Invest In BC 2013

The coasT is clear: B.c. gatewayMoving righT along: Developments

in transportationnew collaBoraTions: Disparate

regions find reasons to co-operateTourisT aTTracTion: Province draws

worldwide attentionoPen for Business: Tax

incentives for your company+8 regional rePorTs wiTh sTaTs

Boom TimesGood fortune and good resources yield a strong economic climate

2013

Business and investment across British Columbia

Official publicatiOn

Jan.22 2013

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• The coast is clear – 6 B.C. is the gateway to a successful future

• B.C. boom times – 11 A convergence of good fortune

• Moving right along – 13 New developments in transportation

• Easy green – 16 Eco-sensitive technology puts B.C. on the map

• The new collaboration – 18 Disparate regions find reasons to co-operate

• Tourist attraction – 20 B.C. destinations draw worldwide attention

• Open for (your) business – 23 Competitive advantage starts with low taxes

•Economic Development Association of British Columbia members – 91

Economic development regions• Mainland/Southwest – 25

Strategic location, diverse economy • Vancouver Island/Coast – 40

Opportunities amid beauty • Cariboo – 49

Resource rich • Kootenay – 54

Lifestyle and connectivity • Thompson Okanagan – 61

Provincial crossroads • North Coast – 70

Port of call • Northeast – 76

Asian markets • Nechako – 89

Rock solid

Publisher: Paul HarrisManaging publisher: Gail ClarkEditor: Baila LazarusDesign director: Randy PearsallProofreader: Maja GripWriters: Michael Bernard, Richard Chu, James Dolan,

Jerry Eberts, Noa Glouberman, Pamela Irving, Curt Cherewayko, Peter Mitham, Linda Tobias

Production manager: Don SchuetzeProduction: David TongVice-president sales: Kerry MacDonaldSales manager: Joan McGrogan Advertising sales: Lori Borden, Corinne Tkachuk Administrator: Katherine ButlerController: Marlita HodgensPresident, BIV Media Group: Paul Harris

Invest in BC is published by BIV Magazines, a division of BIV Media Group, 102 Fourth Avenue East, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2, 604-688-2398, fax 604-688-6058, www.businessinvancouver.com.

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www.investinbc.ca

The coasT is clear: B.c. gateway

Moving righT along: developments in transportation

new collaBoraTions: disparate regions find reasons to co-operate

TourisT aTTracTion: drawing worldwide attention

open for Business: tax incentives for your company

+8 regional reporTs wiTh sTaTs

Boom TimesGood fortune and good resources yield a strong economic climate

2013


Official publicatiOn

Produced by

2013


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Letter from the president, Economic Development Association of British Columbia

Letter from the chief executive officer, Economic Development Association of British Columbia

Welcome to the endless amount of opportunities that is British Columbia. Canada’s westernmost

province, B.C. offers an abundance of fields and sectors that contribute to the success that is Canada’s strongest economy. Moving economic development forward is the product of strong relationships between com-munities, regions and governments, who create jobs through the BC Jobs Plan along with their own local-ized economic development strategies: proactive steps that benefit companies and investors moving here.

Being such a diverse province, B.C. strategically partners to stimulate growth in sectors varying from transportation to education to Asia Pacific trade to entrepreneurism. B.C.’s economies are still thriving from the success of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and the global attention the prov-ince received.

From municipal to provincial, the partnerships are represented at all levels of government. With the pro-motion of positive business growth as the end goal, British Columbia is certainly one of Canada’s leading economies. Recent reductions in the provincial corpo-rate income-tax rate, combined with a relatively low federal tax rate, have allowed BC businesses to enjoy one of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the G8 (see page 23 for more details).

B.C. not only has among the lowest corporate income taxes among the world’s major industrial-ized countries, it also has the lowest personal income taxes. Small business benefits from programs that provide increased access to capital and tax credits and that reduce and streamline red tape.

The Economic Development Association of British Columbia (EDABC) proudly presents Invest in BC 2013. By making information directly available, our mem-bers and professional connections can collaborate with you to achieve positive economic development in communities provincewide. Our aim: to provide you with the necessary information to make informed and strategic decisions that will contribute to economic growth within B.C. while allowing you to achieve per-sonal monetary success.

The EDABC is the leading association of economic-development practitioners in BC’s communities: the primary sources of economic information and invest-ment specifics there. Our members assist you in turn-ing your investment plans into realities. We want to see you and your business become important parts of B.C. as Canada’s economic leader.

Geoff MillarPresident,

Economic Development Association of British Columbia

Welcome to Invest in BC 2013. If we have learned anything from recent global economic chal-

lenges, it’s that an informed, innovative and strategic economic development program is necessary to ensure economic sustainability. Governments and businesses seeking lucrative growth are doing so by enlisting the help of economic developers from across the province.

Economic development officers (EDOs) have an abundance of tools and resources at their disposal, which help build valuable relationships to aid in bringing the right people together at the right time. If you are pursuing tools for workforce development, recruitment, real estate, energy or utility resources, transportation infrastructure or regulation and per-mitting, an EDO will help you find them. Members of the Economic Development Association of British Columbia (EDABC) are committed to finding value-adding solutions for their communities and for your business.

Encompassing a variety of industries, from forestry to technology and everything in between, our diverse economy has proven time and time again why we are

one of the strongest economies in the world. From Victoria to Fort Nelson, our governments are com-mitted to remaining among the most competitive jurisdictions within the G8. With regards to the greater entity that is Canada, future growth and prosperity has never looked so promising.

If you have never had the privilege to experience all that British Columbia has to offer, we invite you to enjoy any one of the endless recreational activities available to you. Whether it be skiing on a snow-capped mountain or catching some sun on a sandy beach, beautiful British Columbia truly is the best place on earth. Featuring urban, small-town and rural living, our communities are as diverse as the people living within them.

I invite you to contact myself, our members or representatives of the Province of British Columbia to help you make educated decisions on how you too can become part of Canada’s sturdiest economy.

Dale WheeldonExecutive director,

Economic Development Association of British Columbia

Success through strong relationships

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By Peter Mitham

October 2012: The winter rains had started to fall on the B.C. coast, but an investor from China was prepar-

ing to close on a two-acre property in Port Moody. Worth a million dollars, the prop-erty was located in a low-key area designed not to attract attention but with good future prospects.

The buyer, a successful entrepreneur, had been quietly pursuing the deal. Cash from China had been gradually channelled to an account in Canada, free from state control at home, with the intention of pur-suing local investments.

Recounting the story at an investment conference in Vancouver a few weeks later, Graham Kwan, president and CEO of Character Capital Inc., observed that the deal is part of a growing phenomenon among foreign investors.

While some countries, including China, have restrictions on how much cash resi-dents can move overseas, Canada has no restrictions on the repatriation of capital (save for withholding taxes). Canada is therefore a safe haven where investors

can place money, with the assurance that it will be available to them for investment purposes within the country or elsewhere. This gives them the financial liquidity needed to become global players.

Being able to offer international reach is something the province’s ports have long used to their advantage, reinforced in recent years through investments by the federal and provincial governments.

Ottawa’s Asia-Pacific Gateway Corridor and Initiative has allocated $748.8 million for projects in B.C. that support increased traffic through ports in Metro Vancouver and Prince Rupert. Other investments in Edmonton and farther afield are support-ing the movement of goods from B.C.’s ports – the busiest in Canada – across the country and onwards to the u.S.

Complementing these investments are provincial projects such as the South Fraser Perimeter Road, which will improve the movement of goods from port facili-ties in Delta to warehouses inland.

The projects will ensure B.C. remains the closest and most efficient route from Asia to the heart of North America. Goods

The coast is clearFrom natural resources to first-class education, B.C. is not just a gateway to the Pacific Rim, it’s a gateway to a successful future

Transportation connections within B.C. facilitate delivery of commodities for export, whether natural gas or traditional exports such as forest products and coal


leaving Yokohama, Japan, via ship and landing at Prince Rupert can be in Chicago via rail within two weeks, for example.

Similarly, goods entering Vancouver by ship can be in California by road or rail connections within 24 hours of transfer.

The advantages are driving bids for LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminals on Kitimat and other locations on the prov-ince’s northwest coast. Convenient trans-portation connections within the province facilitate the delivery of commodities for export, whether natural gas or traditional exports such as forest products and coal – B.C.’s single biggest export, followed by lumber and wood pulp.

The rich supply of natural resources is drawing foreign investors, attracted to the opportunities the province offers to meet their needs.

B.C.’s location means the investors are largely from Asia, a region that’s now the province’s single biggest trading partner – even ahead of the u.S. Just as trading and tourism companies from Japan set up shop here in the 1980s, now Chinese com-panies are establishing subsidiaries and partnerships.

Vancouver-based HD Mining Inter-national Ltd., backed by subsidiaries of the Chinese companies Huiyong Holdings Group, Kailuan Group and steel manufac-turer Shougang Group, is developing the massive Murray River coal project near Tumbler Ridge.

Other companies, such as China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. are located here because the province’s

mineral riches have made Vancouver a centre for mining finance and expertise.

A cosmopolitan milieu, and orientation to Asia, also makes the city a popular des-tination for overseas students. Many come to study at one of the province’s many post-secondary schools; some start earlier, through secondary school programs or learning English at one of the many lan-guage schools.

A safe environment and dynamic lifestyle opportunities complement the in-class environment, providing students with an experience that lasts a lifetime.

This was particularly true for Shi Hao, a uBC graduate who returned to Vancouver last year to head the Canadian operations of the Agricultural Bank of China.

“British Columbia’s multicultural society and business-friendly environment will help us develop our business in Canada,” Hao said in announcing the bank’s plans to locate in Vancouver.

The experience that attracted Hao back to Canada is also underpinning interna-tional partnerships that strengthen the international status of local schools.

Victoria’s Royal Roads university, which hopes to have 1,000 international students on campus by 2017, signed a memoran-dum of understanding with Sahibzada Ajit Singh Academy of Punjab, India, that will encourage the progression of students from the academy to Royal Roads.

Thompson Rivers university, whose new law school has attracted professors from universities in Lancashire, England, and in Western Australia, is developing a

relationship with England’s Staffordshire university, a leader in sports law.

Meanwhile, uBC, home of the Clean Energy Research Centre, is collaborating with Seoul’s Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) on a three-year project to research and develop fuels and chemicals derived from biomass. KIST will establish a research lab at uBC as part of the arrangement.

Whether in Vancouver or on Vancouver Island or in the province’s Interior, stun-ning landscapes and recreational oppor-tunities contribute to an enviable quality of life. Open spaces, a pristine natural envi-ronment and world-class golfing, skiing and snowboarding are among the many outdoor activities on offer, and many com-munities are home to thriving arts com-munities and cultural events. Summer is a time for markets, fairs and festivals, bring-ing communities together once the work week’s done. •

B.C. boasts a diverse and talented pool of research researchers that supports innovations across a variety of sectors, from software development to life sciences

Thompson Rivers University’s new law school has attracted professors from universities in England and Western Australia and is developing a relationship with Staffordshire University, a leader in sports law

Business in Vancouver Magazine Division INVEST IN BC 2013 7

Economic indicatorsSources of strength, areas of diversification

British Columbia’s real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded 3 per cent

in 2010, making up lost ground after hav-ing contracted (–2.1 per cent) in 2009. Economic growth in B.C. was spurred mainly by an increase of 5.3 per cent in final domestic demand (total personal, business and government spending), with business investment (+13.9 per cent) and consumer spending (+3.8 per cent) spurring much of the growth.

Investment in non-residential struc-tures (+27.1 per cent) and machinery and equipment (+11.9 per cent) saw double-digit growth. Total government-sector spending in B.C. rose 10.6 per cent, with infrastructural spending rising 15.4.

B.C.’s economy is expected to grow moderately over the next year, according to the province’s independent Economic Forecast Council. The council forecasts GDP growth at 2.7 per cent for 2011 and 3.0 for 2012, with an average annual fore-cast for 2013 through 2015 of 2.8 per cent.

Getting the jobs doneBritish Columbia’s unemployment rate decreased to 6.6 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in October 2011, its lowest level that year. The improvement in the jobless rate was driven by a drop in employment (–0.5 per cent, a loss of 10,800 jobs) offset by a decline (–0.6 per cent) in the num-ber of persons either working or seeking work. Job losses were concentrated in the goods sector, where employment fell 4.2 per cent. The service sector saw job gains (+0.5 per cent) in October. (Sources: BC Stats; Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey)

Payday, paydayThe average weekly wage in B.C. was $847.57 in November, as compared to the national average of $851.35. B.C.’s average weekly wage rate was Canada’s fifth-highest. The average hourly wage in the province was $23.43. Hourly wages in the province are slightly ahead of the national level. (Sources: BC Stats; Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey)

Tourism tallyThe number of travellers entering Canada via B.C. was up (+0.5 per cent, season-ally adjusted) in September 2011. Entries from overseas countries were higher that month (+1.8 per cent), with much of the increase coming from countries classified as “other” (+4.5 per cent), which include Oceania as well as North America (exclud-ing the united States) and South America. The number of visitors from Asia (+1.1 per cent) and Europe (+1.0 per cent) also increased over the previous month. (Sources: BC Stats; Statistics Canada)

Store capacityRetail sales in B.C. advanced modestly 0.2 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in September 2011, a slowdown in growth from the previous month (+0.7 per cent). Sales at clothing and accessories stores (+1.6 per cent), sporting goods, hobby, book and music shops (+1.3 per cent) and motor vehicles and parts dealers (+1.3 per cent) were higher, though these were largely offset by declines in revenues earned at building materials and garden supplies stores (–2.8 per cent). Sales were also weaker at furniture and home furnish-ings (–1.2 per cent) and food and bever-age (–0.4 per cent) stores. (Sources: BC Stats; Statistics Canada)

Make it or break itManufacturing sales in B.C. moved ahead 0.1 per cent in September 2011: the fourth consecutive monthly increase. Of the 21 manufacturing industries, 10 posted increases. Shipments by machinery manu-facturers showed the most strength (+6.1 per cent), while shipments by computer and electronic (+4.2 per cent) and bever-age and tobacco (+3.6 per cent) producers were also notably higher. Overall, manu-facturers of non-durable goods saw the value of shipments slip 0.4 per cent, while shipments were up 0.6 per cent in the durables sector. (Sources: BC Stats; Statistics Canada)

Wholesome salesB.C.’s wholesalers saw revenues rise 0.5 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in September 2011, led by stronger motor-vehicle sales. Nationally, wholesale sales increased 0.3 per cent, a fifth straight monthly increase. (Sources: BC Stats; Statistics Canada)

From the ground upHousing starts in B.C. rose 2.4 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in October 2011. urban starts were up slightly (+1.5 per cent) from continued growth in new multiple-unit housing projects (+5.5 per cent), but single-family detached starts went down (–9.5 per cent). Rural starts went significantly up (+13.0 per cent) in October. Nationally, housing starts slipped 0.6 per cent in October. (Sources: BC Stats; Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation)

Allow meup to November 2011, residential and non-residential building permits in B.C. were lower than in the first nine months of 2010, but the Mainland/Southwest (+0.2 per cent), Northeast (+4.8 per cent) and North Coast (+89.1 per cent) regions of the province fared favourably in the first nine months of the year. (Sources: BC Stats; Statistics Canada)

Taking creditThe Dominion Bond Rating Service, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investment Service have all reconfirmed B.C.’s strong credit rating. The most recent report from Moody’s notes the province’s debt-reduction efforts of the past few years have put B.C. in a stronger position to face the economic downturn. DBRS rates B.C. AA (high), Standard & Poor’s AAA and Moody’s AAA. •

Sources: Province of British Columbia, “Economic Indicators”; BC Stats; Statistics Canada


Certifi ed General Accountants see more than numbers. When it comes to leadership, we see

the impact and opportunity behind those numbers. That’s because, in this fast changing economic

climate, innovative leadership is seeing how numbers impact our business – before they do.

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british columbia

vancouversurrey

Burnaby

richmond

abbotsford

Coquitlam

Kelownasaanich

langley Townshipdelta

200,000400,000600,000800,000

B.c.’s biggest municipalities by population

Population: Biggest cities in each region (2010)mainland/southwest vancouver 603,502Thompson okanagan Kelowna 117,312vancouver island/Coast saanich 109,752Cariboo Prince george 71,974northeast fort st. John 18,609Kootenay Cranbrook 19,319north Coast Prince rupert 12,508nechako smithers 5,404

Population1996 3,724,5002001 3,907,7382006 4,113,4872011 4,400,057

class of B.c. immigrants (2011)Total Proportion

skilled worker 10,031 28.84%Canadian experience 1,021 2.94%Provincial nominee 4,306 12.38%live-in caregiver 2,458 7.07%Entrepreneur/investor/self-employed

4,088 11.75%

other 944 2.71%refugee 1,810 5.20%family 10,127 29.11%

language spoken at home (2006 census)English 3,341,285 82.0%

Chinese (all) 260,280 6.4%

Punjabi 184,590 4.5%

Korean 49,130 1.2%

economic development regions • mainland/southwest – 25 • vancouver island/coast – 40 • cariboo – 49 • kootenay – 54 • thompson okanagan – 61 • north coast – 70 • northeast – 76 • nechako – 89

Total gross domestic product (gDP): 2011, $ billion $188.5real estate, rental and leasing $32.50

retail and wholesale trade $18.90

Construction $14.80

manufacturing $13.60

Health care and social assistance $13.30

Energy $12.80

Public administration $11.70

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immigrant population (2006 census)immigrant residents 1,322,580

SOuRCE: CITIzENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA

Main country of origin for B.c. immigrants (2011)Total Proportion of total

China 7,486 29.06%Philippines 5,468 21.22%india 4,415 17.14%Korea 1,789 6.94%U.s. 1,498 5.81%England 1,467 5.69%iran 1,166 4.53%Taiwan 1,156 4.49%Japan 666 2.59%mexico 653 2.53%

SOuRCE: CITIzENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA

value of purchases by type of buyer

Office Industrial ICI land Retail Multi-housing Hotel

50

100

150

200

250

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SOuRCE: AVISON YOuNG, MID-YEAR 2012 INVESTMENT REVIEW

Breakdown of real estate transactions

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other

government

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SOuRCE: CBRE CANADA MARKET OuTLOOK 2013 REPORT


By Michael Bernard

What a difference a decade makes.When plummeting coal prices

forced the shutdown of Teck Corporation’s Quintette Mine in Tumbler Ridge, the company bought back homes from their former employees and held a well-publicized fire sale in which three-bedroom homes were grabbed up for between $28,000 and $30,000.

Last month, a similar three-bedroom house with little to no upgrading went for $230,000, said Anthony Boos, owner of Royal LePage Cascades Realty of Tumbler Ridge.

“We are seeing miners, retirees and even investors buying up homes,” said Boos. “And mining employees go onto a waiting list for vacancies in town now. There are some homes that are earning $9,000 a month in rent.”

It’s a story that is being told over and over again in resource-based communities from the coastal community of Kitimat to the northeast city of Fort St. John as boom times return to B.C.’s North. Higher prices for coal used in steelmaking, the rising demand for stud lumber to rebuild u.S. Eastern Seaboard homes ravaged by Hurricane Sandy, and the promise of lique-fied natural gas shipments to Asia are all driving an economic renaissance.

While a resurgence of the mining and forest industries is well underway, both stand to be dwarfed by the injection of billions of dollars over the next decade into at least five LNG projects and pipe-lines including the Northern Gateway project that promise to make B.C. a major global exporter of liquefied natural gas to Asia. Natural gas from B.C.’s northeast gas fields would be transported by pipelines

to the LNG facilties where the gas would be cooled and liquefied and then loaded onto giant freighters.

Three of the projects are proposed for Kitimat and area while two others would use Prince Rupert and area for a base. A sixth LNG facility has been proposed by billionaire Krishnan Suthanthiran at Kitsault, about 120 kilometres northwest of Kitimat.

The Kitimat projects include: Kitimat

LNG and Pacific Trails, an Apache Chevron partnership; Douglas Channel Energy Partnership, a consortium that involves the Haisla First Nation; and LNG Canada, a partnership of Shell, Korea Gas, Mitsubishi and PetroChina Corp. The Prince Rupert proposals include a joint venture of the Malaysian company Petronas and Trans-Canada Pipelines; and BG Group LNG, a $12 billion project teaming up British Gas and Spectra Energy (formerly Westcoast

B.C. boom timesA convergence of good fortune in forestry, mining and natural gas sectors welcomed by northern B.C. communities after a depressing decade

British Columbia’s resurgent mining and forestry sectors stand to be dwarfed by the injection of billions of dollars into at least five LNG projects and pipelines


Energy). The Douglas Channel project is expected to be the first out of the gate with operations underway by 2015.

Spectra Energy’s partnership with British Gas is expected to create at least 2,000 jobs, says Rosemary Silva, a commu-nications spokesperson for Spectra.

“Our $1.5 billion pipeline project is expected to generate more than $120 mil-lion in contracts in local communities and about $20 million in tax revenues to local government,” she said. More importantly, it will ensure that British Columbia has alternative markets in Asia to offset the decline in sales to the u.S., expected from the development of shale-based reserves in that country.

Boom times have already arrived in the forest and mining sectors. In northeast-ern B.C., loggers and truckers, once idled by the u.S. housing collapse in 2008, are being run off their feet serving sawmills desperate for timber. At the same time, they are being wooed by higher pay rates offered up by mining companies and pipeline builders anxious to clear sites and rights-of-way.

“Our contractors are being challenged with all these new opportunities,” said Maryanne Arcand, executive director of the Central Interior Loggers Association. “They have been turning away work because they just don’t have the capacity.”

Current demand does not take into account potential future projects such as

the Site C dam, which if approved would require more than 66,000 truckloads of timber be removed from the area flooded behind the dam on the Peace River.

Logging and trucking is not just anoth-er industry; it’s the linchpin to all other major industrial development in B.C.’s North. “You’re not going to mine anything, drill anything or build anything until you log it first,” said Arcand.

In both northwestern and northeastern B.C., existing mines are being reopened while several new ones are proposed.

In Tumbler Ridge alone, the workforce has grown by about 1,000 in the last two years because of Texas-based Walter Energy’s Wolverine Mine and Anglo-

American’s Peace River Coal, says Kelly Bryan, the local economic development officer.

“We are predicting an increase of another 1,000 workers in the next four years with the mine expansions and new mines proposed for the area,” he said.

In northwestern B.C., there are at least 11 other major projects planned or under-way, including the KSM Copper mine, 400 kilometres northwest of Smithers, where about $5 billion is being invested.

Brian Cochrane, business manager for the International Operating Engineers union, says there are shortages of quali-fied operators for the mining industry as his members find themselves being pulled in several directions by other higher-paying industries such as the oil and gas sector in Alberta.

Also in northeastern B.C., work contin-ues on Rio Tinto’s $2.7 billion moderniza-tion of the aluminum smelter at Kitimat, which along with the proposed LNG ter-minals has turned the economy around.

“There is a general interest in industrial development here and we’re keen on cre-atin a diverse economy,” said Rose Kulak, the economic development officer for Kitimat.

“So while we want the LNG projects, we’re open to other projects as well because at the end of the day, we all know what happens when the price of gas changes – the party’s over.” •

Rio Tinto’s $3.3 billion (US) smelter expansion at Kitimat is just one among more than $60 billion in industrial projects underway or planned for B.C.’s North.

Natural gas from B.C.’s northeast would be transported by pipelines to LNG facilities for processing and then loaded on giant freighters. Three plants are proposed for Kitimat and area

Higher coal prices, rising demand for stud lumber to rebuild U.S. Eastern Seaboard homes and the promise of LNG gas shipments to Asia are driving an economic renaissance in B.C.


By Peter Mitham

British Columbia is a crossroads, being the closest shipping point in North America to Asia but also a gateway to

North America for the world.A centuries-old port of call for ships

from around the world, today B.C. offers fast shipping times by rail and road across North America. The expansion of key airports including those at Kelowna and Prince George have made the province a stopover point for flights from Asia as well as a nexus of intermodal shipping opera-tions. Many of the world’s top freight car-riers serve Vancouver International Airport, which is also Canada’s second-busiest

passenger gateway, handling 17 million passengers a year.

Rail networks connect Prince Rupert’s port facilities to Chicago in less than 110 hours, while San Francisco is just 30 hours away from Vancouver by road. Combined with marine shipping times from Asia up to 58 hours less than to Los Angeles, B.C. brings North America and Asia closer together than ever.

Ongoing investment in transportation infrastructure promises to strengthen those ties.

Port Metro Vancouver is sailing forward with expansion plans for its container ter-minal at Roberts Bank. Public consultations

to refine the design of the project were held in late 2012, setting the stage for a final proposal that will add 2.4 million TEus (twenty-foot equivalent unit containers) of container capacity by 2024.

Similarly, the Prince Rupert Port Authority plans to quadruple container facilities at its Fairview terminal to 2 million TEus. The first phase was completed in 2007, with the second phase set to com-plete by 2016 (pending approvals).

Port facilities are also gearing up to handle B.C.’s natural resources. Ridley Terminals in Prince Rupert has embarked on the doubling of its coal-handling capacity to 24 million tonnes a year, while

Moving right alongNew developments in transportation keep B.C. front and centre for provincial development and international trade

Vancouver International Airport is Canada’s second-busiest passenger hub | Tourism VancouVer


major expansions are planned at the Canpotex Terminals Ltd. potash terminals in both Vancouver and Prince Rupert.

Plans for three liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in Kitimat will further boost the province’s roster of key ports. Projects led by Shell Canada and Chevron Canada are in the planning stages, with a com-bined capacity of 23.8 million tonnes of LNG, while a smaller project by BC LNG Export Co-operative LLC (a partnership between LNG Partners LCC and the Haisla Nation) is set to enter operation in 2014 with a 20-year export licence.

Connecting the ports with the rest of the continent are expanding road and rail networks.

