lake promenade with lanterns and light installations every winter, capped by a community lantern parade across the Old Mill Footbridge. Free, walkable, and one of the things people brag about.
LakelightLantern Bay Park is the answer to most weekends
100 5th Street. Three swimming ponds, beaches, soccer fields, dog park, bike park, year-round washrooms in the Pavilion, and the region's tallest play structure (opened June 2024). The local default for "what should we do this evening?"
Parks directoryStep 3
Where to find your people.
The institutions, partners, and groups that anchor Silvermere’s community life.
Stay connected
Plug into the City’s rhythm.
Key contacts
City Hall
- 100 Lakeshore Avenue
- 250-555-0100
- info@silvermere.example
- 8:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m.
Civic Works
- 250-555-0140
- civicworks@silvermere.example
- Roads, water, sewer, snow
Emergency
- 9-1-1
- RCMP non-emergency: 250-555-0120
- Wildfire reports: 250-555-0199
Silvermere sits on Silver Lake, where the lake narrows between the Silvercrest Mountains at The Narrows, on the traditional territory of the Indigenous Peoples of the region. We’re glad you’re here.