Since its introduction the "Kootenay Collection" has proven to be very popular with many. As a result of its success Kootenay Savings in 1985 appropriately undertook a sequel to this unique series. After studying our heritage in such visual detail it would seem fitting that a series of contemporary paintings be commissioned to chronicle the regions progress after nearly a century.

Kootenay savings once again commissioned Mal Gagnon to share his watercolor impressions of the region's six communities and its people as they appeared in the 1980's. While some of the communities prospered and declined with the rise and fall of the mining industry others grew to become commercial, recreational and industrial centers of the West Kootenay region, while others disappeared entirely.