The first phase of the South Fraser Perimeter Road will be completed in 2013, connecting port facilities in Delta with

warehouses in Langley, Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge. Discussions have also resumed regarding the redevelopment and expansion of the George Massey tun-nel, a project initially proposed in 2006 but placed on the back burner in favour of other ventures.

Those include the twinning of the Port Mann bridge, which opened in late 2012, easing congestion in the Highway 1 corridor between Vancouver and Surrey. Highway 1 has also undergone a signifi-cant makeover, with twinning of the route increasing truck and car capacity.

Combined with the new Golden Ears bridge and budding plans to replace the 75-year-old Pattullo bridge between New Westminster and Surrey, connections through the southwest to the rest of the province are more convenient than ever.

Projects elsewhere in the province include $515 million worth of resurfacing, bridge rehabilitation, seismic retrofits and other improvements to the province’s road network. Ongoing improvements to Highway 97 will see the province spend $87 million to develop a new interchange at Westside Road in Westbank, and to realign and expand Highway 97 in Lake Country.

Vancouver rail networks are being improved with $300 million from three lev-els of government, Port Metro Vancouver and the railways, the upgrades designed to streamline rail networks with highways. Similarly, in Prince Rupert, plans for local port facilities include $90 million for the development and expansion of existing rail and utility corridors.

Port expansion to date has already led

The new Port Mann bridge is reducing traffic congestion and improving access between Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley


to expansion of rail yards in Terrace and Prince George. Canadian National Railway Co. developed an additional five extended sidings in 2012 to handle 12,000-foot trains in the corridor, in addition to the 21 devel-oped since 2004.

Passenger rail improvements are also in the works.

Meanwhile, the Lower Mainland’s $1.4 bil lion Evergreen light rail line is scheduled for completion in 2016. Running from Burnaby to Coquitlam, the new line will link the West Coast Express with regional transit services to downtown Vancouver, New Westminster and Surrey. •

LefT: Container shipping, Port of VancouverBeLow: Upgrades to Highway 97 are smoothing traffic flows through the B.C. Interior

Completion of the South Fraser Perimeter Road will expedite traffic from Delta to Langley

The apron and runways have been expanded at Abbotsford International Airport, a Fraser Valley alternative to Vancouver International Airport


Easy greenA snapshot of eco-sensitive technology that’s putting B.C. on the map

By Noa Glouberman

British Columbia is a place where green things grow. Not just plants and trees, but technologies that keep

Mother Nature’s best interests in mind. Across the province, green tech is boosting the economy and creating environmental solutions to benefit the entire world.

Alternative energy, for one, has skyrock-eted in the Northeast. Two wind parks– Bear Mountain near Dawson Creek and Dokie Ridge near Chetwynd – generate more than 300 MW of renewable elec-tricity annually, powering approximately 34,000 homes.

On B.C.’s North Coast, Canada’s first offshore wind-energy project is nearing development. More than 100 turbines in the waters between Haida Gwaii and Prince Rupert – a location renowned for some of the strongest, most consistent winds in the country – will provide nearly 400 MW of electricity to 130,000 homes when NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc.’s project becomes fully operational in 2014.

In Nechako, the Village of Houston recently installed a geothermal heat-pump system to keep the ice rink running year-round and maintain the temperature of the recreational complex’s swimming pools while reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by about 125 tonnes a year.

“We’re hoping to be an example to other communities of how green design can make a big difference locally and globally,” says Houston Mayor Bill Holmberg.

A one-of-a-kind wastewater-treatment system in the Cariboo turns sewage into clean water that supports wildlife in Gaglardi Park. McBride mayor Mike Frazier says the new wetland habitat “showcases a unique eco-sensitive green technology never used before in the entire country.”

The next generation of green

innovators is being groomed in the Thompson-Okanagan, at Penticton’s Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy. Featuring solar lighting and a partial green roof, much of the facility’s eco-friendly infrastruc-ture – including its mechanical and electrical systems – was left exposed to demonstrate the technology to students.

“Post-secondary institutions should be leading by example in this very important emerging field of sustainable construction and applied innovation,” says Okanagan College president Jim Hamilton.

In Kootenay country, Fernie’s Green Roads Recycling Ltd. is repaving roads with its hot-in-place asphalt recycling sys-tem, which pulls up and rejuvenates old

asphalt on the spot and uses the repurposed material to

repave the road surface.“There’s less mining, less trucking and less dumping,” says Green

Roads owner Shane Stothert. “using the non-renewable resources we have already paid

for and harvested makes sense both eco-nomically and environmentally.”

More traffic innovation comes from the Vancouver Island/Coast region, where JSF Technologies in Victoria makes solar-powered LED traffic signals for crosswalks, school and construction zones. The company says its “green technology is all about saving lives – in North America and around the world.”

The main hub for transportation-related green technology, however, lies in

Eco-friendly infrastructure at the Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy in Penticton demonstrates green-building technology to students | okanagan

coLLege

JSF Technologies in Victoria makes solar-powered LED traffic signals for crosswalks, school and construction zones | Jsf TechnoLogies


B.C.’s Mainland/Southwest, where firms like Ballard Power Systems Inc. and Westport Innovations Inc. design and manufacture hydrogen fuel-cell and natural-gas engines for trucks, buses and other vehicles.

“Around 70 per cent of Canada’s fuel-cell sector is centred in Metro Vancouver,” according to the Asia Pacific Business Centre. “Clean, renewable energy produc-ers [in B.C.] could attract $26 billion in investment in the next decade.”

Other Mainland/Southwest innovators are turning waste products into energy. In Ladner, GreenScene Agritek Inc. makes fuel pellets from horse bedding, which can be burned by greenhouses for heat and power. And Burnaby’s Diacarbon Energy Inc. is producing a kind of clean coal called biochar from wood waste.

But how do we ensure all this green power is put to good use? B.C. innova-tors have that covered, too, with many smart-grid technology developers clus-tered in the Lower Mainland. Tantalus Systems Corp., Clevest Solutions Inc., Awesense Wireless Inc. and Energy Aware Technology Inc. – to name a few – all make products to help manage energy more efficiently. •

Two wind parks in B.C.’s Northeast generate more than 300 MW of renewable electricity annually, powering approximately 34,000 homes | aLTagas

Vancouver’s Energy Aware Technology makes products to help manage energy more efficiently | energy aware TechnoLogy

Green Roads Recycling’s hot-in-place asphalt recycling system is changing the way roads are usually repaved | green roads

recycLing


renata King, director, business development, ndiT, taught more than 10 “boot camp” seminars to help local businesses understand the needs of multinationals

By Michael Bernard

For decades, British Columbia’s north-east and northwest regions have gone their own ways fostering their

distinct economies. After all, there hasn’t been much in common between drilling for natural gas near Fort St. John and smelt-ing aluminum at Kitimat.

But the gap between the two regions is closing thanks to a North America-wide race to deliver a valuable product to the energy-hungry Asian market. With more than 100 years’ supply of natural gas under northeastern B.C. and six multibillion-dollar proposals in the northwest to build facili-ties to freeze and ship liquefied natural gas, both regions are finding lots of rea-sons to co-operate.

Renata King, director of business devel-opment for the Northern Development Initiative Trust, a provincial government agency formed in 2004 to promote eco-nomic development, has been urging that collaboration, both in person and on the internet. Over the last year, three websites have been launched to provide business, the public and potential investors with a wealth of information about the billions of dollars’ worth of pending project invest-ment in B.C.’s North.

“The purpose of the websites – which are all linked-- is to provide a larger voice for the north,” King said, adding a fourth website representing the Cariboo-Chilcotin is set to go online soon.

“Economic officers are typically repre-sentative of their community. This is one of the first collaborative efforts where they have joined into an initiative that allows them to speak as a region rather than just as their individual communities.”

The northeast has a jump on the cam-paign, she said, “because it has had asso-ciations, like Energy Services BC, an asso-ciation of industry players, who have been around for a long time looking for ways to co-operate. They really align themselves with the oil patch and there is a lot of cross-border activity there. The northwest

Promise of natural gas riches

aBoVe: Spectra’s natural gas processing plant in Taylor. Five proposals to ship northeastern B.C. natural gas to the West Coast ports for transport in the form of LNG to Asia are among industrial expansion projects prompting northern communities to collaborate

is newer to the process.”The collaboration already is having

an impact on business in both regions, she said. “You are seeing a lot of cross-pollination. For example, a road mainte-nance company based in Terrace [in the northwest] is doing all their work in the northeast now for the mines.”

More is planned for the award-winning websites. “We are also building a search-able database of local businesses so that industry can readily find local businesses,” said King. “We are also hoping that by representing everything that is going on in the north that we can make it an attrac-tive place to come to, so that businesses

Formerly worlds apart, northeast and northwest B.C. find reasons to co-operate


was the first of several she has planned, with future ones focusing on common concerns.

“Collaboration is the only way we are going to get things done – that’s why it is so vitally important to bring the mayors together,” said Ackerman.

“It’s important to provide community experiences so that companies can retain employees. We have a strong desire to be sustainable. You can’t just crank up the property rates and build some fabulous facilities [to retain people].”

Over in Kitimat, Rose Klukas, the dis-trict’s economic development officer, says it’s critical that the northwest co-operate with its northeastern counterpart.

“Development that happens here directly impacts development that hap-pens there,” she said. “Both have to hap-pen – the gas is in the ground in the northeast and we’re not going to have LNG terminals here unless it comes out of the ground there.”

Meanwhile, King plans to continue this spring a “boot camp for contractors and suppliers” she launched last year in collab-oration with local economic development officers and chambers of commerce to bring local business up to speed on doing business with multinationals building proj-ects in B.C.’s North. The initiative grew out of meetings with those large companies about the challenges they faced in dealing with local business.

“They said we need to help local busi-nesses prepare to do business with the multinationals and that they need to be able to find local businesses,” said King. The 2.5-hour sessions she held in 10 com-munities focused on issues such as financ-ing, insurance, certifications and bonding local business must have to serve the large corporations.

“It was also about giving them a real-ity check that you can’t do business on a handshake with these multinationals. You have to have systems, processes and pro-cedures in place that they can verify.” •

rose Klukas, economic development officer, district of Kitimat, says her region is very interested in diversifying the local economy to provide some solid growth for the future

mayor lori ackerman of fort st. John met with other northern B.C. mayors last october to encourage collaboration on shared issues arising from the economic boom

[in southern B.C.] will think about relocat-ing up here.”

Realizing their communities have much to gain from the economic boom, munici-pal politicians are getting in on the act as well. Last October, Mayor Lori Ackerman of Fort St. John held what she calls an unprecedented meeting. She invited

several mayors from across northern BC to a two-day conference in her northeast city, where they got a first-hand look at the oil, gas and pipeline industries.

The mayor took her colleagues on a tour of drilling operations where they got to see a drilling rig up close and talk to industry representatives. The meeting

prompts regional collaboration


By Noa Glouberman

When Christy Clark committed to boost B.C. tourism last November, Stanley Park provided a fitting

backdrop. Speaking at the Host 2012 con-ference in Vancouver, the premier promised to create “an unbiased strategy based on

ideas … generated from the ground up rather than imposed from the top down.”

The result is Destination BC – an industry-led Crown corporation tasked with marketing the province as a pre-miere travel destination. Tourism Industry Association of BC chair Lana Denoni

believes the new agency “will make it possible for us to compete … and grow our tourism revenues” when it becomes operational in April 2013.

Meantime, ongoing efforts are enticing tourists to every part of the province. In Cariboo, mountain-bike tourism is on the

Tourist attractionDestinations in British Columbia draw travellers from around the world


rise. Williams Lake mayor Kerry Cook says the sport “has the great potential to attract even more visitors and economic activity.”

Last year, direct mountain-bike visitor spending in Williams Lake totalled nearly $295,000 – a 21 per cent increase since 2010. Cook attributes the growth to a new

bike park, increased signage and advertis-ing and a world-class network of trails.

Snow-covered trails continue to draw tourists to Northeast B.C., where a pro-gram to improve cross-country paths in Beatton Provincial Park near Fort St. John aims to attract even more skiers in 2013.

“That includes mulching and smooth-ing everything out, grading, improving the culverts, putting in benches and just making it a better trail system as opposed to trails that just happen to be there,” explains Eliza Stanford, president of the Whiskey Jack Nordic Ski Club Society.

Nechako and North Coast operators are capitalizing on their regions’ unique features. Visitors can book one-of-a-kind tours along dinosaur tracks in Tumbler Ridge, across ice fields near Atlin or along the edge of a volcanic crater just north of Terrace.

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association recently unveiled a 10-year plan to create complete travel experiences rather than market individual properties. CEO Glenn Mandziuk says the strategy originated from an “underlying concern

Pristine Yoho park: B.C.’s regions are capitalizing on their unique features, with Destination BC tasked with helping draw tourists


with the seasonality of the industry, with parts of the region experiencing dramatic peaks in the summer months.”

“Because people from all over the world come for the great snow, they’ll come back for the wine, the golf, the beaches and our lakes,” agrees Michael Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White and Silver Star ski resorts.

Attracting winter tourists to the Kootenay region is easy. Besides boast-ing more than 60 “powder providers,” the Whitewater and Red Mountain ski resorts were collectively named 2012’s top North American ski town by Powder magazine.

Vancouver Island also has reason to celebrate: being voted the No. 6 island destination in the world (No. 1 in Canada) by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2012. Tourism Vancouver Island president and CEO Dave Petryk is “proud that the readers

of this very prestigious magazine find our home such a desirable place to visit.”

More buzz is being generated over the most reputable city in the world. Vancouver, the Mainland/Southwest’s largest municipality, scored top rank in an international Reputation Institute poll, making it “much more than just a pretty place.”

“We are extremely flattered to be part of such a distinguished group of cities,” says Tourism Vancouver president and CEO Rick Antonson, adding that his organiza-tion will “continue to invite the world to visit us and experience the diversity, social and environmental initiatives and com-munity spirit that have helped to build our reputation.”

To enhance the visitor experience, Tourism Vancouver recently released an iPad application that lets users take photo

tours of the city, book hotels, peruse online videos, read travel articles and search a continually updated events cal-endar. Not only is the Visit Vancouver app free of advertising, users without a wire-less Internet connection or those who are concerned about data roaming costs can access much of the content offline.

“We designed [the app] to meet travel-ler needs at all points of the trip-planning process,” says Darren Johner, digital mar-keting manager at Tourism Vancouver. “It inspires travel to Vancouver for people who haven’t yet committed to a trip, pro-vides planning tools for those who have already made the decision to visit and, for travellers who are actually in Vancouver, the app makes it easy to book activities and navigate around the city.” •

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism

Association unveiled a plan to create complete travel

experiences rather than market individual properties | PicTure Bc/

gord wyLie

Condé Nast Traveler readers named Vancouver Island the No. 6 island destination in the world (No. 1 in Canada) in 2012 | Tourism Bc/Tom ryan

To enhance the visitor experience, Tourism Vancouver recently released an iPad application that lets users take photo tours of the city, book hotels, peruse online videos, read travel articles and search a continually updated events calendar | Tourism VancouVer

The Kootenay region’s Whitewater and Red Mountain ski resorts were collectively named 2012’s top North American ski town by Powder magazine | Tourism Bc/daVe heaTh


By James Dolan

British Columbia has long been known for being one of the most beautiful locations in the world. It is also devel-

oping a reputation for being one of the best places in which to do business.

A combination of low tax rates, a skilled workforce and a high quality of life is mak-ing the province a much-sought-after destination.

A big part of the attraction: business tax competitiveness. For example, a 2012 ranking by accounting firm KPMG found Vancouver to be the second lowest-taxed jurisdiction in the world and first among cities in developed nations.

The ranking evaluated total tax bur-dens faced by corporations in 55 major cities, including income taxes, corporation capital taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, miscellaneous local business taxes and statutory labour costs. The calculation expressed total taxes paid by businesses in a given city as a percentage of total

taxes paid by corporations in the united States. Vancouver scored 49.2, beating all other cities except Chennai (Madras), India, which scored 46.4.

British Columbia’s corporate income-tax rate of 10 per cent is the lowest in Canada. The current combined federal and provin-cial corporate income-tax rate is 25 per-cent, among the lowest in the G7 group of countries. Vancouver-based businesses do not pay revenue or gross-receipts tax or input-sales taxes. B.C.’s small-business cor-porate income-tax threshold is $500,000, and its small-business tax rate of 2.5 per cent is among the lowest in the country.

Provincial tax incentives are available for eligible film, television, digital media and research and development business-es, making Vancouver a prime destination for corporations creating, developing and using cutting-edge technology. Incentives for eligible international financial activities, including loans and deposits, securities dealing and investment management, are

available in B.C. B.C. residents with annual incomes up to $120,000 pay the lowest provincial personal income tax in Canada.

B.C. offers businesses a highly skilled, highly educated workforce. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 50 per cent of Canadians have completed tertiary (college or university) education, the highest percentage among OECD countries. In Vancouver, fully 63 per cent of the working-age population has a post-secondary education.

The province has established a reputa-tion as a leading centre for green tech-nologies and related businesses, including energy management software, biomass power generation, green buildings and alternative fuels.

Corporations in British Columbia find networking easy, as a number of regional and industry-specific trade associations and organizations can be found within the province. •

Open for (your) businessB.C.’s competitive advantage starts with low taxes


For more information, be sure to check Canada Revenue Agency’s website at www.cra-arc.gc.ca.

Foreign tax creditB.C. allows a corporation to claim a for-eign tax credit for taxes it paid to anoth-er country on foreign non-business income.

Logging tax creditCorporations that have paid a logging tax to the province on income earned from logging operations can claim a British Columbia logging tax credit equal to one-third of the logging tax payable for the year.

Political contribution tax creditA business may claim a tax credit on contributions made to registered British Columbia political parties, registered British Columbia constituency associa-tions, or to candidates for an election to the Legislative Assembly of B.C.

Small business venture capital tax credit Corporations investing in shares of a registered venture capital corporation or eligible business corporation can claim a British Columbia venture capital tax credit. Corporations may apply this credit to reduce the British Columbia provincial tax payable for the year to zero; unclaimed credits may be carried forward for four tax years.

SR&ED tax credit B.C. provides a tax credit of 10 per cent to qualifying corporations that carry on SR&ED within the province. Canadian-controlled private corporations (CCPCs) with a permanent establishment in the province can claim a refundable credit. Other qualifying corporations, including

CCPCs with SR&ED qualified expendi-tures that are more than their expendi-ture limit, may claim a non-refundable tax credit.

Qualifying environmental trust tax credit A corporation that is a beneficiary of a qualifying environmental trust located in British Columbia can claim a tax credit on qualifying income. The credit is refundable but must first be applied against total taxes payable. There are no carry-back or carry-forward provisions.

Film and television tax credit A Canadian-controlled corporation and its activities carrying on a film or video production business through a perma-nent establishment in British Columbia may claim several different tax credits, including a basic tax credit (35 per cent), regional tax credit (12.5 per cent), distant location regional tax credit (6 per cent), film training tax credit (3 per cent), and digital animation or visual effects tax credit (17.5 per cent). Such credits are available for domestic productions with qualifying levels of Canadian content.

Production services tax credit Accredited production corporations may claim refundable tax credits for accredited film or video productions in B.C. Credits are available to domestic and foreign producers, and there is no Canadian content requirement.

Mining exploration tax credit A corporation that has incurred qualified mining exploration expenses in B.C. may qualify for the province’s mining explo-ration tax credit. The corporation must have maintained a permanent establish-ment in the province at any time in the tax year.

Book publishing tax credit Canadian-controlled corporations car-rying on business primarily through a permanent establishment in British Columbia with book publishing as its principal business are eligible for a credit of 90 per cent of the base amount of publishing support contri-butions received in the tax year. The credit is fully refundable but must first be applied against total taxes payable. There are no carry-back or carry-forward provisions.

Training tax credit Corporations can claim a refundable tax credit if they are a taxable corpora-tion with a permanent establishment in B.C. and paid salary and wages to an employee who was registered in a pre-scribed program administered through the B.C. Industry Training Authority.

Interactive digital media tax creditEligible corporations whose primary business is the development of interac-tive digital media products may claim a refundable credit equal to 17.5 per cent of B.C. eligible salary and wages (net of designated assistance) incurred after August 31, 2010, and before September 1, 2015.

Shipbuilding and ship repair industry tax credit New tax credits are available for eligible employers that employ apprentices in the British Columbia shipbuilding and ship repair industry. The tax credits for shipbuilding and ship repair industry for employers are effective from October 1, 2012, and will expire at the end of 2019.

Take credit for your businessB.C. offers tax incentives for a wide range of industries and corporate activities


By Peter Mitham

British Columbia cornerstone, the Lower Mainland-Southwest region is the gateway to Canada and headquarters for the province’s biggest companies, world-class research universi-

ties, and thriving clusters of enterprise from agriculture to high-tech. Set against a stunning backdrop of mountains, sea and sky, the region boasts world-topping quality of life and down to earth communities with people from every corner of the earth.

Metro Vancouver, the province’s largest urban centre, is an international destination. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the second-busiest passenger airport in Canada, handling approximately 17 million passengers a year, while Port Metro

Lower mainLand has The uPPer handregion enjoys strategic location, diverse economy

mainland/southwest

• abbotsford

• burnaby

• chilliwack

• coquitlam

• delta

• gibsons

• hope

• langley

• lillooet

• maple ridge

• mission

• new westminster

• north vancouver

• pitt meadows

• port moody

• richmond

• sechelt

• squamish

• surrey

• vancouver

• west vancouver

• whistler

Share of B.C. land area: 3.9%

With major U.S. West Coast centres just hours away and the heart of the continent accessible by road and rail, Vancouver offers continental reach | Tourism

VancouVer/ aLBerT

normandin


mainland/southwestVancouver oversees a network of facilities that handle more than 70 million tonnes of cargo annually – more than any other port in Canada.

The city’s status as an international gateway has made it a cosmopolitan centre with links deep into the continent. Its proximity to Asia, as little as nine days away by boat or 11 hours by plane, gives businesses global connections. Similarly, with the major u.S. west coast centres just hours away and rail networks putting the heart of the continent just a few days’ journey away, the city offers continental reach.

This has made the city a convenient location for warehouses and distribu-tion facilities, including those of retailers Hudson’s Bay Co., Best Buy Canada and Amazon. A mere 35% of container traffic is transported within the region, however, making transload and logistics facilities at port terminals and along the Fraser River important employment hubs.

Key clusters of warehouses are located in Richmond, Delta and the Port Kells area

of Surrey, as well as Pitt Meadows. All are approximately a half-hour from the main border crossings that connect with the I-5 corridor south to California, as well as minutes from Highway 1 east to Alberta.

The region’s biggest import is people, drawn by education and job opportunities and recreational opportunities including sailing, golfing and alpine skiing. Ranked the best city in Canada and the fifth-best city in the world in the 2012 Mercer Quality of Living ranking, Metro Vancouver boasts approximately 2.3 million people, a number set to reach 3 million by 2030.

uBC and SFu, the region’s major post-secondary institu-tions and home to internationally recognized researchers, are complemented by a plethora of smaller schools. BCIT, Vancouver Community College and Kwantlen Polytechnic university provide trades training in fields from agriculture to software development. university of the Fraser Valley, with campuses in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, serves the post-secondary needs of students in the Fraser Valley. The region is also home to two private universities: Langley’s Trinity Western university and Quest university Canada in Squamish.

uBC hosts several centres of excellence, including ones in mathematics, neurology and new media. Various industry-led medical centres of excellence also have strong university ties, such as Advanced Applied Physics Solutions Inc., an offshoot of uBC’s renowned nuclear physics facility, TRIuMF.

Research at uBC itself has led to the creation of 153 com-panies, many of them now emblematic of the strengths of the Lower Mainland economy – alternative energy company

ToP: The Pacific Agri-Food Research Station in Agassiz conducts research on berries, vegetables and dairy cattle, supporting an area that boasts some of Canada’s largest dairy farms – one has 3,000 head of cattle – and more than 14,000 acres of blueberries, a crop worth $82.6 million to local growersaBoVe: Delta is home to some of Metro Vancouver’s most productive farmland | PicTure Bc/TyLer garnham


mainland/southwestWestport Innovations Inc., food processor EnWave Corp., and life sciences star Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Beyond the university and the city, the region is true to the region’s heritage as a place of abundant natural resources. Whether through recreation and tour-ism – the resort of Whistler played host to the 2010 Winter Olympics – or forestry and fishing, the region’s primary sectors continue to thrive.

Howe Sound and other coastal waters are home to the lucrative spot prawn fishery, while wineries and vineyards have opened in Langley and Lillooet. Sawmills in Maple Ridge and Mission continue to process wood from the coastal forest industry, but many former mill sites have been redeveloped with mixed-use proj-ects that blend residential and employ-ment space.

Meanwhile, in communities like Hope, where the forest industry was once a significant employer, alternatives have emerged in the film industry (thanks to provincial incentive programs) and tourism.

Agriculture is a force to be reckoned with in the Fraser Valley.

The Pacific Agri-Food Research Station in Agassiz conducts research on berries, vegetables and dairy cattle, supporting an area that boasts some of Canada’s largest dairy farms – one has 3,000 head of cattle – and more than 14,000 acres of blueberries, a crop worth $82.6 million to local growers. Poultry, raspberries, and vegetables are other important products.

