Spring 2026 Commercial Lending Snapshot – Northern BC

Where Are Commercial Lending Rates Right Now?

As a commercial REALTOR® and business broker serving Prince George and Northern BC, one of the most common questions I get from buyers, investors, and business owners is: "What are interest rates doing, and can I get a deal financed?"

To answer that directly, I reached out to commercial lenders across the region — from the major banks to credit unions and the BDC — and asked them to share their current rates, lending preferences, and contact information. Here's what they told me in late April and early May 2026.

The Big Picture: Rates Are Competitive

The good news? Commercial financing is accessible and competitive right now. Across the seven institutions that responded to my survey, lending rates for solid commercial deals generally fall in the range of 4.40% to 6.50%, depending on the institution, loan type, term, and borrower profile.

Variable rate options are available in the low-to-mid 5% range, while 5-year fixed rates tend to cluster between 5% and 6%. The outliers on the low end — RBC coming in at 4.40% to 5.10% for their best deals — suggest that strong borrowers with clean financials and solid relationships have real room to negotiate.

Prime-based floating rate deals (common for lines of credit and shorter-term commercial loans) are typically priced at Prime plus a spread. With Prime currently sitting at 4.45%, that puts floating rate commercial debt broadly in the 4.95% to 6.00% range for most borrowers.

What Types of Deals Are Lenders Looking For?

A consistent theme across all respondents: lenders want relationships, not transactions. Nearly every institution emphasized long-term partnerships with well-managed businesses over one-off deals. That said, appetite is broad:

Owner-occupied commercial real estate is a favourite across the board — National Bank and BDC both highlighted financing up to 100% of purchase price for owner-occupied properties. Investment properties are also well-supported, with most lenders going to 75–85% LTV.

Business acquisitions and change-of-ownership transactions are actively sought by several lenders, including BDC and CIBC. If you're looking to buy a business in Northern BC, financing is available — you just need to bring a solid deal.

Equipment financing, working capital, and operating lines round out the lending mix. BDC stands out here with financing up to 125% on equipment.

Sectorally, most lenders said they have no strong industry bias — they'll lend across sectors to well-run businesses. BMO noted a particular focus on Indigenous banking, manufacturing, and investor-owned properties up to $5M.

My Take

For buyers and borrowers in Northern BC, this is a solid lending environment. Rates have moderated from their recent highs, and local lenders are genuinely motivated to do business here. If you're considering buying a commercial property, acquiring a business, or refinancing existing commercial debt, now is a good time to have those conversations.

The contacts below are all people I've worked with or been in communication with — don't hesitate to reach out to them directly, or call me and I can connect you with the right lender for your situation.

Spring 2026 Lender Profiles

Here's a breakdown of each institution, directly from their commercial bankers:

Scotiabank

Scotiabank declined to provide a specific rate range, noting that commercial pricing is highly customized based on risk profile, deal structure, and the overall banking relationship. That's honest — and true of most big bank pricing at the complex end of the market.

Lending Focus: Relationship-based commercial banking; businesses pursuing growth, acquisitions, or complex financing needs. Long-term partnerships preferred over transactional or stand-alone lending.

Rates: Customized to risk profile — contact directly for specifics.

Contact: Kurtis Friend, Senior Client Relationship Manager & Market Lead

Phone: 778-675-4920

Email: kurtis.friend@scotiabank.com

Beem Credit Union

Beem (formerly Prince George Savings Credit Union) is a strong local option for Central and Northern BC borrowers, with a broad mandate and competitive rates.

Lending Focus: Open to all well-managed businesses across any sector. Focused on supporting the Central and Northern BC economy with strong, long-term relationships.

Rates: 4.00% – 6.50% depending on term and lending product.

Contact: Rahul Singla, Commercial Relationship Manager – Prince George

Cell: 250-612-8845

Office: 250-554-5353

Email: rsingla@beemcreditunion.ca

BDC – Business Development Bank of Canada

BDC is Canada's bank for entrepreneurs and a key player for business acquisitions and owner-occupied commercial real estate. Their willingness to go to 100% on owner-occupied properties and 125% on equipment sets them apart.

Lending Focus: Owner-occupied properties (up to 100% including renovations); investment properties (up to 85%); change of ownership transactions; equipment lending (up to 125%); working capital for growth.

Rates: 5.05% variable; 5.95% 5-year fixed. Rate improvements available for loans over $5M.

Advisory Services: BDC also offers business advisory services — connecting clients with experienced advisors to strengthen operations and unlock growth.

Contacts: Brian Woodbeck, Senior Account Manager

Brian's Phone: 250-561-5336 (office) | 250-649-6606 (cell)

Brian's Email: Brian.woodbeck@bdc.ca

Also: Nik Syal – 250-552-0829 | Nik.syal@bdc.ca

TD Commercial Banking

TD prices to risk, meaning rates vary based on the borrower, industry, and deal structure. Francois Cardin serves as the local point of contact and also connects clients with TD's partner groups including equipment finance and real estate.

Lending Focus: Fully franchised clients who value long-term relationships and tailored advice. No specific industry bias — looking for well-managed, adaptable businesses.

Rates: 4.50% – 6.00% for 5-year terms (average, non-investment grade borrowers). Shorter terms typically slightly lower (with a modest premium on 6-month terms). Prime-based floating also available.

Contact: Francois Cardin, Account Manager – TD Commercial Banking

Address: 400 Victoria Street, 3rd Floor, Prince George, BC V2L 2J7

Phone: 250-614-2963

Email: francois.cardin@td.com

RBC Royal Bank

RBC came in with the most competitive rate range of the survey for solid deals, and they're actively looking for new commercial business in the region.

Lending Focus: Real estate, cash flow loans, and operating companies.

Rates: 4.40% – 5.10% for 1–5 year terms on best-quality deals.

Contact: Norman Hebert, Senior Relationship Manager – Commercial Financial Services

Address: 550 Victoria Street, 2nd Floor, Prince George, BC V2L 2K1

Phone: 250-960-4594 (office) | 250-552-1466 (cell)

Email: norman.hebert@rbc.com (Service inquiries: serviceteambc3@rbc.com)

CIBC

Lending Focus: Building long-term relationships with businesses local to Central and Northern BC. Financing for operating needs, equipment, owner-occupied and income-producing commercial real estate, and business acquisitions.

Rates: Floating at Prime + 1% (with room for adjustment based on credit quality). Fixed rates 5.00% – 6.00% for 1–5 year terms. (Prime currently 4.45%.)

Contact: Braden Cook

Email: braden.cook@cibc.com

BMO – Bank of Montreal

Lending Focus: Indigenous banking, manufacturers, and investor-owned properties up to $5M.

Rates: Prime + 0.50% to Prime + 1.50%.

Contact: Fabio Stancati

Phone: 778-349-2412

Email: fabio.stancati@bmo.com

National Bank of Canada

National Bank offers up to 100% financing for owner-occupied mortgages — one of the most aggressive LTV positions in the market — making them worth a call for business owners looking to buy their own premises.

Lending Focus: Owner-occupied mortgages (up to 100% financing, subject to criteria); business transfer transactions (up to 75% LTV, 7–10 year amortization).

Rates: 4.70% – 5.45% depending on term.

Contacts: Qi Xie & Tony Stancati – Prince George area

Qi Email: qi.xie@nbc.ca

Tony Email: tony.stancati@nbc.ca

Questions about commercial financing or buying/selling commercial real estate or businesses in Northern BC? Reach out anytime.

Dave Fuller, MBA  |  NBC Commercial | Team Powerhouse Realty

dave@nbccommercial.ca  |  250-617-7467  |  nbccommercial.ca