In 1912, McKay installed an electricity generating plant, which supplied street lighting and properties. Powered by cordwood-burning steam boilers, the plant was the first in the valley. That year, the Bank of Montreal established a branch, four stores existed, a garage/public hall was under construction, and the Columbia Valley Times newspaper was founded, being published at least until 1914. During these few years, the services also included two Chinese restaurants, a Chinese laundry, two brothels, a telephone operator, and two provincial police officers.