Delta, at the mouth of the Fraser River where the valley meets the Georgia Strait, accounts for 26 per cent of Metro Vancouver’s

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Port Metro Vancouver oversees a network of facilities that handle more than 70 million tonnes of cargo annually – more than any other port in Canada


Squamish has it all

Squamish, B.C. is a vibrant, growing community in the heart of Sea to Sky country, midway between Vancouver and Whistler. World-class

outdoor recreation assets draw people to visit and move here for a balanced lifestyle that offers some of the best mountain biking, rock climbing, kite boarding, hiking and snowsport opportunities anywhere.Growing, young workforce – With one of the fastest population growth rates in the province, close to 63 per cent of the population is under the age of 40, with the under-14 category far outpacing provincial growth rates. Unique outdoor recreation lifestyle – Nestled between ocean and mountains, the small-town setting, spectacular natural environment, and world-class outdoor recreation make for a lifestyle few places can offer. As the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada,” no other place offers so many outdoor recreation pursuits in such proximity.Multimodal transportation infrastructure (deep sea port, rail, high-way) – Our infrastructure moves cargo to major markets worldwide and is connected to industrial land development opportunities. A newly upgraded highway improves travel time to Vancouver and Whistler (45 minutes each way). Expanding business community – Education, tourism, manufacturing, and retail industries are experiencing growth in Squamish, with the majority of local businesses planning expansions.

Visit us online:www.squamish.ca

Contact:[email protected]

SquamiSh

mainland/southwestfarm cash receipts; berries, potatoes and greenhouse vegetables dominate local production.

Still, traditional industries are being squeezed by new ventures.Completion of the first phase of the South Fraser Perimeter

Road in 2013 will link port facilities in Delta with warehouses in Langley, boosting development pressures on the region’s farm land. Many municipalities have developed agriculture plans to govern future development in the fertile valley; in Abbotsford, land has been set aside for future construction, including along Mount Lehman Road. Bookended by raspberry canes and poultry barns, the corridor includes a new high-density shopping com-plex, light industrial district and Abbotsford International Airport, a Fraser Valley alternative to YVR.

Housing remains affordable, however. The hub of develop-ment in the Fraser Valley is occurring in Surrey, designated as the region’s second downtown and long the fastest-growing city in the province.

The development of a downtown to rival Vancouver’s core, just 45 minutes away by SkyTrain, is in progress. Residential and office towers are rising, and a new city hall is not far behind. A new division headquarters for the province’s RCMP opened early in 2013, and the province’s second largest credit union, Coast Capital Savings, plans to relocate its head office to the area in 2015.

Research at the University of British Columbia has led to the creation of 153 companies, many of them now emblematic of the strengths of the Lower Mainland economy


As one of the sunniest locations in the Lower Mainland, and only 45 km from Vancouver, White Rock is an ideal place to work, live and play.Situated along the seaside, the City of White Rock is well known

for its pier and promenade, arts and cultural opportunities and annual events. One such event is the Tour de White Rock. This is one of the most prestigious and historic races in North America, attracting pro-fessional cyclists from all over the world to test their endurance and strength on one of the most picturesque courses around.

A number of regular events increase the sense of community and bring residents together. The weekly Farmers’ Market that runs through-out the summer is such an event, featuring a wide range of vendors with goods ranging from artisan crafts to food and more.

As more people discover what a jewel White Rock is, the demand for housing increases. Two large developments, the AVRA and Saltaire, are being developed in the town centre and will feature a mix of retail with residential above. White Rock offers a growing Town Centre Area for higher density mixed commercial/residential development, which is creating a positive investment environment ensuring that new developments are strategically situated and in keeping with the over-all character of the city.

Come see why Our City by the Sea is the place to live, work and play!

Contact:Planning and Development ServicesCity of White RockTel: 604.541.2136Email: [email protected]: www.whiterockcity.ca

The CiTy of WhiTe RoCk

mainland/southwestWith a relatively young, multicultural population – the

median age is 37.5, and close to half the population has a mother tongue other than English – Surrey is at the heart of the diverse pool of talent powering economic development in the Lower Mainland.

Another community that‚s continually growing and attract-ing attention is the Tri-Cities region of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. With a population of more than 220,000, the region is at a perfect crossroads between east and west, and new residents see the benefit of living there. The area is seeing residential growth and public investment: $4 billion for the Port MannˆHighway 1 Improvement Project and $1.4 billion for the Evergreen SkyTrain line. The SkyTrain 10.9-kilometre project will add six new stations and extend the rapid-transit to Douglas College in Coquitlam.

The well-known college has campuses in New Westminster and Coquitlam and offers bachelor and career programs, joint degrees with SFu, and continuing education courses.

The Tri-Cities‚ proximity to the Trans-Canada Highway and its access to the Port Mann Bridge, also makes it an obvious choice for warehousing and freight companies. With Vancouver and the u.S. border each being under an hour away, this region has the perfect opportunity to be a hub in the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley business arena. •

aBoVe: Vancouver’s status as an international gateway has made it a truly cosmopolitan centre | Tourism VancouVer


Chilliwack offers business a world of advantagesChilliwack is one of the best places to operate a business. Located in southwest British Columbia (B.C.), in a regional market of about 2.5 mil-lion people, with easy access to international freightways, Chilliwack is ideally located for industrial, commercial and institutional businesses.

Competitive costs, combined with a strong economy and a superb quality of life, make Chilliwack a destination of interest for business investors locally and around the world.

Business-friendly governmentChilliwack was voted most business friendly by the Vancouver Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) in 2012. The municipal government is committed to ensuring that a competitive business environment is maintained by working with the business community and implementing development policies that lead to success.

Vibrant economyEnjoying a strong economy and a stable growth rate of 3 per cent, Chilliwack is attracting a multitude of employers. Currently, Chilliwack’s growing economic sectors include: agriculture, aviation and aerospace, education, film, food processing, health care, manufacturing, professional services, real estate, retail/wholesale trade, technology and tourism.

Proximity to markets – closer than you think!Chilliwack provides easy access to local, regional, national and inter-national markets (American, Asian and European). Located along the Trans Canada Highway and next to local, national and international railways, Chilliwack is only 20 minutes away from a U.S.A. border crossing and Abbotsford’s International Airport, 90 minutes from Vancouver’s International Airport and one hour from the nearest shipping sea port.

There is an estimated population of 86,000 within Chilliwack, plus about 274,388 people living within a 30-minute commute. Also there are about 900,000 people within 90 km, and about 2.5 million people within 130 km, including Vancouver.

Qualified workforceChilliwack’s first-rate education system, supported by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), School District #33 and other public and private advanced education opportunities, provide a wealth of qualified local talent. Together, these institutions offer a wide variety of programming, ranging from apprenticeship training to university degrees. Chilliwack has a higher percentage of people with high school, college, trade certificates or diplomas than the B.C. average.

Low costsChilliwack is one of the most cost-competitive locations for business in the world. • Industrial tax incentive: Save on industrial property tax for five years

with Chilliwack’s new Industrial Revitalization Tax Exemption program. This translates into thousands of dollars of savings for industrial capital invest-ments. • Low cost of living: Vancouver’s cost-of-living is very competitive with major metropolitan cen-tres in the United States. Chilliwack’s living expens-es are even lower than Vancouver — in some cases, about a third less!• Low industrial, commercial and residential land costs: Chilliwack’s hous-ing costs can be as much as 50 per cent less than Vancouver. Retail space can be as much as 75 per cent less than downtown Vancouver. Also, Chilliwack’s industrial land prices are significantly lower (30–40 per cent) than neighbouring municipalities located closer to Vancouver.• Low labour and production costs: B.C.’s costs are lower than the U.S.A. and other G-7 countries. For instance, costs for skilled technical and professional workers can be as much as 33 per cent below comparable US centres. Also employer-sponsored benefits, payroll, tax and health insurance rates are all lower than in the U.S.A.

Unbeatable quality of lifeWith a mild climate, proximity to the grandeur of B.C.’s great outdoors and its limitless recreational opportunities, and all the amenities of any major urban centre, Chilliwack is one of the world’s more desirable places to live and work.

For more informationChilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) is responsible for attracting and facilitating economic growth for the City of Chilliwack. CEPCO provides various business attraction and retention services, including site selection assistance, business relocation or expansion support, employee attraction and promotion, employee relocation services, immigration assistance and other related services.

ContactChilliwack Economic Partners Corporation#201-46093 Yale Road Chilliwack, B.C., Canada V2P 2L8Toll Free: 1-800-561-8803 Telephone: 1-604-792-7839 Facsimile: 1-604-792-4511Email: [email protected]

Chilliwack

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DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES LEADING-EDGE INDUSTRY WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION SUPERB LIFESTYLE LOW COST OF LIVING AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP

Chilliwack

Chilliwack – closer than you think.Chilliwack has a thriving business community, a growing residential population, and millions of dollars in new developments.

Come to Chilliwack and enjoy all the benefi ts of doing business in BC’s Lower Mainland at a much lower cost.

1.604.792.7839 • 1.800.561.8803 E: [email protected] | W: chilliwackeconomicpartners.com

more than meets the eye

Voted “Most Business-Friendly”

City – NAIOP 2012 REPORT

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Population: 129,716

The City of Coquitlam, located in the heart of Metro Vancouver, is one of the fastest growing communities in the Lower Mainland and British Columbia. It is estimated that the population of

Coquitlam will be 176,000 by 2021 and 224,000 by 2041. Coquitlam’s proximity to Vancouver, access to markets, transportation

and housing options, recreation opportunities, highly educated labour force, open and accessible local government and innovative business community are some of the factors that are driving economic growth. Coquitlam’s major sectors are professional services, retail/wholesale trade, manufacturing, technology, public administration, transportation and construction.

Investment and economic growthThe City of Coquitlam is the regional service centre for Northeast Metro Vancouver. Coquitlam is experiencing tremendous growth and investment. Recent public projects such as the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex, the City Centre Public Library, the Port Mann Bridge and King Edward Overpass as well as the coming Evergreen SkyTrain line combined with significant investment in private sector development projects in areas such as the City Centre, along with the growth of organizations like Douglas College, IKEA and Coquitlam Centre, have made Coquitlam a popular destination. These infrastructure and amenity investments have created numerous business and economic develop-ment opportunities.

Proximity to major marketsCoquitlam is located in the geographic centre of the Lower Mainland and is 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver and 40 minutes from the U.S. border. Coquitlam provides excellent access to the 2 million plus Metro Vancouver market and the 10 million citizen trading area that stretches from Vancouver, B.C., to Oregon state in the United States. Coquitlam’s proximity to the Vancouver and Abbotsford International airports and Port of Metro Vancouver also provides businesses conve-nient access to the Pacific Rim. This connection to major markets makes Coquitlam an attractive choice for a variety of transportation, logistics, and technology and manufacturing companies.

Transportation options and accessibilityCoquitlam offers direct access to major highways, rail arterials, rapid transit (SkyTrain) and river ports. Access to these major transportation networks, combined with Coquitlam’s central location in the Lower Mainland, have helped Coquitlam become a magnet for businesses such as Coca Cola, the Oppenheimer Group, Williams Moving, Natural Factors, Canstar Restorations and others. Transportation infrastructure improvements like the Port Mann, Golden Ears and Pitt River bridges, King Edward Overpass and the Trans-Canada Highway upgrade, have improved the flow of goods and services. These transportation invest-ments, as well as the Evergreen SkyTrain Line, will create numerous eco-nomic development opportunities while improving the transportation options available to businesses and residents.

Superb quality of life Coquitlam has competitive housing prices, diverse housing types, high

quality education options, diverse dining and shopping choices and accessible transportation services like buses, SkyTrain and the Westcoast Express commuter rail train. The City of Coquitlam has vast recreation opportunities, a variety of sport and cultural amenities such as Place des Arts and the Evergreen Cultural Centre, an expanding network of civic facilities including the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (a $53M project), new City Centre Public Library, and Town Centre Park. The City is also home to an extensive trail network and a variety of natural areas including provincial, regional and municipal parks, such as the 38,000 hectare Pinecone-Burke Provincial Park, the 175 hectare Minnekhada Regional Park, the 404 hectare Colony Farm Regional Park, the 176 hectare Mundy Park and more. These attributes are driving population growth and motivating people and businesses to relocate to Coquitlam.

Innovation, entrepreneurship and technologyThe innovation, entrepreneurship and commitment of Coquitlam’s resi-dents and businesses have created a vibrant business climate. The City of Coquitlam is keen to work with these groups to develop progressive solutions that would positively impact the community. This is demon-strated by QNet, a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Coquitlam that has invested in fibre optic infrastructure – 60 km to date. The network has allowed Coquitlam to connect the City’s traffic signal system and facilities and provide low-cost broadband services across the City for businesses and residents. The project has grown and allowed Coquitlam to open up access to high speed, competitive telecom services by leasing unlit fibre optic cable to the telecom industry.

Supporting business successThe City of Coquitlam is committed to creating a business environment that fosters business growth and prosperity. The City has streamlined processes and is committed to the continuous improvement of the business environment. Coquitlam is dedicated to ensuring that you receive excellent value from your investments in our community.

We invite you to contact us to learn more about the advantages Coquitlam has to offer.

ContactDavid Munro, Manager Economic DevelopmentCity of Coquitlam3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, B.C. V3B 7N2P: 604-927-3442E: [email protected]

Coquitlam

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CoquitlamI n v e s t , I n n o v a t e , G r o w

www.coquitlam.ca

Coquitlam is one of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia. Our City offers:

Proximity to the Metro Vancouver, US and Asian markets

Access to major transportation corridors and networks

Transportation infrastructure improvements like the Hwy 1 / Port Mann Bridge and Evergreen Line projects

A large, skilled and highly educated labour force

Diverse recreation, arts and culture, housing and education opportunities

QNet - a 60 km fibre optic network that provides businesses with low-cost broadband services

An open, accessible and progressive municipal government


Economic Development

3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2

Phone: 604-927-3442 | Email: [email protected]

CanadaWide-Ad_NOV_2012.indd 1 11/15/2012 12:14:57 PM


CoquitlamI n v e s t , I n n o v a t e , G r o w

www.coquitlam.ca

Coquitlam is one of the fastest growing communities in British Columbia. Our City offers:

Proximity to the Metro Vancouver, US and Asian markets

Access to major transportation corridors and networks

Transportation infrastructure improvements like the Hwy 1 / Port Mann Bridge and Evergreen Line projects

A large, skilled and highly educated labour force

Diverse recreation, arts and culture, housing and education opportunities

QNet - a 60 km fibre optic network that provides businesses with low-cost broadband services

An open, accessible and progressive municipal government


Economic Development

3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 7N2

Phone: 604-927-3442 | Email: [email protected]

CanadaWide-Ad_NOV_2012.indd 1 11/15/2012 12:14:57 PM

Connecting people, places and businessCompetitive industrial, commercial, and residential land costs, low labour, energy, and production costs combined with a great urban/rural mix of life-styles make the Township of Langley a great choice for locating your business.

With the goal of supplying one job for each Langley resident in the labour force, and one of the lowest business bankruptcy rates in Metro Vancouver, the Township of Langley is an ideal

place to do business. Retail and commercial businesses have made the Township home to

one of the largest retail centres in the Lower Mainland. Similarly, many regional branches of major banking institutions and

international legal and accounting firms have relocated here. Supporting almost 7,400 companies and an expanding population

base, currently estimated at 107,000 but expected to double to 210,000 in the next 30 years, the Township of Langley is poised to become an eco-nomic powerhouse in British Columbia.

New transportation projects connect people to jobs The Golden Ears Bridge opened new markets on the north shore of the Fraser River, complementing existing infrastructure. Three years later, the movement of goods and services improved again with the newly expanded Port Mann Bridge (doubling from five lanes to 10).

The new Park and Ride was completed in 2012 at 202 Street, imme-diately south of the Trans-Canada Highway, making an easier and more sustainable commute for residents and employees.

These infrastructure improvements have also created an emerging business centre in the Township capitalizing on a prime location next to the Trans-Canada Highway and appealing to professional service firms catering to a growing client base in the Fraser Valley.

Sixth-largest industrial floor space in Metro Vancouver Serviced and unserviced vacant industrial lands, with stable and compet-itive land prices, are available in the Township’s five industrial areas.

Open for business The Township of Langley’s local economy features everything your business needs:

• skilled labour force • comprehensive array of training/education facilities • fully integrated road, rail, port and airport infrastructure • full range of reliable utility and telecom services • suitable industrial and commercial land sites • easy access to markets, customers, and suppliers – 2 million consumers within a one-hour drive – 4 million consumers within a four-hour drive

“Out of all of western Canada, we chose Gloucester Industrial Estates in Langley for our regional head offices. Proximity to key markets and distribution points was cru-cial in our decision. Plus the combination of industrial estate with a natural setting provides a great work environment” – Mark Hodge, GM Benjamin Moore, Western Region

Education and training facilities able to customize your in-house training Employers seeking to top up their own skills or further their employ-ees’ qualifications can do so through credit and non-credit courses from the number of specialized education and training facilities in the Township of Langley, especially at Trinity Western University or Kwantlen Polytechnic University.

More than 525 economic activities fuel the local economy • Retail • Tourism • Filming • Manufacturing • High-tech and much more

Canada’s largest cluster of helicopter companies makes Langley Regional Airport a centre of excellence for rotary wing aircraft.

Agribusiness has the right mix – hobby to high-tech The combination of predominantly Class 4 land, high-quality soils and innovative farmers, nets high yield on 12,970 hectares of agricultural land. The Township produces the most varied agricultural production in Canada.

The good life – no matter what your stage in life Finding the right location is just as important for a business as it is for its employees. The Township promotes healthy and sustainable commu-nities supporting a diverse mix of people while offering a cost of living that’s very affordable.

Go to www.tol.ca and click on “Doing Business in the Township” to get resources and business links to help you start up, finance, expand and develop products and services locally, nationally or internationally.

Learn more by contacting:Gary MacKinnon, Economic Development Manager Township of Langley, 20338 – 65 Avenue, Langley, BC Tel: 604-533-6084 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tol.ca

“Out of all of western Canada, we chose Gloucester Industrial Estates in Langley for our regional head offices. Proximity to key markets and distribution points was crucial in our decision. Plus the combination of industrial estate with a natural setting provides a great work environment.”

– Mark Hodge, GM Benjamin Moore, Western Region

Township of Langley

Based in the Township of Langley, Kinetics Drive Solutions is an industry leader designing innovative transmissions and drive trains for heavy duty industrial vehicles and equipment.

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Access & affordability drive North Fraser growth

In any other place, Interfor Hammond Mill, the largest cedar mill in the world, would drive the economy. But in the North Fraser region the forestry sector is one of many that are thriving.

On a winning streak Together, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows earned the No. 5 spot on the list of top Canadian investment cities for 2010-2015 and the “place to live for life-style” by the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN).

“It’s the smallest centre on the whole top investment list of Canada, and having a centre that small be that high up on the list shows that it does have something special going for it,” says Don Campbell, REIN’s senior analyst.

“I look at cities. It’s what I do. I go from Halifax to Victoria and every-where in between – to see a city transform from a small centre like that, it’s really quite spectacular.”

Campbell points to transportation infrastructure and affordability as key reasons. With the new Golden Ears and Pitt River bridges, it takes just 34 minutes to get into the heart of downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver (YVR) and Abbotsford (YXX) International airports are just minutes away, as are three U.S. border crossings. Meanwhile, low real estate prices make the accessible region affordable.

A recreational playgroundStacey Crawford, economic development officer for Mission, notes that, along with the accessibility and affordability, quality of life is contributing to growth. With several lakes, forests, rivers and mountains in the North Fraser region, outdoor recreation is a huge draw to tourists and investors alike.

The development of the North Fraser Tourism and Recreational Corridor, which includes the Golden Ears Provincial Park and the UBC Research Forest, won’t just expand and enhance regional tourism and create opportunity for tourism-related real estate development, it will also contribute to quality of life in the area. In the rapidly growing tech sector, for example, many employees are looking for x-treme sports and recre-ational offroad activities, of which there are plenty.

The largest new recreational project is the Mission Interpretive Forest, a 12,000-acre park that is being developed into an unparallelled recreational playground. It will be the go-to place for a wide variety of outdoor activi-ties, as well as forestry and natural resource industries. There will also be opportunity for private commercial ventures such as zip lining, RV sites and vacation resorts. As well, the Tim Hortons Children’s Foundation is scouting the area for its next camp. It will join the Zajac Ranch for Children. “This isn’t the camp that I remember,” says Crawford. “These are $17-20 million resorts.”

A plan for the futureWhen it comes to economic development, “we have a targeted strategy

to attract commercial investment, and a welcoming, supportive local gov-ernment working hard to achieve it,” says Sandy Blue, manager, economic development for Maple Ridge.

For example, the Maple Ridge Town Centre Incentive Program, launched in January 2011, has already attracted more than 40 projects to the Town Centre and nearly 500 projects to other areas.

The province and the region are working together, as a part of the BC Jobs Plan, on a number of investment and job-creation projects.

One of these is the BCTIA Centre4Growth acceleration program that gives tech entrepreneurs and businesses access to mentoring, workshops, business clinics and other resources and tools.

They are also working with industry sector partners (advanced tech-nology, aeronautics, tourism, education and agriculture) to help ensure the demand for skilled labour and talent can be met.

Agriculture is a critical sector for the region, with 11,800 hectares of agricultural land, home to many of the region’s major commercial producers. Plans are in place to further strengthen the sector and attract high-value jobs and education with the creation of a working farm school, which will teach farming techniques and the business of farming to a new generation, and the North Fraser Agri-food Distribution Hub, which will enable regional producers to capitalize on existing business opportunities, attract investment and expand the demand for locally grown produce.

Meeting business needsThe North Fraser region is one of the few areas of Metro Vancouver where undeveloped land is available in large quantity. The region boasts 480 hectares of commercial land, 1,120 hectares of Industrial land and 11,800 hectares of agricultural land.

Kate Zanon, CEO, Pitt Meadows Economic Development, points to Pitt Meadows Regional Airport (YPK) with 300 acres of land for development. Affordable land on and off airport, a skilled workforce and multimodal transportation connections make YPK a great place to grow your aviation sector business.

Along the Lougheed Highway, land is available for development in all three communities. Not only is the land affordable and accessible, but it offers a unique opportunity to meet the individual needs of investors. A recently completed commercial industrial study that looked at demand and supply of commercial industrial land and buildings will help shape develop-ment in the region for years to come.

“With an abundance of commercial and industrial land, companies have an opportunity to create what they need. They can build to suit their ideal conditions in an ideal location,” says Zanon.

Is it any wonder that the population and number of jobs in the North Fraser region are expected to double by 2040? To learn more about becom-ing a part of the growth, visit www.investnorthfraser.com today.

Maple Ridge, Mission and Pitt Meadows

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Affordability in the centre of Metro VancouverA few short decades ago, it seemed that New Westminster’s best years were behind it. Today, this city at the centre of Metro Vancouver is experiencing resurgence and revitalization that is transforming it into the place to be. Close to $1 billion has been invested over the past five years alone in new residential, commercial and public spaces, including the award-winning Westminster Pier Park, which has transformed the downtown waterfront and reconnected the city with the Fraser River for residents and visitors alike.

All of the activity is garnering attention from around the globe. With some of the most affordable office and retail space in Metro Vancouver, this is a city of opportunity. Businesses that locate here enjoy competitive lease rates and a supportive community. Access to space in new large-scale developments is attracting and retaining businesses seeking to capitalize on New Westminster’s key strengths – accessibility, affordability, established infrastructure and a rich history.

Now is the time to invest in New Westminster. With a projected growth rate that is set to outpace that of neighbouring cities over the next two decades, New Westminster is on the path to a successful future. Be a part of it.

Invest in New West.

Contact Economic Development OfficeCity of New [email protected], www.investnewwest.ca

New westmiNster


www.harrisonhotsprings.ca | [email protected] | 604.796.2171

Harrison Hot Springs has always been a natural attraction, and moving forward, it has evolved into a home of a balanced lifestyle. Been a while since you last visited? You’ll be surprised at

the changes rapidly taking place to make Harrison an even better place to live, work and do business. Discover why more and more people are choosing to work and play in Harrison. The Harrison Hot Springs lifestyle: Naturally refreshed!

The village un-square Harrison Hot Springs is “live and play” central for active, healthy people, which is only natural since the hot springs have long been revered for their healing properties. Here life’s a beach and a lot more, all revolving around the sparkling waters of the region’s largest lake, home to world-class fishing and amazing sport and recreational pursuits. You’ll also love our rich history and heritage, as Harrison plays host to vibrant year-round events celebrating the arts, culture and diversity. Bright, active, creative – that’s Harrison Hot Springs!

Glacier-fresh livingThink glacier-fresh only comes in bottles and cans? Say goodbye to crowded and cramped and hello to a cool rising mist and crisp air flowing off the mountain – a serene place where life revolves around clear glacier-fed waters bound by emerald green forests. No wonder folks stop by for a visit and decide they never want to leave. And now’s a good time to consider moving here yourself, while Harrison boasts great development opportunities and affordable housing. All kinds of people make up our village. Maybe you’re meant to be one of them.

Where memories are madeHarrison has long been the chosen retreat for families who value and enjoy their time away together, to take advantage of Harrison as a year-round getaway destination, from fun times splashing in the lake and quiet times gathered on the beach, to chasing each other down the slopes of the majestic snow-covered Hemlock Mountain. Harrison, where family memories are waiting to be made … just up the road.

Breezy business climateSeeking fresh horizons for commerce? Set up shop in Harrison Hot Springs, where the business climate is refreshing, too! Our community is rapidly growing and investing to develop and promote a diverse economy. We’re also making it easier to do business here by reducing red tape and providing timely approvals. From motels to restaurants to specialty stores, there’s a lot of room and opportunity to grow your successful business. Harrison Hot Springs, where lifestyle meets balance. Learn more about starting your successful business by calling the village office today at 604-796-2171.

Contact Andre Isakov, Manager of Planning & Community Services Village of Harrison Hot SpringsTel: 604-796-2171 (ext.233)E-mail: [email protected]: www.harrisonhotsprings.ca

Harrison Hot springs


Hope

All roads lead to Hope, B.C.Now is the time to invest in Hope. At the convergence of Highway 1, Highway 3, Highway 5 and Highway 7, Hope is strategi-cally positioned at B.C.’s highway hub and is at the gateway between the booming Fraser Valley and the resource-rich Northern B.C. market. Approximately 7 million vehicles travel through the community annually on these major routes, or about 20,000 per day.

