Renting in Williams Lake in 2026

Williams Lake is the hub of BC's Cariboo region, with a population of roughly 11,500 as of Statistics Canada's 2025 estimate, sitting about halfway between Kamloops and Prince George on Highway 97. Its economy runs on forestry, mining, and ranching: West Fraser Timber and Tolko Industries both operate sawmills here, and the nearby Gibraltar Mine is Canada's second-largest open-pit copper mine.

Cariboo Memorial Hospital and School District 27's head office add steady public-sector employment on top of the resource-sector base. Williams Lake's rental market is modest but consistent, with houses and smaller apartment buildings serving a workforce that includes mill and mine shift workers, ranch hands, and the seasonal crowds the annual Williams Lake Stampede brings through town every Canada Day weekend.

The local economy runs on the following:

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  West Fraser Timber
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  Tolko Industries
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  Gibraltar Mine (Taseko Mines), Canada's second-largest open-pit copper mine
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  Cariboo Memorial Hospital & Health Centre (Interior Health)
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  Ranching and agriculture across the Cariboo

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  The Williams Lake Stampede, an annual Canada Day weekend rodeo running since 1919 and Canada's second-largest professional rodeo after the Calgary Stampede
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  Scout Island Nature Centre, a marsh and lake nature sanctuary with accessible trails
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  The Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin

Every rental in Williams Lake is governed by the BC Residential Tenancy Act. Key rules that apply regardless of town size:

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  Rent increases are capped at 2.3% for 2026 and 2.2% for 2027.Once every 12 months, with at least 3 full months' written notice.
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  Security deposit capped at half a month's rent.A separate pet damage deposit, also capped at half a month's rent, is allowed on top of it.
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  Landlord entry requires 24 hours' written notice.For repairs, showings, or inspections.
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  Disputes go to the RTB.A $100 flat fee applies to file a Dispute Resolution application.
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  A condition inspection report is required at move-in and move-out.If a landlord skips it, they forfeit the right to claim against the deposit for damage.

Deep guides for each of these topics are in the SQRFT guide library.

• Statistics Canada 2021 Census Profile
• School District 27 (Cariboo-Chilcotin)
• BC RTB