New development creating retail and commercial opportunityDevelopment permits are on the rise in Hope, led by new highway commercial developments in 2012-13 such as Flying J and Subway. There are excellent retail-commercial opportunities in Hope’s beautiful downtown core, on Old Hope Princeton Way (with 4,500 passing vehicles each summer day), and adjacent to the Trans-Canada Highway at exits 165 and 168 (averaging over 14,000 passing vehicles daily. With retail lease rates starting as low as $8/sf, Hope offers new retailers affordable start-up costs with access to a large travelling market and a growing domestic clientele.

A January 2013 retail market study for Hope from Colliers International shows many business opportunities. Our strategic location is ripe for building materials and garden equipment sales such as Home Hardware or IRLY Building Centre, sporting goods and outdoor apparel, such as Valhalla Pure or Source for Sports, specialty foods such as a brewpub, chain restaurants such as KFC, Booster Juice, or Starbucks and flagged hotels such as Sandman Hotel & Suites or Ramada.

Home-based businesses are welcome in Hope. A newly relaxed zoning bylaw, many informal meeting spaces, reliable high-speed Internet access, a new inter-municipal business licence and an exceptional quality of life have all contributed to a spike in our home-based busi-nesses – come join us here!

Quality of lifeHope is the best place in the world to live! The Hope Recreation Complex includes an ice rink with B.C.’s best ice, a 25 metre competition pool, children’s pool and water features, library and new conference facilities. In addition, new investments in expanded community recre-ational amenities such as mountain bike trails, motorsports facilities and new trails to integrate into Hope’s 63 km of existing trails are planned over the next three years.

Tourists and locals alike enjoy the historic Othello Tunnels, arts programs offered by the Arts Council, many events such as the BC Strongman Competition, Chainsaw Carving Competition, Flight Fest (organized by the locally based Vancouver Soaring Association) and regular Motorsports Events. Manning Park plays host to local and visiting skiers, while the Hope Mountain Centre provides backcountry learning experiences year-round.

The Hope Visitor Centre and Hope’s

official tourism website, Hope.Travelthecanyon.com, can connect you to all the amenities and events in Hope.

Personal service, low costs, and new incentive programs in 2013You and your employees’ dreams of home ownership can still be realized in Hope! A single-family detached home is on average only $228,001 in Hope, compared to the provincial average of $418,703 (2006 census).

Work is underway to create a Revitalization

Tax Exemption Program to assist your busi-ness in Hope. The program will create a shield for new developments, to protect them from increased assessments for a period of years, allowing you to fully maximize the benefit of Hope’s low entry costs.

For more information contact:AdvantageHOPE (Hope’s Economic Development Agency): 604-860-0930 [email protected] www.AdvantageHOPE.ca.

| BC’s Highway Hub – over 7M vehicles per year!

| Serviced Industrial Land available with Freeway Access

| Affordable living with excellent amenities and recreation facilities

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vancouver island/coast

By Pamela Irving

Vancouver Island and the Coast are spectacular locations embodying active economies with a diversity of businesses and investment opportunities.

In Greater Victoria, high-tech is the No. 1 industry, with a $2.65 billion impact on the region. There are more than 1,000 high-tech companies including startups, e-commerce, gaming, mobile and software. Advanced technology manufacturers like Viking Air, Scott Plastics, Ramsay Group, Terra Remote and Straitline Precision export niche products.

“Regarding investment opportunities, high-tech startups need angel investment money to float them until they gain enough trac-tion for the next phase of financing,” says Dallas Gislason, economic development officer for the Greater Victoria Development Agency.

“Growing tech firms need venture capital in order to scale up.”

VancouVer isLand/coasTopportunities abound amid island and coastal beauty

• campbell river

• comox

• courtenay

• cowichan

• duncan

• ladysmith

• lake cowichan

• langford

• nanaimo

• north cowichan

• parksville

• port alberni

• port alice

• port hardy

• port mcneill

• powell river

• qualicum beach

• saanich

• sooke

• sidney

• tofino

• ucluelet

• victoria


Powell River industries include resource extraction and health care, with key targets in tourism product development and agri-food


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The university of Victoria owns the Vancouver Island Technology Park and the Marine Technology Centre, one of the largest marine research centres in North America. The university is one of the top universities in the world, with an impact on Victoria that exceeds $3 billion per year.

Victoria has the largest dry dock on the west coast of North America. Camosun College recently received $29 million from the provincial government for the Marine Trades Centre of Excellence to help supply a workforce for multibillion-dollar shipbuilding contracts with companies like Seaspan.

“The future of Victoria is its ability to attract world-class talent,” Gislason says about the city that has a declining unemployment rate at 5.4 per cent. “We are creating high-skill household-sustain-ing jobs for values-driven people who come here for our quality of life.”

Nanaimo: Green and growingProfessional, scientific and technical, construction, health-care, retail, tourism and green industries are the lead economic

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ToP: Nanaimo has invested significantly in tourism infrastructure, including a new cruise ship terminal

aBoVe: Inuktun robots developed in Nanaimo were used for remote search and rescue after 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy


Port Alberni Port Authority2750 Harbour Road, Port Alberni, BC 250-723-5312 www.portalberniportauthority.ca

Canada’s Inlet Port on the Pacific

P o rt A l b e r n i P o rt Au t h o r i t y

vancouver island/coastgenerators in Nanaimo.

“We work closely with provincial trade and investment representatives and the provincial nominee program to bring in new investment,” says Amrit Manhas, economic development officer with the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation.

Tourism recently received significant investment in infrastructure with the new $24 million cruise ship terminal and $26.8 million airport expansion.

Worthy of note are companies that have strong growth potential and inter-national markets such as VMAC – vehicle mounted air compressors – and Inuktun, a robotics company. Inuktun robots were used in remote search and rescue opera-

tions after 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. “Our municipal government and local businesses are increas-

ingly implementing energy saving products and technologies,” says Manhas.

Idus Controls, a water conservation and wastewater remedia-tion company, is responding to a greener economy. Nanaimo is also home to waste-to-energy companies such as Cedar Road Bioenergy and International Composting Corporation.

Manhas says that though there are many investment oppor-tunities in Nanaimo, perhaps the greatest need and potential is in the green industries sector.

Comox Valley: Affordable land and growing population At over 62,000 residents and the fastest-growing population on Vancouver Island at 6.8 per cent, the Comox Valley continues to attract diverse development and investment.

Lara Greasley, manager of marketing and communications for the Comox Valley, says that investment in the region includes residential development, new resorts and hotels, and new agri-culture and aquaculture businesses.

Fact boxThe annual growth rate of Vancouver Island is about 1.4 per cent, with almost three-quarters of a million people, the majority of whom are between the ages of 25 and 64.

Over 50 per cent of people over 20 have post-secondary education, with the majority of the labour force working in non-government services. The annual gross domestic product growth rate is a steady 2.6 per cent per year, in line with the rest of B.C.

Nanaimo’s lead economic generators include science and technology, construction, health care, tourism and green industries


vancouver island/coast“The economy is fuelled by population

growth, accessibility to the mainland via the Comox Valley airport, affordable and available land and a growing awareness of the area as an investment location. When combined, the activity demonstrates a diverse level of investment,” says Greasley.

The Comox Valley continues to be an affordable area for relocation and has the fastest growth rate of private year-round residences on the Island, the second high-est in the province.

Over $1 billion in commercial and resi-dential developments are slated or under-way for the region, including the Comox Bay Marina and Resort.

The Comox Valley airport has daily flights to Calgary and Edmonton, with Mexico and mainland connections.

A new regional hospital is planned, and expanding post-secondary educa-tion opportunities at North Island College Trades building are generating more skilled workers.

Tourism is a big draw, with Mount Washington Alpine Resort plus culinary festivals, farm and winery tours and a year-round farmers market.

Courtenay, Comox and Cumberland have almost 100,000 acres of protected farmland with more than 450 farms con-tributing $30 million locally each year.

CowichanIn Cowichan, agriculture is also prevalent, with wineries, produce and agri-tourism. Some of the Island’s best farmland com-bines with favourable weather to nourish a culture demonstrating much interest in locally raised produce. The Cowichan Economic Development Commission works closely with the local agricultural industry in helping to expand the aware-ness of local products internationally.

“The Cowichan Region EDC is actively implementing a sustainable economic development strategy,” explains Kathy Lachman, business development officer.

“Increasing the awareness of locally grown products is a big part of our strategy along with other sustainability programs.”

Powell River on the Sunshine Coast One hundred thirty-five kilometres north

SPS Energy Solutions installs an LED solar lighting system at the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics in Victoria. Green industries offer lead investment opportunities on Vancouver Island and the Coast


With its central Vancouver Island location and critical transportation links, the Comox Valley is a dynamic nucleus of economic sectors and

opportunities. Boasting abundant land and natural resources, coupled with a temperate climate and superb quality of life, the Comox Valley is a strategic business investment location.

A 30-minute flight from Vancouver will bring you to the Comox Valley which is made up of the distinctive communities of Courtenay, the urban and cultural core of the Comox Valley; Comox, a lively waterfront commu-nity, home to Canadian Forces Base 19 Wing Comox and the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ); Cumberland, a former coal mining town with a dynamic main street and a calendar full of festivals; and stunning surrounding rural areas. To the east the area encompasses the beautiful Strait of Georgia and to the west, the Strathcona Provincial Park.

The Comox Valley is considered the mid-island regional hub boasting harbour-to-harbour float plane service from downtown Vancouver, main-land BC ferry access, an expanding post-secondary regional college, Mount Washington Alpine Resort and other renowned destination properties, coupled with a new regional hospital being constructed in 2013.

The Comox Valley economy is extensive and thriving. The region has attracted investment in new and expanded resorts and hotels, making it a prime location for further investment in resort and tourism services.

With one of the longest growing seasons in Canada, more than 400+ farms, a critical mass of lower-cost agricultural land and access to nearly a million-person trading area, the region is attracting vineyards, niche product producers, including cranberries, sprouts, organic fruits and vegetables, and diary and meat processing.

The aquaculture industry, with a wholesale value of more than $38+ million, has gained a reputation for producing farmed shellfish of phenom-enal quality, certified for export to the U.S.A. and other international markets.

Contact: Comox Valley Economic Development, John Watson, Executive Director, 1-877-848-2427, 1-250-792-0375, [email protected], discovercomoxvalley.com

Comox VAlley

of Vancouver, the Powell River region of 20,000 is a centre for business, families and retirees. Manufacturing, resource extraction, retail and social and health services are lead industries, with key targets in advanced manufacturing, tourism product develop-ment and agri-food.

Powell River exports 10 million tonnes per year of products such as paper, wood, limestone, coal and seafood to markets around the world, with significant new investment in industries such as green power production.

Centrally located on the southwest coast, the region has an abundance of affordable land available for development with waterfront industrial lands currently priced at $90,000 per acre and agricultural lands at $6,500 per acre.

With four short flights daily to Vancouver, plus barge and freighter services, the region is strategically located for development.

“Whether it’s establishing low major industrial tax rates, part-nering on business developments with the Tla’Amin First Nation and the private sector or developing the best dual credit trades training programs in the province,” says Scott Randolph, manager of the Powell River Regional Economic Development Society.

“Powell River has put the supports in place for business to be successful.” •


Comox Valley farms add $30 million annually to the local economy; Mount Washington draws tourists year-round


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Why Pay More?

Powell River is an innovative and affordable community built on strong partnerships, and it is ready to work with businesses to help them be successful. Contact the Powell River Regional Economic Development Society at 1-877-330-8118 or [email protected] to learn more.

Powell River offers a wide range of service and cost advantages for your business:

• Marine Industrial Lands starting at $90,000 per acre• Agricultural Lands starting at $5,500 per acre• A 3.6 to 1 Business Tax ratio• Dual Credit Trades training programs• A strong Business Retention and Expansion program• 4 flights daily to Vancouver

The Cowichan Region on Vancouver Island is looking for your business to be part of our sustainable economy. Located between

Victoria and Nanaimo, the Cowichan has created a favourable business environment by developing a sustainable economic development strategy and working to create a supportive green economy. The region is home to many green businesses that support a growing sustainable culture. There are a number of great business opportunities with available wood biomass for green energy and agricultural opportunities to support a vibrant and well-established local food movement. In the Cowichan Region, we care about preserving the environment and we attract thousands of tourists annually who have discovered our pristine wilderness, lakes, rivers and ocean shores. Business opportunities for tourism include hotel/resort, wilderness adventure and water sport activities. The region attracts thousands of gourmands every year to sample the bounty this region has to offer. Local cheeses, jams, jellies, spices, salsa, vinegars, wild mushrooms and sea salt are just a few of the foods available. The Cowichan Region is the second largest wine region in British Columbia and is home to 16 wineries as well as the only estate cidery in B.C. With increasing demand for local food and wine, coupled with our ability to attract large numbers of tourists annually, the agri-tourism sector has ample room to grow.

For more information on the Cowichan Region, visit our website at discovercowichan.com or contact Geoff Millar, Manager, Economic Development Cowichan at 250-746-7880 or email [email protected].

CowiChan Valley

Population: 20,207 (region)

Location: 135 km north of Vancouver

Discover why Powell River is the Pearl on the Sunshine Coast. Known as a cultural hub for its International Symphony and Opera

Academy and renowned International Choral Festival, the region also offers easy access to Vancouver (four flights daily), affordable real estate and excellent recreation, education and health services.

The Powell River region’s chief exports are paper, lumber, crushed limestone, coal, clean energy, shellfish and value-added products such as windows and furniture. Approximately 8 million tonnes of product are shipped out of the region on an annual basis bound for markets in the United States, South America and Asia, but supporting 8,000 jobs at home.

The Powell River region has a strong history of creating innovative partnerships to move projects forward for the betterment of the community. The city took a bold approach to reducing major industrial tax rates for Catalyst Paper Corporation ($18 million in savings) and in turn made a deal to take ownership of needed lands and assets. School District 47 and Vancouver Island University have partnered to create dual credit trades programs that have become a model for the rest of B.C. The city has partnered with the Sliammon First Nation to form a Limited Partnership to sell lands for redevelopment to create new jobs and tax revenues. These partnerships are just a few examples of how the community works together to make things happen.

To learn more about the Powell River region and the opportunities it offers, contact the Powell River Regional Economic Development Society at 1-877-330-8118 or [email protected].

Powell RiveR


Nanaimo is a community that has it all!

Location, location, location …Nanaimo, nestled between the mountains and the ocean, is a 15 minute flight from downtown Vancouver or a 95-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver. The economic hub of Vancouver Island, picturesque Nanaimo is easily accessible by sea or air to the Lower Mainland and the Pacific Northwest. Air Canada offers daily service between Vancouver International Airport and Nanaimo Airport, an all-weather facility. Seaplane flights leaving every 30 minutes link Nanaimo downtown to Vancouver downtown in just 15 minutes. BC Ferries operates passenger and vehicle ferries between greater Nanaimo and the Lower Mainland 16 times per day.

Nanaimo’s harbour has long been valued by industry as a doorway to global commerce.

Home to three deep-sea berths, this oceanside city receives more than 1 million tons of cargo annually through its port facilities and deep-sea termi-nal at Duke Point.

Low business costs are a competitive advantage!Prime commercial real estate in Nanaimo has among the lowest lease rates in British Columbia for communities of similar size. Real estate costs are significantly lower when compared with Victoria or Vancouver for each class of real estate.

Class A B CNanaimo $18+ $12+ $7+ Victoria $29+ $16+ $10+ Vancouver $32+ $22+ $13+

At one-third the price of Vancouver, and roughly half that of Victoria, business owners and employees are often pleasantly surprised at the cost advantages of doing business and owning real estate in Nanaimo. With a full spectrum of housing options, most with spectacular ocean and moun-tain views, Nanaimo offers the most bang for your buck in real estate!

Average single-family home priceNanaimo $363,000Victoria $600,000Vancouver $838,000

“New businesses and residents continue to locate in Nanaimo because of the desirable mix of modern infrastructure, affordable cost of living, access to all of the services that are essential for successful busi-ness operation and growth, and the island lifestyle” says Sasha Angus, CEO, Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation (NEDC).

In the last decade Nanaimo has seen significant growth in build-ing permits, new business openings, and infrastructure improvements in telecommunications, transportation and education along with major downtown revitalization.

Nanaimo’s City Council is committed to creating a business-friendly environment. The creation of the Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation is a testament to that fact. The NEDC supports local businesses and attracts new business and investment to the region. Business class tax rates are significantly lower than Prince George,

Kamloops and other similar sized communities in British Columbia. Nanaimo’s local government, in collaboration with business leaders, is working to minimize regulations and to expedite development and permitting processes. This will serve to save businesses both time and money.

Telecommunications Nanaimo companies have access to an excellent telecommunications infrastructure. This includes a sophisticated network of fibre optics, provid-ing worldwide Internet links and a high level of reliability. “Nanaimo offers a fantastic telecommunications environment, with all the services and amenities that any budding or growing business could ask for!” says Jean St. Pierre, owner Eclipse Technologies.

GrowthThe City of Nanaimo has seen 27 per cent net growth in businesses between 2002 and 2012. The largest sectors in the economy currently are construction, retail trade, professional scientific and technical, health care and tourism.

Population base102,000 – Nanoose to Cedar (NEDC boundaries), 20-minute drive151,000 – Regional District of Nanaimo, 25-minute drive374,000 – Secondary and tertiary trade area, within one-hour drive

Labour force and educationNanaimo is home to a well-trained, highly motivated, stable and educated workforce. Helping build the human capital of the future is Vancouver Island University (VIU). VIU has long responded to the needs of industry by providing custom training programs for employees, while building on an extensive track record of successful private sector partnerships with small business. University graduates from various disciplines provide a constant stream of new employees for area companies.

Infinite possibilities!A recent survey of area companies report recruiting outside of the area is easy due to our coastal location, affordable housing, a broad range of recreation options, excellent public amenities and a lower cost of living. A diverse range of recreational opportunities are available to Nanaimo residents. Nanaimo offers an enviable lifestyle with a variety of employ-ment and investment opportunities.

Nanaimo

Nanaimo Economic FP advertorial 34824.indd 1 1/30/13 1:47:18 PM


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Abundant land, a skilled and diversified workforce, excellent

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Nestled amongst the West Coast’s natural beauty where firs and cedars blanket the mountain coastline of Johnstone Strait, Campbell River enjoys pristine wilderness, affordable housing

and the benefits of life in a small city. First Nations culture permeates the community and recreation opportunities abound including easy access to the Discovery Islands for boating and fishing, an abundance of trails for winter and summer activities and great golf courses. Vancouver Island’s premiere mountain resort, Mount Washington, is minutes away for skiers and snowboarders.

Campbell River is a natural home for companies looking for a highly accessible location, abundant natural resources and first-class transporta-tion and communications networks. Campbell River is a critical hub for Vancouver Island’s industrial economy. Current plans to convert the former Elk Falls pulp and paper mill into a multi-faceted industrial park complete with a deep-water dock provide Campbell River with a competitive advan-tage developers will appreciate. The Campbell River region boasts low land costs, competitive tax rates and availability of power and water for industrial applications. Add a skilled labour force and a talented pool of experienced managers and it’s clear this is one of the most advantageous environments in the Pacific Northwest.

Campbell River is the centre of Vancouver Island’s coastal forest industry, which has been experiencing positive growth. New businesses have formed and interest is growing in the utilization of the residual fibre supply. Campbell River’s local mines contribute hundreds of jobs to the economy and work is underway to attract mining investment to the north Island. Campbell River is the primary mining supply and service centre in the area and strategically positioned to service these develop-ments. Campbell River is also the centre of salmon farming industry in

British Columbia. International salmon farming companies have their Canadian head offices in Campbell River, and the BC Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences provides research and services that support healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Campbell River is working to incubate and accelerate the growth of a regional cluster of creative industries, which includes complemen-tary businesses ranging from software and games to digital and graphic design, animation and stereoscopic 3D. Campbell River’s Internet con-nectivity is as fast as downtown Vancouver’s and Campbell River lifestyle is appealing to young families, the prominent demographic for people in this industry.

Economic sustainability and forward thinking are driving the diver-sification of Campbell River’s economy. The City of Campbell River, through its Green City Strategy, is committed to promoting efforts that move the city toward environmental, economic and social sustainability. Major projects, like the BC Hydro John Hart upgrade and construction of a new hospital, assure employment opportunities and spinoff benefits that will benefit all economic sectors of the community. Campbell River also has many community groups actively promoting health and well-being, affordable housing, services for immigrants, youth and senior ser-vices and other initiatives.

Consider Campbell River as your future home, place of work and playground.

For more information contact the Campbell River Economic Development Corp. (Rivercorp):www.rivercorp.ca, toll-free: 1-866-830-1113Email: [email protected]

Campbell RiveR

The Campbell River Economic Development

Corporation focuses on recruiting new

businesses to the community and retaining

existing businesses and encouraging them

to expand. Rivercorp also administers

Tourism Campbell River & Region and the

Campbell River Visitor Centre.

Campbell River Economic Development Corp. (Rivercorp)

1-866-830-1113 | [email protected] | www.rivercorp.ca


cariboo

• 100 mile house

• barkerville

• mackenzie

• mcbride

• prince george

• quesnel

• valemount

• wells

• williams lake

resourcefuL reinVenTionnatural resources are still its biggest asset, but the Cariboo is diversifying

Share of B.C. land

area: 14.2%

By Curt Cherewayko

The strength of the Cariboo region’s biomass industry is emblematic of what a bit of investment and ingenuity can do.

When the area’s historic forestry industry – logging and pulp production – hit hard times a few years ago, entrepreneurial businesses looked for new ways to add value to the industry.

Enter biomass developers, who use waste wood that previ-ously had no value to create energy and heat. Proactivity such as this has contributed to the rejuvenation of the forestry sector.

Of course, strong commodity prices and demand from new consumer economies like China are primary drivers of the booms occurring in all resource sectors – mining, oil and gas and forestry.

But the Cariboo region is not as easily rattled by the boom and bust cycles of the global commodity game.

The new economy of the Cariboo is much more diversified. Technology and entrepreneurialism are bringing additional

Trucks at Thompson Creek Mine. Strong

commodity prices and demand from

new consumer economies are

primary drivers of the booms occurring

in Cariboo resource sectors


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efficiencies and value to cornerstone industries while spurring growth of new industries in the area.

With companies such as Pacific BioEnergy Corp. operating in Prince George and Pinnacle Pellet Inc. operating in a number of nearby towns such as Quesnel and Armstrong, the region is the largest biomass pellet-producing area in the world. It accounts for roughly 86 per cent of B.C.’s wood pellet production capacity and nearly all of the value of the province’s pellet exports.

As the largest community in Northern B.C. and the major ser-vice and supply centre for the Cariboo, Prince George’s prosperity is closely tied to the prosperity of the entire region. Employment in the forestry, mining, oil and gas sectors in the city grew 32 per cent in 2012, reflecting recent development and expansion of a number of resource projects throughout northern B.C.

The Northwood pulp mill in Prince George, owned by Canfor Corp., recently announced a $26 million upgrade to two turbo-generators. The upgrade is part of a $155 million investment, which includes major government funding, to make all three of Canfor’s mills in the region more energy efficient.

A surge in demand from China for B.C. wood products – lum-ber, pulp and mountain pine beetle-killed timber – contributed to the reopening of idled mills in Mackenzie and other towns.

Near Mackenzie, the $1.5 billion Mount Milligan copper-gold mine overcame one of its last hurdles last August, announcing a $200 million deal to sell future gold output to a partner.

Taseko Mines Ltd. is nearing completion of a $134 million expansion of its molybdenum-copper mine, dubbed Gibraltar, near Williams Lake.

The Endako molybdenum mine, 100 kilometres west of Prince George near Fraser Lake, officially commissioned a new mill in the summer of 2012, nearly doubling the current processing capacity to 55,000 tonnes. The new mill is part of a $650 million expansion at the mine, which provides direct employment for 420 workers and indirect employment for an additional 600 workers.

Also near Williams Lake are two major proposed mining proj-ects: the Spanish Mountain mine and Prosperity mine.

Back in Prince George, growth in employment numbers in

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The Endako molybdenum mine commissioned a new mill that doubles its processing capacity


PRINCE GEORGE .BCGROWTH. OppORTuniTy. inVESTMEnT.

To learn more about the opportunities, contact:Initiatives Prince George Economic Development Corporation

T: 250-564-0282 • E: [email protected]

Prince George is the northern centre for business, health care, education and transportation and has a growing economy that offers a diverse range of opportunities for new business investment.

The city’s role as the service and supply hub for one of the fastest growing regions in Canada makes Prince George the preferred location for companies looking to expand their operations.

Prince George also offers an affordable quality of life, where four-season recreation opportunities are complemented by a full range of urban amenities.

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia, Prince George has a population of nearly 80,000 and a thriving economy that offers a diverse range of

opportunities for new business investment. The city’s role as the service and supply hub for a growing region of about 335,000 people and its superior transportation connectivity make Prince George the preferred location for companies looking to establish or expand their operations.

Prince George’s economy is well-diversified across a variety of sectors including natural resources, education and health care. The city is well-connected to domestic and international markets through an international airport (YXS), the transcontinental CN Rail line, provincial highways 16 and 97 and its proximity to major West Coast ports.

A broad selection of competitively priced commercial space is available in all areas of Prince George, with options to suit all types of business ven-tures. Development cost charges in Prince George are among the lowest in British Columbia, and the city offers competitive tax rates for business and industry.

Prince George is home to the main campuses of the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and the College of New Caledonia (CNC), which have a combined annual student population of about 10,000. These institutions provide a wide range of programming to facilitate the continued development of the Prince George labour force with the diverse skill sets needed to support business expansion across all industries.

Prince George offers an affordable quality of life, where four-season recreation opportunities amidst the natural beauty of the outdoors are complemented by a full range of urban amenities. All of these qualities differentiate Prince George from other locations, making the city a preferred location to live, work, play and invest.

To find out more about what Prince George has to offer, contact:Initiatives Prince George Economic Development Corporation250.564.0282 | [email protected] | www.initiativespg.comLike us on Facebook at facebook.com/InitiativesPGFollow us on Twitter @InitiativesPG

Prince GeorGe

caribooother sectors in 2012, such as education (173.7 per cent) and con-struction (53.1 per cent), reflect that the city is keeping pace with the resource boom and has developed into a community ideal to not only work in or rent a room in but also to live in.

Prince George is home to the main campuses of the university of Northern BC and the College of New Caledonia, which com-bined have a population of about 10,000 students annually.

“We are the service and supply hub for Northern B.C.,” said Tara Bogh, manager of Economic Development at Initiatives Prince George, which is the economic development arm of the City of Prince George.

“And that doesn’t mean only for businesses that are looking to source equipment or professional services like engineering. People also come here for their doctor’s appointments, they come here to take educational classes at the college and the university.”

With support from the Downtown Incentives Program (which includes a revitalization tax exemption and housing grants), more than $54 million in private downtown development is slated, including a $40 million luxury hotel and condo development.

Reflecting the growing population and increasing business activity, the Prince George Airport set a new record for passenger volumes in 2012.

In Williams Lake, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. has instilled

The Williams Lake area is home to one of the largest legal mountain biking networks in B.C. | Tourism Bc/aLBerT normandin


Business is an eight letter word here.Business is an eight letter word here.Business is an eight letter word here.Business is an eight letter word here.Business is an eight letter word here.Business is an eight letter word here.

Investing in Williams Lake is a good business decision. Strong market potential in downtown and big box retail, resource sector services, and

housing development are a few of the prospects on the table in this city of 11,000 people. The diversity of the surrounding geography – rainforest to desert within an hour’s drive of the city – parallel the community’s business and lifestyle opportunities.

Mining sector expansion is resulting in hundreds of new jobs and demand for additional services. Williams Lake is host to a hotbed of nearby mining activity with hundreds of millions in mine capital improvements, tens of millions of dollars in mine exploration activity, new working agree-ments with area First Nation communities and new mine development projects worth billions being reviewed by senior government.

New directions, energy and innovation are always being exemplified at

Williams lake the Williams Lake campus of Thompson Rivers University (TRU). TRU North is fast showing itself to become an economic driver by quickly responding to the post-secondary education and training needs of local industries and the community at large.

Williams Lake’s forest industry also continues to be a major contributor to the local economy with new Asia-based market growth for lumber prod-ucts and diversification into new green home building manufacturing.

Market-driven investment opportunities in the lake city are helped along by a progressive City government. Established downtown and indus-trial tax exemptions, Integrated Community Sustainability and a recent Official Community Plan ensure the path is clear to “make your way here.”

Contact: Alan Madrigga, Manager, Economic DevelopmentTel: 250-392-1764Email: [email protected] www.investwilliamslake.com

confidence in the community regarding its long-term prospects there with plans to construct a new planer at its local sawmill.

Williams Lake is also looking to leverage its strong existing mountain biking culture to encourage more tourism in the region. Some of the world’s top mountain bikers are from the Williams Lake area, which is home to the largest bike park in the Interior and one of the largest legal mountain biking networks in B.C. Bike magazine has called Williams Lake “the Shangri-La of mountain biking” in North America.

New infrastructure projects in development in the Cariboo will encourage investment in towns and areas historically neglected.

BC Hydro announced last June that it is in negotiations with clean energy producers regarding funding a new transmission line for the Robson Valley, from Valemount to the village of McBride. BC Hydro is funding approximately $50 million worth of upgrades at the Valemount substation required for the new line.

The new transmission line is eagerly awaited by run-of-river producers in the area who want to connect to the grid, including Holmes Hydro Inc., which is looking to proceed with 10 run-of-river projects on the Holmes River.

The Cariboo will be one of the fastest-growing regions in coming years, offering many opportunities for job seekers, entre-preneurs and businesses across a diverse range of sectors. •

cariboo

With companies such as Pinnacle Pellet Inc. operating in a number of towns, the region is the largest biomass pellet-producing area in the world | PinnacLe

PeLLeT inc.


•Quality infrastructure supporting industry

•Surrounded by world class year-round recreation

•�Community openly welcomes new industries, businesses, residents and visitors

Ph: 250.997.3221 [email protected] www.district.mackenzie.bc.ca

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Mackenzie…the Sky’s the LimitMackenzie lies at the southern end of Williston Lake, the largest man‑made reservoir in North America, formed by the W.A.C. Bennett Dam on the Peace River.

Residents enjoy pristine wilderness, endless recreation opportunities, affordable housing and the benefits of life in a small town. There is truly something for everyone with picturesque lakes for boating and fishing, an abundance of trails for winter and summer activities, and enviable snow conditions for skiers and snowmobilers alike.

The District of Mackenzie was incorporated in 1966 after the development of large pulp and lumber manufacturing mills. Today, Mackenzie is home to several large industrial facilities including sawmill complexes, a pulp mill and finger jointing mill.

For new business prospects, the municipality boasts low land costs, competitive tax rates and availability of power and water for industrial applications. Further, businesses may qualify for grants through the Northern Development Initiative Trust’s Business Incentives Program.

ForestryForestry is the backbone of Mackenzie’s economy. With the reopening of the Canfor Mackenzie operation, the Mackenzie Pulp Mill and Conifex Mackenzie, our economy is recovering. New businesses have been formed as a result and there is also interest being generated regarding the use of the residual fibre supply that results from this activity.

MiningGeologists have discovered deposits of lead, zinc, silver and gold on the west and north sides of Williston Lake that are considered high‑potential

sites for mine development. With the increasing amount of exploration in the area, Mackenzie will likely see added investment and business cre‑ation in the local economy. Mackenzie has an excellent strategic location to service these developments during exploration and production stages. The road structures, barge and rail services are all capable of providing access to the mineral wealth in the area.

Construction is underway at the Thompson Creek Metals Corp. Mt. Milligan copper‑gold project with the anticipated production date being the third quarter of 2013. This mine is located between Mackenzie and Fort St. James, and our region is working hard to position itself as a service supply centre for the mine. The upgrade to the Fort St. James‑Mackenzie Connector Road is completed. This road connects the two communities enabling businesses and workers to access the mine site. More information on the project can be found at www.mtmilligan.com.

Economic diversificationThe District of Mackenzie continues to work toward diversifying its economy and has identified several initiatives that will help to ensure that we are not entirely dependent on the forest industry.

The futureThe opportunities are truly endless in the District of Mackenzie. The community welcomes you to consider Mackenzie as your future home, place of work and outdoor playground. In Mackenzie, the sky’s the limit.

For more information: Phone: 250‑997‑3221 Email: [email protected], Website: www.district.mackenzie.bc.ca

District of Mackenzie


kootenay


• castlegar

• cranbrook

• creston

• fernie

• grand forks

• invermere

• kaslo

• kimberley

• nakusp

• nelson

• new denver

• radium hot springs

• rossland

• slocan

• sparwood

• trail

BY Linda Tobias

Referred to by many as the “Serengeti of the North,” the Kootenay region is among the most ecologically diverse parts of British Columbia. This is the source of the mighty

Columbia River, which has played such an important role in the development of the region and British Columbia.

Four major mountain ranges, including the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies, characterize a region that encompasses everything from alpine tundra and Interior temperate rainforests to pastoral valley-bottom farmlands and semi-arid grasslands.

Among this setting of mountains, lush valleys and pristine lakes is situated a mix of picturesque towns and cities with a vibrancy matching the character of the land.

kooTenay aTTracTionlifestyle and connectivity create opportunity

Towns like Kimberley offer a small town feel, but offer big city markets to investors | don weixL


kootenayEqually evident is the vibrancy of the region’s diverse economy,

which builds upon the strength of its natural resources and the unique mountain lifestyle that draws so many from around the world, encompassing mining, forestry, energy, agriculture, recre-ation and education.

For generations, coal mining has been a principle driver for the communities of the Elk Valley, home to the world’s second largest export source of steelmaking coal. Teck Resources Ltd. operates five of its six coal mines here. Combined, these mines produced almost 23 million tonnes of coal, generating revenues in excess of $5.6 billion in 2011.

With new and expanded coal mines now in development to feed growing demand in Asia, the Elk Valley and neighbouring communities anticipate significant growth not only in the mining supply businesses but also in the broader services and housing sectors.

In surprising harmony with the valley’s coal mining sector is an internationally renowned mountain recreation industry. No better is this demonstrated than at Fernie Alpine Resort, where ski enthusiasts from Calgary, eastern North America, Europe and even Australia come to experience the snow.

Kootenay Rockies Tourism has branded this the “Powder Highway”: five major alpine ski resorts (Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Panorama Resort, Whitewater outside of Nelson and Red Mountain at Rossland) within three hours of each other, and more than 60 “powder providers” including cat and heli-ski operations, Nordic skiing centres and snowmobile guides. No wonder this is an outdoor travel destination, complemented by the region’s 43 golf clubs – including 20 championship golf resorts – and its myriad of lakes.

Central to the region is Cranbrook, the Kootenay’s largest municipality, home to the Canadian Rockies International Airport (CRIA). With a 2012 ridership of 113,000, CRIA is an anchor for the region’s thriving tourism sector and a rapidly growing driver for the area’s multimodal transportation and commercial services sector. It is also a centre for many public services, including home to the College of the Rockies and the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

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aBoVe:Per capita, the Kootenay region has the most championship golf courses in CanadaBeLow:The Canadian Rockies International Airport, showing strong growth with a ridership of 120,000 in 2012, opens the Kootenay region up to the world


www.flycanadianrockies.com

IT’S SO MUCH EASIERTO FLY HEREFREQUENT FLIGHTS CONNECTING CRANBROOK

TO VANCOUVER AND CALGARY

• Air Canada express • Pacific Coastal AirLINES

kootenayBuilding upon the services available in

Cranbrook, nearby communities such as Kimberley, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs and Fernie are becoming destinations of choice for young professionals, entrepre-neurs and families seeking the mountain lifestyle and recreation in one of the most affordable regions of B.C.

For a slightly different change of pace, the Creston Valley, just south of Kootenay Lake, offers one of the most picturesque pastoral settings to be found in western Canada. Creston’s mild microclimate and fertile bottomland has made this area the province’s second largest tree-fruit pro-ducing area.

Creston is well known as the home of the popular Kokanee beer, brewed by Labatt’s Columbia Brewing, but what

many don’t know is that Creston is also a centre for high-quality wines with new vineyards and wineries such as Skimmerhorn producing award-winning vintages on the international stage.

On the west side of Kootenay Lake, the outdoor recreation and lifestyle appeal is perhaps best exemplified by the Victorian charm found in the communities of Nelson and Rossland and lakefront communities such as Nakusp, New Denver and Kaslo, popular destinations for visitors and lifestyle migrants with an entrepreneurial zeal. Welcome to high tech and innovation – and year-round recreation.

Central to this part of the region is Castlegar, poised to grow as a retail /commercial and light industry hub. In addition to offer-ing scheduled air service to Vancouver from the West Kootenay Regional airport, Castlegar is also home to Selkirk College, one of the province’s oldest.

Teck Resources Ltd. plays a prominent role in this part of the region with one of the world’s largest lead and zinc smelters in the City of Trail. Ongoing expansion of the smelter, estimated at $210 million when complete, has enabled Trail to develop as a hotbed of metallurgical activity, specializing in electronic waste recycling, with a robust transportation system and infrastructure.

Continuing west along Highway 3, the historic mining and forestry communities of Grand Forks, Greenwood and Midway offer equal economic appeal and opportunities to entrepreneurs. Forestry, agriculture and tourism dominate with new investment at the mills in Grand Forks and Midway and expanded smaller-scale organic farming.

As noted by Dylan Griffiths, CEO and founder of DSG Communications, which builds fibre optic infrastructure, “Young entrepreneurs and remote commuters from major urban centres like Calgary [are] coming to the Kootenays for the lifestyle ben-efits. This younger generation is driving demand,” Griffiths says.

“We’re going to see ongoing business and expansion far into the future.” •This story was completed with files from EDABC.

The rolling Selkirk Mountains and the west arm of Kootenay Lake offer a picturesque setting for small-town Nelson charm. Nelson has a diverse infrastructure with strengh in the tourism and high-tech industries | PicTure Bc/

PhiL BesT


Happiness is....

Grape vines and vivid backcountry graced by hot summers and snowy warm winters. Places only the bears will hear you and places where human conversa�on feels like a group hug. In our contrasts lies our soul – a place that cares about living be�er not just more.

The tall rocks that hug us make us as unique as a snowflake in B.C. Our culture makes us different. Warmth, crea�vity, and openness bring an easy sense of belonging.

Castlegar is hub-central for exploring life’s �ckle trunk of outdoor ac�vity in the West Kootenay. Camp, hike, shop, golf, fish, mountain bike, pursue arts and culture, or wildlife watch. Be an ac�on hero. Life’s an adventure. Start a new one in Castlegar.

www.castlegar.ca

The West Kootenay has a distinct cultural flavour and warmth of humanity that will bring a quick smile to your face … and a lingering feeling of contentment. Lifestyle is not urban rush but

a relaxed mix of outdoor rugged and urban cool. There is a creative undertow to the human tide. Business is important, but the lifestyle dog still wags the business tail.

Castlegar is the West Kootenay’s commercial service centre, including the West Kootenay Regional Airport and Selkirk College’s main campus. Castlegar’s location squarely midway between Vancouver and Calgary has produced today’s investment opportunity. Castlegar’s competitive advantage lies in its central location in the West Kootenay region, low business costs/cost of living, and cultured outdoor lifestyle.

Sited midway between Vancouver and Calgary, the West Kootenay has received less Vancouver/Calgary region investment than the Okanagan and the East Kootenay. This creates a business opportunity and an affordable cost of living that supports the notion that entrepre-neurs can both balance the books and balance life.

Castlegar’s economic base is stable and diversified (forestry, mining, hydro, government services, retail, tourism). Business conditions are dynamic and affordable. The City is big enough to support full services but Castlegar knows it can do more and its commercial service centre vision is ambitious.

A rare investment opportunity – West Kootenay Regional CentreCurrently the West Kootenay regional market (65,000 population) is underserved by the major retail sector. This is a rare opportunity to provide a centralization of key commercial services to the entire

market. By locating centrally, the development is accessible to 70 per cent of the region’s population within 40 minutes.

The West Kootenay Regional Centre commercial lands are the largest and most accessible tract of raw, flat commercial land in the West Kootenay. This city-owned 37 acre site is central to the regional marketplace with access to Highway 3, Highway 3A and Highway 22, which intersect at the project site. Direct site access to Highway 3 has Provincial approval in principle for a full primary access intersection with secondary access. The site has been recently serviced with water and sewer and it is pre-zoned in terms of regulatory approval. The City has a preliminary grading plan for the site’s development, and the land is available for purchase or long-term (99-year) lease. In a region that continues to show consistent positive growth, there are very few, if any, other flat serviced commercial 20 – 30 acre plus sites in the region.

The site is adjacent to the West Kootenay Regional Airport, which is serviced by Air Canada and enjoys 70,000 passenger movements per year. A new Regional Gaming Centre was recently opened on the adjacent airport lands, and a new $16 million Fortis Regional Operations Centre is planned for an adjacent site on the other side of the airport.

For more information about the West Kootenay Regional Centre commercial lands, contact the City of Castlegar at [email protected] or phone the City of Castlegar, Chief Administrative Officer, at 250-365-7227.

Life’s an adventure. Start a new one in Castlegar, B.C. www.castlegar.ca

Castlegar


“Inspiring.” What more aptly describes it? With the majestic Rockies to our east and the stately Purcell Mountains to our west, Cranbrook is sim-ply… Inspiring!

But there is much more to us than our spectacular setting. Cranbrook is alive with opportunity for those seeking a vibrant, welcoming and affordable community; and for those trail blazers seeking to create and grow their busi-ness. And just a short distance to the north, Kimberley offers a four-season suite of recreational opportunities for the lifestyle focused professional.

A large and expanding marketAs the largest city and regional service centre for southeastern British Columbia, Cranbrook offers a range of services and amenities you would expect to find in a much larger centre, while still maintaining the warmth and charm of a smaller rural town.

Our regional population is in excess of 73,000 permanent residents with Cranbrook itself accounting for some 20,000 and Kimberley 7,000 of these. In addition, approximately 30,000 seasonal residents live and enjoy the region, all using Cranbrook as a service centre. The corridor is a closely integrated market, where upwards of 700 vehicles travel the 30-minute drive between the two communities daily.

Our broader market (within a half-day’s drive) includes a significant neigh-bouring population of 1.7 million (1.2 million in the nearby southern Alberta-Calgary region) and 329,000 in the neighbouring US counties.

These surrounding regions play an important role in Cranbrook’s econo-my and future.

The area is also increasingly a location of choice for both domestic and international investors, due to our exceptional setting, climate, value and life-style, which simply can’t be found anywhere else.

Strategic assetsCranbrook provides ground transport links to markets across North America with direct access to CP Rail’s and Union Pacific’s rail network, four common carriers and bonded warehouse services. Quick access to the US for both road and rail is only a short 40 kilometres away through a major point of entry at Kingsgate, ID. In addition, Cranbrook enjoys the benefit of proximity to Calgary (only 415 kilometres to our east) and to Spokane Washington (only 315 kilometres southwest of us).

In terms of air services, the newly expanded Canadian Rockies International Airport at Cranbrook is rapidly emerging as a growth engine for Cranbrook and the region. It is the 10th busiest airport in the province with 113,000 passengers in 2012, a 6.6% increase since 2010. In addition to regu-lar scheduled daily flights to Vancouver and Calgary new service expansion is now in development – a great complement to the 70-hectare business-industrial airport park planned for development starting in 2013.

And when it comes to high-speed telecommunications that isn’t an issue. In addition to services provided by the major telecommunications carriers (Telus, Shaw Cable, Bell and Rogers Wireless) local networks such as FlexiNet and Cranbrook’s own municipal fibre-optic broad-band network are available in the downtown core and targeted areas. With such assets, Kimberley and Cranbrook are becoming home to an increasing population of entrepreneurs and creative professionals working remotely for clients around the world. They reflect the future focused population of lifestyle migrants who value time in nature.

Finally, if health care or education services are a deciding factor for you or

your employees, we have that covered. Our first-class regional hospital, full complement of medical specialists and wide range of associated health-care facilities are able to respond to your needs. And whether it’s for your chil-dren’s education or your own interests, our K to 12 school system and post-secondary College of the Rockies – offering both degree and diploma level studies – will fit the bill.

The opportunitiesCranbrook is growing and diversifying its economy. Building on its role as a regional service centre, its strategic location to major markets, and access to key distribution networks, Cranbrook is well positioned for the future. New investments in strategic infrastructure, such as our municipal broadband net-work and the airport industrial-commercial park, only enhance the opportu-nities. • Opportunities in our renewed natural resources sector with a focus on: untapped mineral resources; advanced forest products; value-added agricul-ture and renewable energy.• Opportunities to build on our specialty manufacturing in: wood, metal and concrete fabrication; food processing; electronic equipment, textile and other specialty manufacturing.• Opportunities to be part of our growing services sector in: retail; accommo-dations & hospitality; finance and professional services. • And opportunities in our all important support services: public services such as health and education; commercial services such as heavy equipment fabrication and repair; and our ever-growing role in telecommunication, logis-tics and transport.

For its part, Kimberley is home to many niche sectors, such as fine dining, health and wellness.

All the right reasonsFor motivated and energetic people seeking the ultimate in work/life bal-ance, the timing has never been better. And when your workday is over, the fun really begins!

Skiing, snowmobiling, golf, hiking, mountain biking, water sports, fishing, nature watching… it’s all to be found here

And if it’s a night out you seek, then we have that in abundance as well, whether it’s watching our “Kootenay Ice” of the Western Hockey League, or taking in a performance of the symphony, some live theater, a jazz festival or one of the many head-line performers to grace our community such as Bob Dylan, the Tragically Hip, River Dance, Barney Bentall, Natalie McMaster, Holly Cole and Nickelback.

All of this in one of the most affordable areas in British Columbia.There is so much more waiting for you here in Cranbrook, Kimberley and

the East Kootenays... so check us out, you’ll be glad you did!

ContactKevin Weaver, Business & Economic Development ManagerCity of Cranbrook40 - 10th Avenue SouthCranbrook, BC V1C 2M8Phone: (250) 489-0232 or 1-800-728-CRANEmail: [email protected], www.cranbrook.ca

Kevin WilsonEconomic Development OfficerCity of Kimberley340 Spokane StreetKimberley BC V1A 2E8Phone: (250)-427-9666email: [email protected]

Cranbrook – Kimberley Corridor

Cranbrook FP Advert 34895.indd 1 2/6/13 12:36:43 PM


Come experience life in the East Kootenays. We think you will love itso much you’ll want to stay forever --- and we hope you do. With tremendous opportunities for business, community, culture andrecreation Cranbrook & Kimberley o�er you the richness of life and success you have been striving for.

Cranbrook & Kimberley in the East Kootenays... your life is here.

WWW.CRANBROOK.CA | [email protected]

A great place to visit! • A wonderful place to live! • An affordable place to do business!

S pectacular scenery, excellent recreational opportunities, strong support for business, good access to transportation routes, a rich heritage, and a quality of life second to none! The mountain community of Revelstoke welcomes you as a visitor, a new resident or a new business owner.

For more information visit us at www.cityofrevelstoke.comor call [email protected]

Revelstoke, B.C.

Join our herd.

■ Some of the lowest property tax and municipal charges in the Kootenay’s■ Affordable fully serviced commercial land■ House prices lower than BC average■ Median household income 60% higher than

BC average

Our big backyard and down to earth spirit create possibilities as big as our mountains… as a worker, entrepreneur or investor. Live life more deeply here. Visit Elkford.ca

Population: 8,500

Revelstoke is located in southeastern B.C. in the Columbia River Valley, adjacent to two national parks and among some of the most

spectacular scenery to be found in British Columbia. Approximately halfway between Vancouver and Calgary on the Trans-Canada Highway and the CPR mainline, Revelstoke’s market area is central to the West Coast, the Okanagan and Kootenay regions, and Alberta.

Key sectors of the economy include forestry, transportation and a rapidly expanding tourism industry. The development of a major four-season resort is underway at Mount Mackenzie, minutes away from the beautifully restored downtown. At over 1,900 metres (6,000 feet), Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts the longest vertical of any ski resort in North America and the fourth-longest in the world. This project has excellent investment potential. For more information, visit www.discoverrevelstoke.com.

Heli and cat skiing/boarding are well-established winter attractions, and Revelstoke has been rated as the No. 1 snowmobile destination in North America! The summer adventure tourism market is also a growing industry with mountain biking, boating, hiking and backcountry treks, all popular pursuits. Revelstoke has been rated as one of the top seven adventure destinations in the world and as one of the top 10 outdoor adventure communities in North America!

ContactAlan MasonDirector of Community Economic Development1-800-487-1493amason@revelstoke.cawww.seerevelstoke.com or www.cityofrevelstoke.com

Revelstoke

Elkford … a picturesque Rocky Mountain town in southeast B.C. with strong ties to the mining industry. The community’s largest employ-

er, Teck Coal, is in the process of expanding its operations, and a new coal mine is proposed to the north of Elkford’s municipal boundary. The District is also working to acquire Crown lands for expansion of the Industrial Park and Wapiti Ski Hill.

Elkford Community Conference Centre, a $6 million energy-effi-cient building completed in 2012, includes multi-purpose meeting rooms, a 400-person banquet hall, commercial kitchen, playschool and a Visitor Information Centre. The Centre won awards for its innovative and unique use of wood to conserve energy and reduce the environ-mental footprint. The District also received the 2012 UBCM Community Excellence Award for leadership and innovation for a small community.

An exciting upcoming project in 2013 is the energy retrofit of the Elkford Aquatic and Recreation Centres. As a result of these projects and previous initiatives, Elkford is recognized in B.C. and Alberta as an energy-efficient community. The area is largely undiscovered by lovers of Rocky Mountain recreation and positioned to benefit from entrepre-neurial activities.

We are actively seeking investors for the development of tourism services, local retail and commercial services, recreation and residential properties, as well as mountain-based destination attractions.

Good jobs. Affordable housing. A full range of school, recreation and social amenities.

Get into Elkford. Get back to nature.

Contact:District of Elkford Municipal Office816 Michel Road, P.O. Box 340Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0Phone: 250-865-4000 Fax: [email protected]

Elkford


• barriere

• cache creek

• clearwater

• clinton

• golden

• kamloops

• kelowna

• lytton

• oliver

• osoyoos

• peachland

• penticton

• revelstoke

• salmon arm

• summerland

• vernon

crossroads of The ProVinceThompson okanagan region enjoys vibrant, diverse economy

By Peter Mitham

Situated at the heart of southern British Columbia, the Thompson Okanagan region stretches from the Rockies to the Coast Mountains. The crossroads of the province, it is where

traffic heading west from Alberta and east from the Pacific con-verge, offering a convenient departure point in both directions as well as south to the u.S.

Small wonder that it is home to myriad businesses that have chosen to locate in the region because of its strategic location.

The region’s historic waterways, which provided a name for Kamloops – in the Shuswap language, it means “meeting of the waters” – have given way to highways, railways and airports. Highway 97, which crosses the u.S. border at Osoyoos and runs


thompson okanagan

Summerland is home to the Pacific Agri-Food

Research Centre, and viticulture is strong in

the region


north through the Okanagan to Kamloops and ultimately the Yukon, is regularly upgraded.

Kelowna International Airport is the region’s key passenger hub as well as epicentre of the region’s thriving aerospace indus-try. Pioneered by Okanagan Helicopters Ltd., now part of interna-tionally renowned CHC Helicopter Corp., the region’s aerospace sector is now led by Kelowna Flightcraft Ltd.

Aerospace companies are supported by aircraft maintenance programs at Okanagan College, one of the region’s several post-secondary institutions that contribute to the local talent pool with skilled workers. The school’s main campus in Penticton focuses on building technologies and is home to the Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation.

Opposite the Kelowna airport sits uBC Okanagan (uBCO), which is making good on an aggressive, $450 million development program. Now at capacity, with an enrolment of 8,300 students in six faculties from arts and sciences to management and health, the school is fulfilling its mandate to deliver programs that serve local needs. Students in the Faculty of Health and Social Development gain practical experience at Kelowna General Hospital, while a budding wine science program reflects the importance of viticul-ture and environmental science to the Okanagan.

Thompson Rivers university in Kamloops launched Canada’s first new law school in 35 years in 2011, bringing legal education to students who previously had to leave the region to study in a larger urban centre.

Meanwhile, other research endeavours are offshoots of federal agencies. Summerland is home to the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre (PARC), which maintains an active research and develop-ment program. PARC apple breeders developed Salish, Canada’s newest apple variety, while other projects underpin many of the advances in local viticulture.

Research continues in the rangeland above Penticton at the HIA-Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, which has helped Accelerate Okanagan Technology Association incubate local high-tech companies.

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The Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation at Okanagan College in Penticton is training students in critical job skills for the future


Do you seek a friendly community that understands the needs of busi-ness and strives to provide a climate for success? Would a sustainable

community plan and a progressive economic development model work with your business plan? Are you looking for a municipality that has the foresight to provide revitalization tax exemptions should your enterprise fit the model?

Barriere, British Columbia, is the community you seek.We are within 45 minutes of Sun Peaks, one of BC’s best family ski

resorts, and the City of Kamloops with its numerous large city ame-nities and services like an International airport, regional hospital and Thompson Rivers University. Right in Barriere you will find a medical clinic and associated services easily available.

Located on the Yellowhead Highway #5, midway between Vancouver and Edmonton, Barriere’s strong business and industrial base and the abundant resource and recreational opportunities in the surrounding area contribute to a diverse and thriving economy.

A blend of pre-zoned, serviced and fully accessible industrial, small business and agricultural opportunities of various sizes are available as well as ample affordable employee housing options.

Whatever your needs, either in the District of Barriere or in the surrounding Thompson Nicola Regional District – Area O, we are here to help.

Come to Barriere and “Grow With Us!”

Contact: Mayor Bill HumphreysTel: 250-851-6165Email: [email protected]: www.barriere.ca

BARRIERE

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The observatory was built in the region because of the stable, pristine environment, a factor that also attracted Rackforce, which operates a 40,000-square-foot data centre serving clients in more than 100 countries.

But low costs were also a factor. Powered by B.C.’s abundant hydroelectric resources, also a green power source, Rackforce is able to offers clients significant cost savings and environmental benefits versus other regions that depend on coal- or diesel-powered generating plants.

Real estate also tends to be cheaper in the Thompson Okanagan than elsewhere.

This, and the attractive quality of life, makes the region appeal-ing not just for businesses but for prospective employees, too.

While the benchmark house price in the Lower Mainland is $532,400, the median price in the Thompson Okanagan ranges from $325,000 in Kamloops to $419,000 in Kelowna.

Buyers can count on world-class alpine skiing at Big White, Silver Star, Sun Peaks and Revelstoke Mountain Resort, among other hills. During the off-season, many of these same destina-tions offer mountain biking and hiking. Golf courses are also never far away, from Predator Ridge near Vernon to Canyon Desert, the Osoyoos Indian Band’s course in Oliver.

The golf course is one of the band’s many ventures, which reflect the diversity of the region itself. Spirit Ridge Vineyard

HIA-Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory on White Lake Road near Penticton is a key element of the Okanagan’s high-tech sector | PeTer miTham


Host your next conference in

[email protected]

Osoyoos – Canada’s warmest welcome

Come to Canada’s only true desert … come to Osoyoos. Here you will discover our country’s warmest lake and hottest, driest climate

amid a valley of stunning beauty. Framed by desert hills, lakes, vineyards and orchards, it’s the ultimate desert destination. The small, friendly resort town of Osoyoos is a celebrated centre for business meetings, conferences, weddings and recreation. And it’s no wonder – Osoyoos does have it all. Golf, spas, beaches, wineries, orchards, culinary delights, mountains, First Nations culture and eco-desert experiences.

Indeed, there is something for everyone, every season of the year. A growing number of stylish resorts have technology-equipped banquet and conference rooms accommodating up to 400 people – perfect for business meetings, conferences or weddings. These resorts offer a “para-dise” setting for special events such as the Half Corked Marathon, the Tumbleweed Film Festival and the Cherry Fiesta and Fireworks.

And there’s more. Wine-tasting at award-winning wineries in picture-perfect vineyards. Golfing on spectacular championship cours-es. Learning the fascinating legends of the First Nations culture while studying the desert ecology at a world-class centre – don’t miss the live rattlesnake shows! Savouring fresh and innovative local culinary creations. Eating juicy sweet fruit “just picked” at an orchard’s quiet country-side stand. Experiencing bliss in a health and beauty spa.

Romance, adventure, relaxation and inspiration – it’s all yours to experience, year-round in Canada’s hottest destination, with Canada’s warmest welcome. Book today!

Contact:For more information or to request a quote please reference our website: destinationosoyoos.com, Meetings/Special events tab.

OsOyOOs

Resort and Spa in Osoyoos presides over one of Canada’s best-kept tourism secrets as well as hundreds of acres of vineyard that supply both the band’s own Nk’Mip Cellars and wineries across the valley.

Real estate development is a key element of the band’s eco-nomic development strategy, and besides the resort and planned development on the Canyon Desert course, it is developing Senkulmen Business Park in Oliver.

Other industrial clusters are found in Okanagan Falls, where unit Electrical Engineering Ltd. builds substations and related equipment for clients in North America and across Asia. Penticton is home to Structurlam Products Ltd., which produces engi-neered timbers that have featured in projects such as the Richmond speed-skating oval. Rapid-Span Structures Ltd. supplies bridges for construction projects across Western Canada from its base in Spallumcheen, while Armstrong-based Rhinokore manu-factures durable, lightweight mats and stabilization pads, among other products, for the oil and gas sector.

Tire retailer Kal Tire recently completed an 80,000-square-foot head office in Vernon, also home to forest giant Tolko Industries Ltd. Together with four active mines near Kamloops, and another four under construction, as well as the second largest cluster of digital media companies in the province, the Thompson Okanagan economy offers the full range of opportunities. •

thompson okanagan

Kal Tire has global reach from its base in Vernon


West Kelowna’s Westbank Centre Neighbourhood is awaking as the first urban neighbourhood and

2012 was the starting point for significant developments and improvements.

“2012 really is the starting point for revi-talization for the neighbourhood,” says John Perrott, Business Development Officer for the District of West Kelowna, adding “that during the year, two significant develop-ments got underway, the Kelowna RapidBUS transit exchange was announced, and a number of District-lead programs were implemented which added a shot of energy and vitality!”

Dilworth Homes, in partnership with a local developer, launched Gateway Urban Village as the first new multifamily project in Westbank Centre in the spring of 2013. With phase one complete, the develop-ers are looking toward phase two which includes more townhouses and a number of multifamily apartment style buildings. Next to Gateway Urban Village, InvestiCare began the final stretch of construction for their 145 unit Heritage Seniors Care facility which is scheduled to open for the summer of 2013. The District will also begin working on adding sidewalks, street lighting, and other improvements to Brown Road within the neighbourhood to help connect these developments to Main Street.

“It’s exciting to see the first of what’s hoped to be much more multi-family and higher density residences within Westbank Centre. With so many shopping, dining, and recreation amenities within a 5 to 10 minute walk of these two developments already in place and more expected, we think there’s going to be an increasing demand by consumers over the next year.”

For the summer of 2012, the District of West Kelowna launched its first season of the Music in the Park concert series. For ten consecutive Friday evenings during July and August, friends, neighbours, and visitors enjoyed music under the stars from a range of local and touring artists. 2013 promises to see growth in the program with larger artists and more in attendance each week. Also opened in 2012 was the brand new Westbank Centre neighbourhood spray park where thousands of local children came to cool down the warm Okanagan Sun.

The Kelowna RapidBUS transit exchange has been designated for Westbank Centre and will see detailed design and community consultation begin in 2013 with construction and a grand opening for early 2014. This new

transit exchange will provide neighbourhood residents the opportunity to connect to Kelowna with a short 22 minute direct ride – all without ever needing to drive!

“We’re seeing lots of interest from the local and broader investment community in Westbank Centre with numerous inqui-ries each month into the District’s offices,” says Perrott, noting that “We continue to see those developers considering new mixed

use buildings and commercially focused office spaces in an effort to meet the grow-ing interest for professional space. It’s an exciting time”

Contact:For more information on investing or devel-oping in West Kelowna, contact John Perrott, Business Development Officer directly at 778-797-2215 or via e-mail at [email protected].

West KeloWna


Every town, city and community has unique local conditions that either help or hinder your business opportunities. If you are looking to build your business in a progressive community that is strategi-

cally located, the City of Merritt is your location of opportunity.The City of Merritt’s Economic Development Department is here

to provide a conduit to disseminate quality information, increase the growth and competitiveness of our value-added sectors, facilitate economic development, work to attract investment and promote the City of Merritt.

CoordinationWorking with the City of Merritt’s Economic Development Department will help ensure the co-ordination of efforts to maintain and strengthen a sound economic climate. The partnerships between government, community, industry, post-secondary institutions and other organizations are the cornerstone for economic development success.

DiversificationEconomic development in Merritt is focused on municipal competitive-ness, where the emphasis is on the need to be effective but efficient, and an open-for-business regulatory approach. Our diverse economy ensures that your business can capitalize on our diversity of people and culture; leverage our workforce, location, infrastructure to your advantage over competing communities; and build a strong relationship between your business, industry, government and education to ensure sustainability.

LocationLocated at the intersection of key major transportation routes, the City of Merritt offers transportation and distribution to all points throughout British Columbia and beyond. Merritt offers a cost-effective approach to business as an intersection point for transportation and distribution. According to the City of Merritt’s Economic Development Manager, James Umpherson, “relocating, building or establishing your business in Merritt is a smart business decision and a wise lifestyle choice”. He says that “Merritt is strategically located to support efficient distribution channels, there is a post-secondary institution that sup-ports tailored to meet industry specific requirements, and the critical infrastructure to allow businesses to easily develop and expand.” But Merritt is so much more.

SustainabilityIf you are looking for a long-term sustainable environment to grow your business, look no further than the City of Merritt. Merritt has a significant “baby boomer” and “baby bounce” population. Of the 7,113-strong popu-lation, 30% are under 25. With such a mix of experience and youth, the labour force can meet the long-term sustainable growth of your business. But Merritt is so much more.

Post-Secondary TrainingThe Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) offers university degree programs and university transfer programs, trade and skills programs, adult education and upgrading, BCIT technical skills training, and other customized programs to meet your business needs.

Progressive TaxationProgressive taxation policies to encourage business growth, expansion, and attraction are the cornerstone of our business friendly environment. The City of Merritt has two revitalization tax exemption bylaws that offer up to 100% tax exemption for up to five years, depending on project, location, and bylaw criteria.

Urban Yet CountryMerritt has an urban lifestyle in a country setting. There are modern facilities to meet your recreational needs, national chain retailers, unique shopping, cafés, diverse dining and access to the outdoors at your door-step. But Merritt is so much more.

A Lifestyle ChoiceMerritt is more than business; it is a lifestyle choice. Merritt supports the longest established franchise in the B.C. Junior Hockey League. There is a modern aquatic centre, a mountain bike park, skateboard park and chil-dren’s water park as well as sports, rugby and lacrosse fields, tennis courts, a bowling alley, hockey and curling rink, and a nine-hole golf course.

Outdoor AdventureOutdoor opportunities are plentiful: drop your canoe or kayak right from your back door. The Nicola and Coldwater Rivers run through the heart of the City of Merritt. There are also mountain bike, ATV and hiking trail networks surrounding Merritt. The Kettle Valley Rail Trail network is accessible from within the city.

Event DestinationMerritt also hosts a number of special events: the stage and music performances at outdoor venues in the summer, to the Canadian Rally Championship each fall, the Cowtrail Classic Mountain Bike Race and the Pacific Forest Rally Off-Road race. The City of Merritt caps off the year with the Merritt Country Christmas Parade (North America’s seventh-largest Christmas parade).

We are here to support the routes (and roots) of growth for your business, your industry.

The City of Merritt is strategically located to support your business and lifestyle opportunities. Contact James Umpherson, Economic Development Manager at the City of Merritt for further information.

ContactJames A. Umpherson, B.A., M.A.E.S.Economic Development ManagerCity of MerrittTelephone: 250-378-8619Mobile: 250-280-2441Email: [email protected]: www.merritt.ca

Merritt

Merritt fp Advert 33260.indd 1 2/6/13 12:53:19 PM


Merritt fp Ad 33259.indd 1 2/1/13 3:00:00 PM

The City of Kamloops’ economy is strong and diverse. With its well established transportation and infrastructure, Kamloops is attracting and supporting an ever-increasing number of large businesses

and major corporations in every sector. The accessibility to markets, the unparalleled natural environment, the cosmopolitan urban areas and unique lifestyle all factor into doing business in Kamloops.

Key sectors Forestry, mining, transportation, logistics and agriculture have always anchored the economy of Kamloops. Now emerging areas of technology, sustainability, tourism, manufacturing and education are strengthening this business base and contributing to additional growth.

Transportation and logisticsKamloops is a vital transportation hub in Western Canada, with direct links to the rest of Canada, the United States and the Pacific Rim. Kamloops is located at the intersection of Western Canada’s four major highways, has over 25 trucking and wide-transport companies serving North America, is serviced by both national railways and provides service throughout North America with connections to every part of the world through Kamloops Airport (YKA).

High-techWith over 200 high-tech firms located in the region, the high-tech sector in Kamloops is diverse. It’s on par with major metropolitan areas in terms of communications infrastructure and includes an extensive fibre optic network. BCLC, iCompass and other national call centres, data centres, software providers, technology support

services, and many research organizations call Kamloops home.

ManufacturingWith more than 120 fabrication and manufacturing companies operating within Kamloops, manufacturing is a major contributor to Kamloops’ local economy. Most manufacturer expansions service industries such as construction, forestry, mining and alternative health sectors.

MiningMineral exploration and mining has been a regional economic strength in Kamloops for decades. As a mining hub, there are numerous active and proposed mines located in the Kamloops area. With a rich mining history, Kamloops has skilled mining personnel, mining consultants, assay labs and mining suppliers. This significant concentration has resulted in a cluster of industries that have located here to support the mining operations.

If you are considering the establishment or expansion of a business, Kamloops should be at the top on your list. Kamloops is where transpor-tation, technology, business and lifestyle come together.

Contact Venture Kamloops1-888-526-5667or visit www.venturekamloops.com/investbc

Kamloops


City of Vernon Economic Development

Contact us today to find out how your company can join in the success.

[email protected]

Business in Vernon is growing, and with competitive tax rates coupled with an

unmatched quality of life, it’s easy to see why. Vernon companies enjoy quick access

to destinations across western Canada and an international airport only 25 minutes away. Living

in Vernon means having access to some of the best recreational amenities in British Columbia.

Population: 39,000

The City of Vernon is the economic anchor of the North Okanagan, serving a regional population of more than 100,000. With a municipal population of approximately 39,000, Vernon maintains a small-town

feel while offering an abundance of commercial and retail services.Vernon has a diverse economic base, with employment being generated

from a large professional services sector and the traditional resource sectors of forestry and agriculture, as well as from the tourism, technology, manufac-turing and service sectors. Vernon is headquarters to a number of made-in-Vernon success stories, including Kal Tire, Tolko Industries, Okanagan Spring Brewery and DCT Chambers Trucking. Kal Tire opened its new 80,000-square-foot head office in October 2012 while Tolko’s 55,000 square-foot head office was completed in 2008.

The City Centre Neighbourhood Plan has been completed and adopt-ed by council. The plan offers a clear vision that promotes development in Vernon’s downtown and surrounding neighbourhoods. A Revitalization Tax Incentive Program for development in the City Centre and the Waterfront Neighbourhoods was adopted in 2012. Already several new downtown devel-opments are completed or under construction in the downtown, including Nixon Wenger Lawyers new four-storey office building, a new 32,500 square-foot medical building and a 20,000 square-foot professional office building.

Recent and ongoing investments in public services and amenities are enhancing Vernon as a desirable place to locate. The hospital expansion is complete, and a new public library and secondary school were completed in 2012. The City of Vernon has been investing in improved civic spaces, transit expansion, more sidewalk and trail connections and the creation of cycling infrastructure to enhance the livability of the community.

Companies seeking to locate in Vernon have access to a highly skilled

workforce. The University of BC Okanagan and Okanagan College provide post-secondary opportunities to both high school graduates and returning students looking to upgrade their skills. These two institutions, as well as other private post-secondary institutions, facilitate the growth of local talent.

Vernon is readily accessible by air, rail and road networks, providing businesses with excellent transportation linkages. The Kelowna International Airport, offering domestic and international connections, is located only 25 minutes from downtown Vernon.

Good food and a rich agricultural history play a large role in the econo-my, as evidenced by the many farmers markets and agri-tourism opportuni-ties. Local produce and farm products abound, offering tremendous variety in organic and locally produced foods.

Vernon has a well-deserved reputation for its recreational opportunities, including ready access to Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes. The Ridge course at Predator Ridge Golf Resort was ranked the best new course in Canada by ScoreGolf magazine in 2010. Numerous other golf courses also offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the beautiful Okanagan summers.

Silver Star Mountain Resort and Sovereign Lake are only 20 minutes from downtown. To soothe those aching muscles after a day on the slopes, the one of a kind Sparkling Hill Resort offers European spa luxury right here in Vernon.

With a strong sense of community and beautiful Okanagan location, Vernon offers a great business climate and is a desirable place to live. We invite you to join our success.

Contact City of VernonKevin Poole, Manager of Economic Development and TourismTelephone: 250-550-3249, [email protected], www.investvernon.ca

Vernon


PorT of caLL: oPPorTuniTyThe north Coast of B.C. is capitalizing on the huge opportunities presented by asia’s appetite for Canadian natural resources

Share of B.C. land area: 12%

• hazelton

• kitimat

• masset

• new hazelton

• port clements

• port edward

• port simpson

• prince rupert

• queen charlotte city

• sandspit

• skidegate

• telegraph creek

• terrace

By Curt Cherewayko

As the mainland North American port town with the shortest sailing distance to the shores of Asia, Prince Rupert sits in the eye of a perfect storm of economic opportunity.

To the east of Prince Rupert, throughout northern B.C. and northern Alberta, lie abundant supplies of natural resources that in some areas, have only been marginally tapped or peripherally explored.

To the west of Prince Rupert, across the Pacific Ocean, lie Asian tigers like China, whose gaping maw eagerly awaits commodities needed to fuel its rapidly industrializing economy.

Where once the province relied on the appetite of the u.S. to sell its resources, the ongoing financial crisis in the u.S. had dimin-ished that appetite.

Simultaneously, demand in Asia for resources has increased dramatically.

north coast

The North Coast is poised to benefit from increased Asian demand for LNG


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north coast“The main interest that Prince Rupert

receives is from the Asia-Pacific market,” said Derek Baker, economic development officer for Prince Rupert and Port Edward.

“The rapid growth that region is seeing right now in their urbanization is creating this huge demand for Canadian natural resources.”

As a result of that shifting consumption dominance, Prince Rupert, as well as the other port towns on B.C.’s North Coast such as Terrace and Kitimat, have become primary departure points for Canadian exports.

Private and public investment along the North Coast is at unprecedented levels, as business and government seek to capi-talize on this perfect storm of opportunity.

Ridley Terminals in Prince Rupert is in the midst of a $200million expansion that will see its coal-shipping capacity increase from 12 million tonnes a year to 25 million tonnes a year.

The project’s construction is expected to create up to 690,000 hours of work for employees.

Malaysian energy giant Petronas and Canadian natural gas firm Progress Energy Resources Corp. announced last December plans to develop two liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants at Prince Rupert, at a cost of at least $9 billion.

The Petronas-Progress project could create up to 3,500 con-struction jobs and 300 long-term operational positions.

The project’s two plants, which would be capable of produc-ing more than 7 million tonnes of LNG a year, are among a num-ber of major LNG facilities proposed for the North Coast.

Chevron Canada and Apache Corp. are developing the $5 billion-plus Kitimat LNG plant that will funnel gas from a pipeline that runs from natural gas reserves in northeast B.C.

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Prince Rupert’s Ridley Terminals is in the midst of a $200 million expansion to accommodate an upcoming increase in coal shipping | Tourism BriTish coLumBia


The most reliable airport in the northwest with6 flights a day to YVR....

GAT E WAY T O C A N A D A’ S N O RT H W E S T C O A S T

www.ypr.ca

north coastShell Canada is leading a project that

includes construction of a $12 billion LNG plant in Kitimat.

A joint venture between the Haisla First Nation and Houston-based LNG Partners has received an export licence to sell natu-ral gas from its proposed $400 million to $600 million plant in Kitimat.

While natural gas is the fastest-growing sector in northern B.C., other sectors continue to expand their roles in the local economy.

Rio Tinto Alcan is investing $3.3 billion to expand its historic aluminum smelter in Kitimat.

The expanded smelter will have nearly double the production capacity, while its environmental footprint will shrink by 50 per cent.

There are 1,200 people working in alu-minum production at the existing site and 720 people working solely on construction of the new smelter.David Pernarowski, mayor of Terrace, said

Venerable giants at Port Clements draw visitors, but traditional economic drivers such as forestry are also rebounding strongly


THE PORT OF PRINCE RUPERT

Growing fast. Going strong.

At the Port of Prince Rupert, fast transit times and high delivery reliability set us apart. Planned expansion means significant opportunities for growth and further enhancement of the capacity of North America’s leading-edge gateway. It’s time to discover how to share our advantages with your customers.

[email protected] | www.rupertport.com

Untitled-2 1 2013-02-05 9:06 AM

that while development of and invest-ment in the region have risen dramatically, the Northwest Transmission Line being built along Highway 37 will be a major catalyst for additional growth.

“We are talking about some very signifi-cant spinoff business,” said Pernarowski, who is co-chair of the Northwest Transmission Line Coalition, which has lob-bied heavily for construction of the line.

The 344-kilometre transmission line, which runs north from a substation near Terrace to Bob Quinn Lake, is expected to create up to 840 direct jobs during its three years of construction.

Once completed in 2014, the line also has the potential to attract $15 billion in new investment and create more than 10,000 jobs over the next few decades, according to the Mining Association of BC.

The proposed Red Chris copper-gold mine located 80 kilometres south of Dease Lake in Tahltan traditional territory is expected to be the first operating mine powered by the Northwest Transmission Line.

The 550 tonnes of concentrate pro-duced per day at the mine’s mill will be transported 200 kilometres to the deep-sea port of Stewart – another key port town on the North Coast.

In anticipation of the continued flow of new investment to the area, Terrace is developing a 2,400-acre industrial park near its airport.

The city has a handful of confidential memorandums-of-understanding with businesses interested in setting up shop at the Skeena Industrial Development Park.

The sound of saws once again buzzing at the Skeena sawmill in Terrace is a sign of the renewed confidence in the area’s forestry industry.

The sawmill, which had been

mothballed since 2007, reopened last November, employing 50 local workers.

“To have a mill reopen, and as strongly as this one has, is a big story for us,” said Pernarowski.

“Forestry is coming back into its own, even with all the other big projects that are taking place. We have not given up on forestry.” •

north coast

Recreational opportunities and scenic vistas abound on the North Coast, drawing tourists and outdoor enthusiasts | PicTure Bc/Lonnie wisharT


Nestled at the head of Douglas Channel in northwestern British Columbia, the District of Kitimat enjoys both natural beauty and a strong industrial heritage.

Kitimat is located on one of the few wide, flat, coastal valleys in British Columbia, with a stunning backdrop of rugged Coast Mountains and the glacier-fed Kitimat River, which ties it to the resource-rich B.C. Interior. Carved out of the coastal wilderness in the 1950s, it has become a vibrant community of approximately 10,000 residents. Kitimat’s wilder-ness setting is a tourist attraction offering world-renowned salt- and fresh-water fishing, and sailing and powerboating on Douglas Channel. Skiing and hiking options abound, and the challenging 18-hole Hirsch Creek golf course offers an unparallelled golfing experience in a pristine wilderness setting. Safe neighbourhoods, ample recreational opportuni-ties and affordable housing make Kitimat a welcoming community.

Throughout its history Kitimat has had a diverse and varied economy, primarily based on value-added manufacturing and natural resource processing. The town was initially built in the early 1950s to house employees of Alcan, an aluminum smelter which remains in operation in Kitimat today. This smelter has been shipping goods globally through Douglas Channel for close to 60 years. The Eurocan Pulp and Paper mill opened in 1969 and produced linerboard and kraft paper for more than 30 years until closing in 2010. Ocelot Industries/Methanex operated a methanol plant from 1982-2005 producing 500,000 tonnes of methane and ammonia annually. The same features that attracted Alcan, Eurocan and Methanex to locate their operations in Kitimat are today drawing interest from numerous and varied proponents.

After approximately 60 years of heavy industry, the essential infra-structure, an experienced labour force and a comprehensive supply and service sector are in place. Northwest Community College and Kitimat Valley Institute offer industry training programs and employment skills geared to the needs of local industry. Location, harbour, growth poten-tial and industrial heritage make Kitimat one of the most promising trade and manufacturing locations in North America.

Kitimat offers significant strategic advantages to attract businesses to locate here, including the ice-free, wide, deep-sea harbour, private

port opportunities and a seamlessly integrated international transpor-tation network. Kitimat is seeing increased trade and business linkages with Asia.

Kitimat is bursting with new activity. More than $30B (Cdn) in direct inward investment has been announced, and work has begun on several major projects. Announced projects include natural gas liquefaction (LNG) facilities, pipeline projects and associated shipping terminals. Kitimat’s economic development office is increasingly busy fielding inquiries from resource industries, the energy sector, and manufacturing proponents. New businesses and residents are coming to Kitimat, recognizing the unique opportunity and potential in the region.

Kitimat is a world-class port and manufacturing centre on the Pacific Rim and an emerging energy hub and transportation link for Asia–North America trade. Connections to international trade networks, access to Western Canada’s natural resources and proximity to key Asian markets make Kitimat an increasingly popular location for manufacturing, processing and transportation operations.

Canada’s northern transportation corridor spans over half of continental Canada, reaching into the American midwest, and forms the straightest, shortest and flattest route for Asian–North American trade. The northern corridor is a full day closer for shipping to or from Asia than southern transportation routes, offering time and cost savings. Kitimat’s port is the third-largest on the West Coast of Canada and is one of only a few fully private ports in North America. All Kitimat port facilities are built, owned and operated by private enterprise. There is no federal port authority and no harbour dues – just steady, productive levels of shipping. The port has vehicle clearance to 320,000 DWT.

Kitimat Valley is unique on the West Coast of North America. It is the only wide and flat coastal valley with an inventory of available greenfield land. Tidewater and inland sites, both large and small, are pre-zoned and available for industrial development.

The provincial and federal governments are dedicated to working with industry to make British Columbia’s ports the preferred gateway for Asia-Pacific trade, the most competitive port system and supply chain on the West Coast of the Americas. This commitment builds on Canada’s longstanding and strong cultural and economic ties with Asia. In the new global economy, Canada’s Pacific Gateway is a path to the future.

ContactRose Klukas Economic Development Officer District of Kitimat 250-632-8921 [email protected]

Kitimat

District of Kitimat FP advertorial 33248.indd 1 1/30/13 10:03:41 AM


D. Horwood

District of Kitimat FP ad 33247.indd 1 2/6/13 1:04:36 PM

• chetwynd

• dawson creek

• fort nelson

• fort st. john

• hudson’s hope

• pouce coupe

• taylor

• tumbler ridge

coming down The PiPeasian markets drive northeast energy sector


By Jerry Eberts

British Columbia’s huge Northeast sector – more than 22 per cent of the province’s landmass – is booming. Jobs in forestry, coal mining and natural gas are adding big bucks to the

area’s most recent industry, tourism.But there is no doubt it is the natural gas industry that is really

rocking the Northeast’s economic boat.“The Northeast region’s considerable natural gas reserves rep-

resent tremendous opportunities for the area and for the entire

northeast

Northeast gas projects are contributing to steady growth and

new investment in the region


province,” says Pat Bell, B.C.’s minister for jobs, tourism and skills training. “Our government’s investments in skills training and infrastruc-ture projects build on the steady growth we are seeing in the northeast and will help to continue attracting new businesses and new investors.”

As mayor of the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality, centred by Fort Nelson, Bill Streeper is keen to see his district profit from growing sales of liquid natural gas (LNG) to China, India, Japan and South Korea.

“We have the gas. We have the resources. We ship the gas to Kitimat, where it is pro-cessed into liquid natural gas and placed in tankers,” says Streeper.

While environmentalists and others take a dim view of some methods of extracting gas from the rocky terrain, Streeper says the technology and methods are changing on a daily basis.

“The technology to untrap this type of gas from shale is in its infancy stages,” says Streeper. “And what about years down the road? We already know there is enough natural gas here for a 250-year supply for Canada [at present usage]. They keep finding more.

“The job potential is amazing. And these are not up-to-your-ass-in-mud jobs. These are good, $125,000 to $150,000 jobs. I know guys who are 30 and they’re pulling in $200,000 a year. There are good, stable jobs in oil and gas.”

Streeper is concerned that the towns of the Northeast will be unable to cope with this influx of men and machines: “How are towns dealing with this? The province is not helping us, not as much as I’d like to see. If we don’t build the housing and recre-ation necessary, the oil companies will locate in Alberta and fly their workers out to B.C.”

Streeper pointed out that refueling stations are needed for the big trucks hauling the gas and oil.

“A B.C.-based fuel tax could take us from a have-not province to being like Alberta,” says the mayor and businessman. “We should see good times for a long time.”

As chief administrative officer for the District of Tumbler Ridge, Barry Elliott knows that coal extraction is a red-hot industry.

“The two existing coal mines here are both looking to expand,” says Elliott. “There are a couple more companies looking in the area. We are a coal-based community and welcome this resurgence.”

The coal industry seemed to be in a very deep pit as recently as 10 years ago, says Elliott.

“We had closures at the turn of the century,” he says. “The com-munity regrouped quickly and reinvented itself; we enhanced our existing seniors-based facility and now have a wonderful com-ponent of Tumbler Ridge that is senior. Today we are increasing housing stock to accommodate more young, working families,

northeast

Top: Coal extraction is once again a red-hot industry in Tumbler RidgeAbove: Transportation and infrastructure are essential in the resource-rich Northeast region | NDIT


northeast

but that does not diminish the concern for older people.“We envision that, if all applications for new mines go ahead, in

addition to the wind power and oil we have, we could see sub-stantial growth – even doubling our size in a three- to five-year period.” (The current population of Tumbler Ridge is about 3,500.)

The boom in the region is tempting many young workers to leave the stagnant wages of the urban centres for Northeast industries. As mayor of Fort St. John and executive director of Sci-Tech North – a resource for entrepreneurs, innovators and inven-tors – Lori Ackerman is concerned that economic growth could be slowed because of a lack of skilled labour.

“Innovation is so important,” says Ackerman. “We need people to built, test, even reverse engineer – to do whatever we can to take advantage of our situation.”

Fort St. John is a mixed bag of industries, ranging from oil and gas to agriculture and forestry. Ackerman says environmental technologies are also ramping up, including remediation of sites, as well as archeology and paleontology.

Her town is working to improve infrastructure, including a new hospital.

“There were 33 babies born here last summer,” says Ackerman. “We have a very young community, demographically speaking.

Fort St. John offers a rich range of industries, ranging from oil and gas to agriculture and forestry


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People are coming here to kickstart or restart their careers. Companies want people who do their homework, have a good work ethic. If you work hard, you will be successful.

“There are several projects in this region. Just the LNG facilities alone would provide good, strong growth. But there is also the third dam on the Peace River – Site C.”

As chief administration officer for the Village of Fraser Lake, Clinton Mauthe agreed the area is booming.

“The forestry industry is picking up,” says Mauthe. “The price of lumber is up. We have new mines opening, including the Endako mine last June 1 with a $600-million expansion. It’s huge, with an estimated 17 years of useful life and guaranteed employment.”

Fraser Lake has been busy increasing its share of infrastructure, he says. That includes a new RV park by the lake, a skateboard park and 2,200 metres of walking trails.

“This is a very attractive place to live,” says Mauthe. “It’s a scenic part of B.C., homes are for sale at a fair price and there are rooms for rent. It just keeps getting better.” •

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aBoVe: There are plenty of good, high-paying jobs in the Northeast regionLefT: LNG and the supporting processing and transport facilities proposed for the region are helping drive the current boom


Being positioned in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the District of Chetwynd acts as a natural entrance to the Peace region. With growing industries including mining, oil and gas, and forestry

products, Chetwynd can see growth long into the future.Chetwynd is a natural transportation centre in the Peace Region.

Resource rich, economically strong, naturally beautiful: it’s no wonder SmartGrowth BC ranked Chetwynd as one of the most livable places in British Columbia.

Recent announcements of increased production from local coal mines, the resumption of wind project development, steady growth in the Montney gas field and the resurgence in the local forest industry have created low unemployment levels. All our industries are recovering at the same rate, which has resulted in Chetwynd posting one of the fastest-growing economies in B.C.

Industries are hiring workers in all sectors, and Chetwynd offers a great place to live and raise your family. When not working, Chetwynd residents take the time to enjoy the peace and serenity of the rural and wilderness areas and also take advantage of our urban amenities.

Chetwynd is an “inviting and attractive place to live,” Mayor Nichols said, perhaps mostly because it has managed to find the economic diversification many other resource communities are seeking. With a population of 3,100 and a trading area of 7,000 people, Chetwynd can boast of thriving ranching, forestry, natural gas and new coal mine devel-opment. But it is also a site for the strategic gathering of CN Rail trains, windfarms and a thriving service industry, a co-generation electric plant and a pellet plant, plus a wide range of independent operators who call Chetwynd home.

The newly expanded Chetwynd Recreation Centre offers swim-ming in the wave pool, skating in the arena or working out in the newly renovated fitness centre, to name just a few of the activities. Hunt and fish in the fall, play baseball or explore our hiking trail system. During the winter, skiing is a short one-hour drive away at Powder King Ski Resort, or you can visit our mountains for an exhilarating snowmo-bile ride. Chetwynd offers a variety of adventure experiences that are sure to thrill your senses and leave you wanting more! A four-season playground with an abundance of activities for all ages. Chetwynd is home to more than 100 handcrafted chainsaw carvings and hosts the competition every june.

Chetwynd is a great place to live. The community has homes for all ages and income levels, a variety of neighbourhoods and attractive parks throughout the city. The best news about living here is the affordability. Demand for new residential lots is at the highest it has been in many years. Chetwynd continues to offer many opportunities to develop within the commercial, industrial and residential sectors as there are opportunities available for growth in all sectors for accommodation, housing and infrastructure needs.

There are current lots available through local real estate listings at www.mls.com and also on the District website. The economic develop-ment office has up-to-date information on current industry activities and growth expected in each of the sectors. As, well the municipality fin-ished a full municipal census to show the true population, including the transient population. Current job listings are circulated within the com-munity to assist with attraction of workers to the area. For more informa-tion, visit the community website: www.gochetwynd.com.

Chetwynd

If you are looking to enjoy the quality of life in a friendly,

vibrant community with the amenities of a larger centre, Chetwynd is the place to be!

INVEST IN THE SAME AREAWHERE INDUSTRY IS ...

Chetwynd fp Advert 32885.indd 1 2/7/13 12:51:55 PM


EConomiC dEvElopmEntBox 357, Chetwynd BC V0C 1J0 Tel: 250.401.4113 | Fax: 250.401.4101Email: [email protected]

www.gochetwynd.com

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C O M M U N I T Y C A R V E D B Y S U C C E S S

ChetwyndBusiness-Friendly Climate

diverse economy strong service centre: forestry, oil and gas, coal, wind and ranching near shale, tight, sour & natural gas zones bulk water fill station (residents/ industry) industrial land, light industrial and commercial spaces available sewer dump facility for commercial/industry centrally located: close to airport, rail and major highways local contract services available

High Quality of Life a four season playground with an

abundance of activities for all ages rec complex: curling rink, skating oval,

ice area, skateboard park, sports fields, fitness centre, track, weight room, racquet courts & climbing wall

leisure pool: wave pool, sauna, hot tub and slide

mountain biking, hiking, ski trails ... the most livable small community in

BC (Smart Growth BC)

Chetwynd fp Ad 32884.indd 1 1/31/13 4:26:23 PM

Population: 1,100

The place to … live … play … invest

LiveHudson’s Hope was recently described by a new resident as “the world’s largest welcome mat” as he was so impressed by the friendli-ness of the locals.

Located in a valley beside the Peace River with the Rocky Mountains providing a backdrop, the community benefits from a microclimate that offers mild temperatures.

New families are delighted to find a simpler lifestyle where the kids can simply go out to play with friends or head to the pool or arena. All amenities are within safe, easy walking distances.

Seniors are welcomed at the New Horizons club and are urged at join up for card nights, potlucks, seniors’ trips, arts and culture activities and stick curling.

Play For many years, the town motto was “Playground of the Peace,” and today we have even more to offer.

A new curling rink and an outdoor pool have been added to the impressive list of facilities, which include a skating arena, rodeo grounds, skateboard park, tennis courts, baseball fields and an indoor riding arena.

The Peace River, Williston, Dinosaur and Cameron lakes offer camp-ing, fishing, swimming and boating opportunities. Two boat launches and a yacht club provide access to the water.

Historically the staging area for guide and outfitting for the region, Hudson’s Hope is still home to elk, moose, deer, black bear, griz-zly, cougar, lynx, fox and coyote.

Invest Individuals and companies that choose to locate in Hudson’s Hope are in the best position to take advantage of today’s dynamic economy. Thanks to BC Hydro facility upgrades, a major shale gas development, wind power and three coal mines (planning stages), our district is booming!

A recent community visioning and strategic plan identified the following business opportunities as essential for community growth: • oilfield service companies; • accommodations – primarily multi-family residential, assisted-living

complex, residential housing, motels or hotels; • trucking support companies – e.g., car wash, bulk fuel, cardlock; and • tourist-oriented activities and services.

Hudson’s Hope offers the lowest tax rates in the region and has a thriving economy.

ContactFor further information, please contact: John Locher, CAO, District of Hudson’s [email protected] or phone: 250-783-9901www.hudsonshope.ca

Hudson’s Hope

Hudson's Hope fp advert 33825.indd 1 1/30/13 1:50:19 PM


www.hudsonshope.ca250-783-9901

The place to live, play, invest

Hudson's Hope fp Ad 33824.indd 1 1/24/13 2:57:23 PM

Opportunities are abundant in the natural resource-rich North Peace region

Explorers, fur traders and then homesteaders joined the First Nations and settled the vast northeast region of British Columbia with dreams of freedom and a better life. These same dreams continue to attract people to the North Peace today. But now, instead of hardship, newcomers find contemporary community facilities and remarkable job and business opportunities.

Bisected by the Peace River, the B.C. Peace region comprises nearly one-quarter of the province’s land area. The people of this region find many benefits to living in a vibrant and diversified economy. The largest demographic of the region’s population is comprised of young, growing families. This is largely due to the numerous child development, health-care, education and activity programs that are provided to the residents of the region. The North Peace region is not only a great place to raise a family and live an active lifestyle, it is also a place that is rich with oppor-tunities to start a business.

The North Peace region’s competitive advantages are its low tax rates, low cost of energy, connectivity to the shortest link between Shanghai and Chicago through the Port of Prince Rupert, low overall business costs (including a regional airport) and low cost of land. From prairie farmland and boreal forest to alpine tundra and rugged Rocky Mountains, the Peace Region produces 90 per cent of the province’s grains, 38 per cent of its hydroelectric power, has some of the largest gas fields in North America with more than 20,000 wells drilled, employs about 2,300 forestry workers and plays host to more than 300,000 tour-ists each year.

The North Peace region plays a significant role in the province’s economy, contributing in excess of 15 per cent of B.C.’s net exports. While a significant share, it is made even more remarkable when considered in the context of the region’s workforce: with only 2 per cent of the prov-ince’s labour force, the export value per experienced labour force partici-pant in the Northeast was $240,858 in 2006, compared to $31,935 in the rest of B.C. This staggering contribution to the province’s exports is made possible by its vibrant and diversified economy, which includes strong

industries in energy and fuels, mining, agriculture, forestry, tourism, and retail and construction.

The energy sector is currently driving the economy in the North Peace and greatly contributing to the provincial economy, account-ing for 90 per cent of B.C.’s energy and fuels exports. Oil & Gas Inquirer magazine indicated that “The Montney and Horn River unconventional gas plays are massive prospects that are reshaping Canada’s petro-leum sector.” The region has seen continuous significant growth in the energy sector in recent years, with several large production compa-nies beginning exploration and production operations in the Montney Basin.

Worldwide demand for coal has increased dramatically and created many more opportunities in the North Peace, which has hundreds of years of coal reserves remaining. There are currently proposals for three separate coal mines that border the edges of the District of Hudson’s Hope with expected reserves of over 50 years each. Currently, the region’s mining activities contribute 14 per cent of B.C.’s total mining exports, with the expectation that this with grow significantly with the approval of the proposed mining projects.

In 2010, the B.C. government announced that it would be moving forward with the third stage of the Site C Clean Energy project (Site C). Site C will contribute to the local and provincial economy by creating an estimated 7,500 direct construction jobs throughout the construction period and up to 35,000 indirect jobs through all stages of the project. Consultation with the communities continues as this project enters the environmental assessment phase.

The agriculture sector includes prairie crops of wheat, barley, canola and forage seed production. The region contributes 90 per cent of B.C.’s wheat, 95 per cent of B.C.’s canola, 30 per cent of B.C.’s honey production and exceptional quality grass seeds which help make livestock produc-tion in the North Peace particularly competitive. Livestock production includes traditional beef and dairy cattle, sheep, hogs, goats and horses, and a growing diversification into game farming of bison, reindeer and exotic livestock like llama, alpaca, fox, ostrich, emu and wild boar. The region is home to some of the largest herds of bison in the province, producing nearly three-quarters of B.C.’s bison.

The forestry sector includes a wide array of tree species that vary from spruce to balsam poplar and paper birch. The majority of the timber harvested from the 4.673 million hectares of the Fort St. John TSA is processed by the pulp mill, sawmill and one of the world’s largest OSB plants that are located in the North Peace.

The explosive growth in the region has led to a dire need for residential and commercial developments in the region as a whole. The communities require the construction of an additional 1,500+ family dwellings this year alone. A significant growth in population is anticipat-ed to occur over the next decade, resulting in a demand for housing that cannot be met by current infrastructure.

The North Peace is abundant with opportunities and welcomes you and your entrepreneurial spirit!

Written by Jennifer Moore, Regional Economic Development Officer North Peace Economic Development CommissionTel: 250-785-5969 Email: [email protected]

North Peace Economic Development Commission

North Peace Econ fp Advert 32914.indd 1 2/7/13 3:44:16 PM

Explore the Opportunities:

Residential and Commercial Developments needed for a booming population that is expected to nearly double in the next 5 to 10 years.

Mining Exploration and DevelopmentIndustrial Developments

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production

Tourism Development- over 300,000 tourists pass through the region to view the beautiful landscape and historic sites every year.

Agriculture and Alternative Energy Development

This place gets in your blood...- Cam Carruthers, Technical Sales

“This place gets in your blood...“This place gets in your blood...”This place gets in your blood...”This place gets in your blood...

Contact us for an investment profile or any other information

T: (250)785.5969 E: [email protected] 100th Street | Fort St John , BC | V1J 4N4

www.npedc.ca

NORTH PEACEBC’s most vibrant economy

Commercial and Industrial Transportation Opportunities

Invest in theCity of Fort St JohnDistrict of TaylorDistrict of Hudson’s HopePRRD Areas “B” and “C”

North Peace Economic fp Ad 32913.indd 1 1/28/13 2:57:53 PM


Explore the Opportunities:

Residential and Commercial Developments needed for a booming population that is expected to nearly double in the next 5 to 10 years.

Mining Exploration and DevelopmentIndustrial Developments

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production

Tourism Development- over 300,000 tourists pass through the region to view the beautiful landscape and historic sites every year.

Agriculture and Alternative Energy Development

This place gets in your blood...- Cam Carruthers, Technical Sales

“This place gets in your blood...“This place gets in your blood...”This place gets in your blood...”This place gets in your blood...

Contact us for an investment profile or any other information

T: (250)785.5969 E: [email protected] 100th Street | Fort St John , BC | V1J 4N4

www.npedc.ca

NORTH PEACEBC’s most vibrant economy

Commercial and Industrial Transportation Opportunities

Invest in theCity of Fort St JohnDistrict of TaylorDistrict of Hudson’s HopePRRD Areas “B” and “C”

North Peace Economic fp Ad 32913.indd 1 1/28/13 2:57:53 PM

Population: 3000

Tumbler Ridge is not what you think it is – in fact, it’s much more than what you might have heard. It is a community that continues to redefine what opportunity and quality of life are

in Northern B.C. Over the past decade, the town has been a victim of its own success. Their massive marketing and PR campaign that took place over the course of 2000-01 resulted in the sale of more than 900 houses at rock-bottom prices to people from all over the world. Unfortunately, this image of what Tumbler Ridge once was has been etched in the collective memory of most people living outside of the region. It is with this in mind that the community has resolved to let the rest of the province, and the world, know who they really are today.

The District of Tumbler Ridge is one of the youngest communities in British Columbia. This town of approximately 3,000 people is idylli-cally situated in the rolling foothills of the Northern Rocky Mountains, within the Alaska Highway corridor. Gifted with a diverse topogra-phy that has earned the community the moniker “Waterfall Capital of the North,” Tumbler Ridge sits amidst a wilderness of lakes, rivers and numerous breathtaking falls. The town site itself is reminiscent of a wilderness village resort equipped with all possible recreational amenities, some of which include a multimillion-dollar Community Centre, a network of 47 non-motorized recreational trails, 300 km of snowmobile and offroad vehicle routes and the most challenging/scenic nine-hole golf course in Northern B.C.

At first glance, it is readily apparent that this town cannot be compared to any other. In fact, its design was a social experiment of sorts. Not only was Tumbler Ridge created to retain a stable work-force for the Northeast B.C. coal project, it was master-planned in such a way that people would likely choose to live there, regardless of the presence of active coal mining. Underground utilities, expan-sive pedestrian-oriented infrastructure and a centralized commercial core are just a handful of representative samples that reflect Tumbler Ridge’s No. 1 selling feature: its quality of life.

The social experiment worked. Not only did this superior lifestyle attract new residents at a time when the town was economically

shaky, it continues to draw people in and provides the town with a firm toehold towards reaching its goal of becoming a destination of choice. Surrounded by nearly 1,600 sq km of provincial parks and wilderness on the eastern slopes of the Northern Rockies, this four- season destination offers unlimited year-round recreational opportu-nities for all ages, interests and abilities. Elevated to global recogni-tion in 2000 by the discovery of dinosaur footprints, Tumbler Ridge is also home to the Peace Regional Palaeontology Research Centre and the Dinosaur Discovery Gallery offering insight and hands-on experiences in dinosaur exploration in one of the world’s finest and abundant fossil areas. The only apparent missing component at this point in time is operators/service providers that can enhance the experiences currently available.

Fortunately, service providers that decide to set up shop in Tumbler Ridge will not have to wait for the town to reach its desired visitor destination status before reaping huge benefits. The Northeast coal slopes are buzzing once again with two operating mines under expansion and numerous additional mines undergoing feasibility and permitting. The natural gas industry in the area has grown year after year. It’s an investor and business owner’s dream. Recent investments include a 102-room hotel, restaurant and conference centre valued at over $10 million, a Subway™ franchise and an equipment rental outlet.

While Tumbler Ridge’s traditional industries continue to thrive, the economic horizon holds the potential for the establishment of new, uncharted development opportunities. With investigative use permits issued for virtually every mountaintop, Tumbler Ridge’s wind resources have proven to be a lucrative prospect for new, multi billion-dollar green energy projects. The final progression of these projects will bring several years of construction-based activity and permanent employment. Most recently, the District of Tumbler Ridge has welcomed Capital Power Corporation and their 72-turbine (142 MW) Quality Wind Project north of the community.

Looking ahead, Tumbler Ridge is preparing to accommodate a growing population coming to the community for employment, retirement and a change of pace. Not only are they working to secure more product and services options, there is also an immense desire to increase the amount and diversity of housing within the communi-ty. The current stock of houses, built in the early 1980s, offers a limited range that may not suit everyone that wishes to relocate. Tumbler Ridge has an immense amount of affordable land and a foundational base of infrastructure that was originally designed to accommodate up to 10,000 residents. Estate lots, accessible houses for an aging population and multi-family developments all have a place in the community’s range of desired housing options.

Let it be known that Tumbler Ridge is redefined. It wishes to be viewed by the outside word as a proud, vibrant, diverse, and sustain-able community where life is as spectacular as its natural surround-ings. Tumbler Ridge has already proven that it isn’t going anywhere – now it’s working to reinforce that permanency and growth even further.

ContactFor more information please contact the Community Development Office at 250-242-4242, [email protected], or visit www.investTumblerRidge.com.

Tumbler Ridge

Tumbler Ridge fp Advert 32916.indd 1 1/30/13 12:40:23 PM


Lasting Impressions

TUMBLER RIDGE

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A C A N A D A

Northeastern BC’s most desirable community

The perfect place...A place for people. A place for business. A place for you to grow.

Impressive Opportunities• Residential & commercial development needed for growing population.• Demand for multi-family and age-friendly housing.• Land available for estate lots.• Service Commercial lots starting at $1.67/sq. ft.• Heavy Industrial lots starting at $38,886/acre.• Child care facilities required for working families.• Demand for healthcare providers (chiropractor, optometrist).

For other info please contact: Community Development Offi ce

T: 250.242.4242 | [email protected] | www.investTumblerRidge.ca

INVEST IN TUMBLER RIDGE

Economic Drivers• 2 operating mines under expansion; numerous others

undergoing feasibility & permitting.• Abundant natural gas activity applications approved.• Recent start-up of 142 MW (79 turbines) wind facility.

Emerging industries• Additional wind power industry under development.• Tourism operators needed to provide outdoor experiences in

the Northern Rockies.• Community Forestry – recently approved application is

providing the community with its own forest with an annual allowable cut of 20,000m3.

Tumbler Ridge fp Ad 32915.indd 1 1/29/13 4:37:57 PM

Population: 6,209 (B.C. Stats estimate 2010)

Regional development in the Northern Rockies: Laying the ground-work for successThe Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM), provincial partners, industry and Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) work diligently to ensure sustainable, balanced growth in British Columbia’s most northeastern region. Continual discoveries as the result of ongoing natural gas explo-ration, refinement of technologies in both upstream and downstream production and momentum in the development of West Coast lique-fied natural gas (LNG) projects set the stage for continued growth in both the natural gas sector and the community. Canfor’s disposal of assets (two production facilities and equipment) in the Fort Nelson area have opened up opportunities for fresh investment, with a healthy and diverse wood supply to support any range of new operations.

Signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Province of British Columbia in 2012 solidified the commitment of provincial leadership to work with the NRRM to establish a mechanism for future infrastructure investment, akin to the Peace River District’s Fair Share Agreements. With provincial land sales and royalties in excess of $3.5B from the Horn River, Liard and Cordova Basins, the NRRM maintains that investment to aging infrastructure is essen-tial to sustainable industry access and development and not to be borne by the community alone. A region of major natural gas supply to future LNG developments in Kitimat and Prince Rupert, Fort Nelson and the NRRM sees 2013-2016 overall as a period of preparation. Forecasts for direct employment of future natural gas sector expansion show the potential for a workforce of up to 10,000 in the NRRM by 2020.

The Alaska Highway, combined with railhead access and regular

scheduled and charter air service at the Northern Rockies Regional Airport (NRRA), makes Fort Nelson a natural transportation hub. Strategic business and capital planning of these methods of transportation (NRRA expansion and the Alaska Highway Corridor Study) will ensure that development stays ahead of the curve. In response to the development of shale gas resources and the steadfast growth of the service sector, new light-industrial lands are in the second phase of development; 250 local, fully serviced acres are available for public ownership, accessed by an industrial traffic route off of the Alaska Highway. To maintain focus on Fort Nelson’s sister industry, the Forestry Roundtable meets regularly to explore new options in our changing forest sector. FNFN and the NRRM have agreed to pursue a community forest agreement, working together to establish a future community forest tenure.

Tourism in this incredible region also remains a force, given that the world-famous Alaska Highway serves as Fort Nelson’s main street and the globally significant 6.4M hectare Muskwa-Kechika wilderness lies in the backyard. The number of visitors to the area steadily climbs annually, as the desire to explore and experience the “true north” remains a motivational driver for many of those with time to spare.

More than 300 new businesses of all sizes have established themselves in Fort Nelson since 2009, with a continued expectation of the same growth through 2013 and beyond. Storefronts in retail, service-sector providers, corporate oil and gas drilling, completion and production services and expansion of the accommodations sector all show the value and measur-able potential of the NRRM. Reaching the peak of business success is not a small feat; doing so in the Northern Rockies is well within reach.

Contact: Invest Northwest Rockies, Email: [email protected]: 250-774-2541, www.InvestNorthernRockies.ca

NortherN rockies


nechako


• atlin

• burns lake

• cassiar

• dease lake

• fort st. james

• fraser lake

• granisle

• houston

• smithers

• telkwa

• vanderhoof

rock-soLid BusinessB.C.’s nechako region enjoys steady growth

By Jerry Eberts

The enormous but sparsely populated Nechako region of British Columbia covers the centre of the province and extends north to the Yukon border and east to the Alaskan panhandle. This

huge area – more than 200,000 square kilometres – is home to about 40,000.

“We have practically full employment, with just 4.2 per cent unemployed,” says Janine North, chief executive officer for Northern Development Initiative Trust, referring to both the Nechako and the vast Northeast section of B.C. “Our employment rates are comparable to Calgary and Edmonton – the fourth low-est in Canada.

“Business is getting done and wealth is being created. There is very real pride in the north and the rural economy,” says North.

“Northern Development Initiative Trust is an independent, non-profit corporation with a permanent mandate to build a stronger

Mining and forestry are key sectors and

a large part of the economic landscape

in the Nechako region, especially in the south


nechakonorth,” says Joel McKay, director, communications, for NDIT. “The trust was set up by the provincial government in 2005 with $185 million to be invested in communities in the central and northern areas of B.C.”

Remarkably, since its start the trust has invested $110 million around the province and has seen a return on those investments that means NDIT currently has $200 million in its coffers. All the money is slated for further investment in the north.

Industry in the Nechako region includes forestry, mining, agri-culture and tourism.

McKay says there is great focus on forestry and mining in the southern Nechako region. Promising deals in the area include New Gold Inc.’s Blackwater project near Vanderhoof, which has

“generated some serious job creation. As well, Canfor and West Fraser mills throughout the region are looking forward to a super cycle in lumber prices in the aftermath of the mountain pine beetle.”

One community that relies on forestry is the Village of Burns Lake. However, in January 2012 a fiery explosion destroyed the Babine Forest Products mill, leaving the town emotionally and financially hurt. In the last year, rebuilding has been a priority.

“We were able to start preliminary work on the new mill before the freeze-up,” says Jeff Ragsdale, development services co-ordi-nator for Burns Lake. “We got the concrete poured for the founda-tions but are now waiting till spring to continue.”

As well, infrastructure in Burns Lake – always an important part of attracting and keeping people and businesses in remote areas

– is being addressed with a new hospital in the works, as well as downtown revitalization and possibly a new hotel.

“We are also planning to break ground on a multimillion-dollar project, a new building to upgrade the recreation centre,” says Ragsdale. “This new construction would connect the existing curling rink and arena as well as provide office space and a climb-ing wall, among other things.”

Ragsdale also expects economic advantages if the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline project goes ahead. The pipeline would pass just north of Burns Lake.

As well, TransCanada and Apache continue to explore and

make plans to exploit the vast natural gas deposits in B.C.Another village is Telkwa, near the larger town of Smithers.

With a population of about 1,400, Telkwa recently won a silver medal at the LivCom Awards 2012, held in the united Arab Emirates. Representing entries from more than 50 countries, the International Awards for Liveable Communities awarded Telkwa the silver for its Community Sustainability and Resiliency Plan.

Chief administrative officer for Telkwa Kim Martinsen says win-ning this award is a pat on the back as the village looks to future expansion in a sustainable way.

“This is all about best practices,” says Martinsen. “Our plan

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The forestry industry in British Columbia is set to benefit strongly from a super cycle in lumber prices


nechako

includes the smooth implementation of the four policy docu-ments we’ve produced, including affordable housing, enhance-ment of landscapes and community involvement.”

While mining is a large part of the economic landscape, a different sort of resource being dug up in the region is the semi-precious gem jade. Kirk Makepeace, president of Surrey-based Jade West, says his company extracts its world-class green jade from mines near Dease Lake and Fort St. James.

“The demand for jade continues to grow,” says Makepeace. “Jade has been booming in the last five years. The changing market in China, with a growing middle-class, is good for us. It’s a longstanding belief in that country that owning jade is almost mandatory.”

Jade was discovered in B.C. in the 1800s, says Makepeace, and

the quality of the B.C. gemstone is identical to that found in China. While some cut-ting, polishing and setting of stones is done here in B.C., most is shipped to China to be worked.

“Jade is a difficult stone to work with,” says Makepeace. “There are a few domestic jade carvers, but not many. We have several stores that sell jade and educate people about it, including a popular shop in Gastown. I doubt the demand will go away. At the moment, only a fraction of China’s population knows about B.C. jade, but there are growing numbers. And tourism to the jade-mining sites here could also be big business.” •

Precious stones: Jade has been booming in recent years, thanks to the growing market in China | ndiT


Economic DEvElopmEnt officEsBulklEy-nEchakoWilf adam, Chief Lake Babine Nation Box 879, Lake Babine, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-4700 [email protected]

Quinten Beach, Councillor Village of Burns Lake Village Office #15 3rd Avenue, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-7587 [email protected]

Jerry Botti, Manager Community Futures of Nadina PO Box 236, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 p250-845-2522 [email protected]

shelley carlson, Economic Development Officer Village of Fraser Lake PO Box 430, Fraser Lake, BC V0J 1S0 p250-699-6257 [email protected]

Emily colombo, Economic Development Officer District of Fort St. James PO Box 640, Fort St. James, BC V0J 1P0 p250-996-8233 [email protected]

maureen czirfusz, Manager, Economic Development Officer Houston & District Chamber of Commerce PO Box 396, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0 p250-845-7640 [email protected]

Joanne Doddridge, Planner District of 100 Mile House PO Box 340, 385 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House, BC V0K 2E0 p250 395 2434 [email protected]

albert Gerow, Chief Ts’il Kaz Koh First Nation 653 Highway 16 West Burns Lake, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-7717 [email protected]

John illes, Councillor Village of Burns Lake Village Office #15 3rd Avenue, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-7587 [email protected]

marilyn Joseph-Williams, Economic Development Officer Lake Babine Nation Box 879, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-690-4700 [email protected]

nancy oppermann, Project Manager, Economic Development Xeni Gwentin First Nation Box 4565, Williams Lake, BC V2G 2V6 p250-398-2646 [email protected]

Jeff Ragsdale, Development Services Coordinator Village of Burns Lake 15 – 3rd Avenue, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-7587 [email protected]

James Rakochy, Land & Resource Manager Cheslatta Carrier Nation PO Box 909, Burns Lake, BC VOJ 1E0 p250-694-3334 Ext. 254 [email protected]

Robbie Reid, Economic Development Portfolio Lake Babine Nation Box 879, Lake Babine, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-4700 [email protected]

Wesley sam, Councillor Burns Lake Band Bag 9000, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-7717 [email protected]

susan schienbein, Councillor Village of Burns Lake Village Office #15 3rd Avenue, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-7587 [email protected]

Erin siemens, Economic Development Officer District of Vanderhoof Box 900, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0 p250-567-4711 [email protected]

luke strimbold, Mayor Village of Burns Lake PO Box 570, 15 – 3rd Avenue, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-7587 [email protected]

allan stroet, Economic Development Officer Bulkley Valley Economic Development Association 201 – 3842 Third Avenue, PO Box 3243, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 p250-917-8989 [email protected]

ASSoCiAtioN MEMBErS


corrine swenson, Regional Strategic Development Analyst Regional District of Bulkley Nechako PO Box 820 , Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 p250-692-3195 [email protected]

cam tribe, Economic Development Officer/Project Manager Burns Lake Band Bag 9000, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0 [email protected]

caRiBootara Bogh, Manager, Economic Development Initiatives Prince George Suite 201 – 1300 First Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 2Y3 p250-649-3204 [email protected]

kirk Dressler, Economic Development Officer Williams Lake Indian Band 2672 Indian Drive, Williams Lake, BC V2G 5K9 p250-296-3507 [email protected]

karen Eden, General Manager Community Futures Cariboo Chilcotin 266 Oliver Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1M1 p250-392-3626 [email protected]

april Goffic, Economic Development Officer Quesnel Community and Economic Development 339A Reid Street, Quesnel, BC V2J 2M5 p250-992-3522 [email protected]

margaret Graine, Economic Development Officer Village of McBride 100 Robson Centre, MCaribooride, BC V0J 2E0 p250-569-7556 [email protected]

margaret inoue, Acting Marketing & Economic Development Officer District of Wells PO Box 219, Wells, BC V0K 2R0 p250-994-3330 [email protected]

Dave Jephcott, Business Development Program Manager Initiatives Prince George Suite 201 – 1300 First Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 2Y3 p250-564-0282 [email protected]

alan madrigga, Manager, Economic Development City of Williams Lake 450 Mart Street, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1N3 p250-392-1764 [email protected]

heather oland, Chief Executive Officer Initiatives Prince George Suite 201 – 1300 First Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 2Y3 p250-649-3201 [email protected]

miriam schilling, Community Economic Development Coordinator Soda Creek First Nation 3405 Mountain House Road, Williams Lake, BC V2G 5L5 p250-989-2311 [email protected]

Diane smith, Economic Development Officer District of Mackenzie Bag 340, Mackenzie, BC V0J 2C0 p250-997-3221 [email protected]

susan stearns, General Manager Community Futures of Fraser Fort George 1566 7th Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3P4 p250-562-9622 Ext. 106 [email protected]

kootEnayJanice alpine, Business Coach KEDI – KABDA 207 – 14th Avenue North, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3W3 p250-426-0595 [email protected]

Rod Bateman, Business Development Officer KEDI – KABDA 207 – 14th Avenue North, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3W3 p250-426-0595 Ext. 3162 [email protected]

lisa Erven, Manager Planning & Development Columbia Basin Trust Suite 300 – 445 13th Avenue, Castlegar, BC V1N 1G1 p250-304-1636 [email protected]

curtis helgesen, Chief Administrative Officer District of Elkford PO Box 340, Elkford, BC V0B 1H0 p250-865-4002 [email protected]

Darwin horning, Researcher Selkirk College Rural Development Institute 301 Frank Beinder Way, Castlegar, BC V1N 4L3 p250-365-1215 [email protected]

Bob luke, Councillor Ktunaxa Nation Council 7468 Mission Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E5 p250-489-2464 Ext. 3072 [email protected]

terri macDonald, Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development Selkirk College Rural Development Institute 301 Frank Beinder Way, Castlegar, BC V1N 4L3 p250-365-1434 [email protected]

scott manjak, Business Development Liaison District of Sparwood PO Box 520, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 p250-424-7277 [email protected]

alan mason, Director of Community Economic Development City of Revelstoke PO Box 2398, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0 p250-837-5345 [email protected]

suzanne mccrimmon, Manager, Community Economic Development Golden Area Initiatives PO Box 20190, Golden, BC V0A 1H0 p250-344-2420 [email protected]

Wendy mcculloch, General Manager Community Futures of Boundary PO Box 2949, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0 p250-442-2722 [email protected]

al mulholland, Chief Administrative Officer City of Kimberley 340 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC V1A 2E8 p250-427-5311 [email protected]

helder ponte, Director, Economic Sector Ktunaxa Nation Council 7468 Mission Road, Cranbrook, BC V1C 7E5 p250-489-2464 Ext. 3071 [email protected]

sandy santori, Executive Director Lower Columbia Initiatives #1 – 1355 Pine Avenue, Trail, BC V1R 4E7 p250-364-6461 [email protected]

kevin Weaver, Economic Development Officer City of Cranbrook 40 – 10th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC V1C 5V7 p250-489-0232 [email protected]

paul Wiest, General Manager of Comm. Futures Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership 201 – 514 Vernon Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4E7 p250-352-1933 [email protected]

kevin Wilson, Economic Development Officer City of Kimberley 340 Spokane Street, Kimberley, BC V1A 2E8 p250-427-9666 [email protected]

sarah Winton, Community Economic Development Community Futures of Boundary PO Box 2949, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0 p250-442-2722 Ext. 226 [email protected]

mainlanD southWEstBob andrews, Planning Assistant Township of Langley 20338 – 65th Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3J1 p604-532-7548 [email protected]

sandy Blue, Manager, Economic Development District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 p604-467-7320 [email protected]

Brian Buggey, Director – Business Development Vancouver Economic Development Commission 1620 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3C9 p604-632-9668 Ext.108 [email protected]

stacey crawford, Economic Development Coordinator District of Mission 34033 Lougheed Highway, Mission, BC V2V 5X8 p604-820-3789 [email protected]

Jeff Dawson, General Manager Community Futures of Howe Sound PO Box 2539, Squamish, BC V8B 0B7 p604-892-5467 [email protected]

Darrell Denton, Business Retention & Expansion Officer District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 p604-467-7320 [email protected]

James Donaldson, Vice-President CEPCO 201 – 46093 Yale Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2L8 p604-792-7839 [email protected]

mitchell Edgar, Manager of Economic Development City of New Westminster 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9 p604-527-4536 [email protected]

Joan Elangovan, Acting CEO Vancouver Economic Development Commission 1620 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3C9 p604-632-9668 [email protected]

lori Graham, Research Assistant Pitt Meadows Economic Development Corporation 12492 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2J4 p604-465-9481 [email protected]

Donna Jones, Economic Development Manager City of Surrey 14245 – 56th Avenue, Surrey, BC V3X 3A2 p604-591-4289 [email protected]

marten kruysse, Strategic Economic Initiatives District of North Vancouver 355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, BC V7N 4N5 p604-990-2311 [email protected]

Janay legge, Legislative Services/EDAC Pitt Meadows Economic Development Corporation 12492 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2J4 p604-465-9481 [email protected]

neonila lilova, Economic Development Manager City of Richmond 6911 No 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1 p604-247-4934 [email protected]

Gary mackinnon, Economic Development Officer Township of Langley 20338 – 65th Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3J1 p604-533-6084 [email protected]

tyler mattheis, Executive Director Advantage Hope 345 Raab Street PO Box 37, Hope, BC V0X 1L0 p604-869-0930 [email protected]

John mcpherson, Business Deveopment Officer Vancouver Economic Development Commission 1620 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3C9 p604-632-9668 [email protected]

Dan mcRae, Economic Development Officer District of Squamish 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3 p604-815-5020 [email protected]

Jp merceica, Business Development Officer Vancouver Economic Development Commission 1620 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3C9 p604-632-9668 [email protected]

Gerald minchuk, Director Development Services & Economic Development City of Langley 20399 Douglas Crescent, Langley, BC V3A 4B3 p604-514-2815 [email protected]

Elizabeth model, Executive Director Downtown Surrey BIA 300 – 10524 King George Blvd, Surrey, BC V3T 2X2 p604-580-2321 [email protected]

nancy mott, Business Development Officer Vancouver Economic Development Commission 1620 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3C9 p604-632-9668 [email protected]

David munro, Manager, Economic Development City of Coquitlam 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7N2 p604-927-3442 [email protected]

larry orr, Manager, Special Projects and Services City of North Vancouver 141 West 14th Street, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1H9 p604-990-4221 [email protected]

corien speaker, Chief Administrative Officer District of Squamish 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3 p604-815-5000 [email protected]

Jerry sucharyna, Economic Development Officer District of Lillooet PO Box 610, Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0 p250-256-7422 Ext. 252 [email protected]

Jay teichroeb, Economic Development Manager City of Abbotsford 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2W7 p604-864-5505 ext. 5505 [email protected]

alice to, Film & Economic Initiatives Coordinator District of North Vancouver 355 West Queens Road, North Vancouver, BC V7N 4N5 p604-991-2241 [email protected]

alexandra tudose, Administration District of Maple Ridge 11995 Haney Place, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 6A9 p604-467-7320 [email protected]

Juvarya Warsi, Economic Strategist Vancouver Economic Development Commission 1620 – 1075 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 3C9 p604-632-9668 [email protected]

kate Zanon, CEO Pitt Meadows Economic Development Corporation 12492 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC V3Y 2J4 p604-465-9491 [email protected]

noRth coastheather adel, Economic Development Officer Misty Isles Economic Development Society Box 652, Queen Charlotte, BC V0T 1S0 p250-559-8050 [email protected]

Derek Baker, Economic Development Officer Prince Rupert & Port Edward Economic Development Corporation 424 3rd Avenue West, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1L7 p250-627-5138 [email protected]

Ellen calliou, Economic Development Officer District of Chetwynd PO Box 357, Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0 p250-401-4113 [email protected]

Elaine Davis, Economic Development Assistant District of Chetwynd PO Box 357, Chetwynd, BC V0C 1J0 p250-401-4125 [email protected]

John farrell, General Manager Community Futures of Pacific Northwest Suite 200 – 515 33rd Avenue West, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1L9 p250-622-2332 Ext. 22 [email protected]

Rose klukas, Economic Development Officer District of Kitimat 270 City Centre, Kitimat, BC V8C 2H7 p250-632-8921 [email protected]

Bert mercer, Economic Development Manger Nisga’a Nation 2000 Lisims Drive, PO Box 231, New Aiyansh, BC V0J 1A0 p250-633-3000 [email protected]

alexander pietralla, Economic Development Officer K.T. Industrial Development Society Box 5 – 3224 Kalum Street, Kitimat, BC V8G 2N1 p250-635-8883 [email protected]

Rachel Robinson, Economic Development Officer Gitlaxt’aamiks Village Government PO Box 233, New Aiyansh, BC V0J 1A0 p250-633-3123 [email protected]

Evan van Dyk, Economic Development Officer Terrace Economic Development Authority 3224 Kalum Road, Terrace, BC V8G 2N1 p250-635-4168 [email protected]

andrew Webber, Manager, Development Services Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine 300-4545 Lazelle Avenue, Terrace, BC V8G 4E1 p250-615-6100 [email protected]

noRthEastlori ackerman, Executive Director Sci-Tech North 9325 – 100 Street, Fort St John, BC V1J 4N4 p250-785-9600 [email protected]

Jaylene arnold, Economic Development & Tourism Officer Northern Rockies Regional Municipality 5319 – 50th Avenue South, Bag Service 399, Fort Nelson, BC VOC 1R0 p250-774-2541 Ext. 2040 [email protected]

fred Banham, Chief Administrative Officer South Peace Economic Development Commission PO Box 810, Stn. Main, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4H8 p250-784-3200 [email protected]

Barry Elliott, Chief Administrative Officer District of Tumbler Ridge PO Box 100, Tumbler Ridge, BC V0C 2W0 p250-242-4242 Ext. 228 [email protected]

nathan chiles, Business Analyst Community Futures of Peace Liard 904 – 103 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2B7 p250 782 8748 [email protected]

mike Gilbert, Community Development Officer Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Bag Service 399 5319 – 50th Avenue South, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0 p250-774-2541 Ext. 2043 [email protected]

colin Griffith, Director of Strategic Initiatives Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Bag Service 399 5319 – 50th Avenue South, Fort Nelson, BC VOC 1R0 p780-733-9054 [email protected]

Jennifer Jarabek, Project Coordinator Sci-Tech North 9325 – 100 Street, Fort St John, BC V1J 4N4 p250-785-9600 [email protected]


sue kenny, General Manager Community Futures of Peace Liard 904 – 102 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2B7 p250-782-8748 [email protected]

John lewis, Economic Development Manager West Moberly First Nation PO Box 90, Moberly Lake, BC V0C 1X0 p250-788-3663 [email protected]

Jennifer moore, Regional Economic Development Officer North Peace Economic Development Commission 6205 100th Street, Fort St John, BC V1J 4N4 p250-785-5969 [email protected]

Jack stevenson, Director of Planning Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Bag Service 399, 5319 – 50th Avenue South, Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0 p250-774-2541 Ext. 2041 [email protected]

thompson okanaGanJim anderson, Executive Director Venture Kamloops 297 1st Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 3J3 p250-828-6818 [email protected]

Debbie arnott, General Manager Community Futures of Sun Country PO Box 1480, 203 Railway Avenue, Ashcroft, BC VOK 1A0 p250-453-9165 [email protected]

James Baker, Mayor District of Lake Country 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road Lake Country, BC V4V 2M1 p250-766-6670 [email protected]

chris Bower, Business Development Officer – South Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation RR#3 S25 C1, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 p250-498-3444 Ext. 305 [email protected]

teri clayton, Economic Development Coordinator Cold Water Indian Band PO Box 4600, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8 p250-378-6174 [email protected]

Robyn cyr, EDO/Film Commissioner Columbia Shuswap Regional District Box 978, 781 Marine Park Drive N/E, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4P1 p250-832-8194 [email protected]

Derek de candole, Economic Development Officer District of Logan Lake #1 Opal Drive PO Box 190, Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0 p250-523-6225 [email protected]

alberto De feo, Chief Administrative Officer District of Lake Country 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC V4V 2M1 p250-766-6671 [email protected]

karen Dunstan, Economic Development Officer Lytton First Nation PO Box 20 – 951 Main Street, Lytton, BC V0K 1Z0 p250-455-2304 [email protected]

patti ferguson, Chief Administrative Officer City of Armstrong PO Box 40, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0 p250-546-3023 [email protected]

lana fitt, Economic Development Manager Salmon Arm Economic Development Corp. 20 Hudson Avenue NE, PO Box 130, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2 p250-833-0608 [email protected]

Jayne fosbery, Economic Development Officer Westbank First Nation 301 – 515 Highway 97 South, Kelowna, BC V1Z 3J2 p250-769-4999 [email protected]

corie Griffiths, Marketing and Research Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z4 p250-469-6283 [email protected]

leslie Groulx, Chief Administrative Officer District of Clearwater Box 157, Dist. Of Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0 p250-674-2257 [email protected]

anita Grover, Manager, Economic Development Venture Kamloops 297 1st Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 3J3 p250-828-6819 [email protected]

mary Ellen heidt, Manager of Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen 102 – 3115 Skaha Lake Road, Penticton, BC V2A G5 p250-493-2566 Ext. 202 [email protected]

Bill humphreys, Mayor District of Barriere PO Box 751, Barriere, BC V0E 1E0 p250-672-9751 [email protected]

sherri-lynne madden, Services Coordinator Thompson Nicola Regional District 300 – 465 Victoia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A9 p250-674-3530 [email protected]

colin o’leary, Business Retention & Expansion Specialist Venture Kamloops 297 1st Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 3J3 p250-828-6818 [email protected]

mike o’Reilly, New Business Development Specialist Venture Kamloops 297 1st Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 3J3 p250-828-6818 [email protected]

helen patterson, Accounting and Economic Development Officer Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust 204 – 3131 29th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 2S7 p250-545-6829 [email protected]

colleen pennington, Economic Development City of Penticton 171 Main Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5A9 p250-490-3323 [email protected]

John perrott, Business Development Officer District of West Kelowna 2760 Cameron Road, West Kelowna, BC V1Z 2T6 p778-797-2215 [email protected]

kevin poole, Manager of Economic Development & Tourism City of Vernon 3400 30th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 5E6 p250-550-3249 [email protected]

luby pow, Chief Executive Officer Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust 204 – 3131 29th Street, Vernon, BC V1T 5A8 p250-545-6829 [email protected]

John powell, Economic Development Coordinator Regional District Okanagan Similkameen 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5J9 p778-515-5520 [email protected]

paula presta, Secretary/Treasurer Venture Kamloops 297 1st Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2C 3J3 p250-828-6821 [email protected]

Barry Romanko, CAO Town of Osoyoos 8708 Main Street PO Box 3010, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0 p250-495-4614 [email protected]

Ryan Roycroft, Economic Development Manager District of Lake Country 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC V4V 2M1 p250-766-6671 [email protected]

Reyna seabrook, Communications Officer & Executive Assistant District of Lake Country 10150 Bottom Wood Lake Road, Lake Country, BC V4V 2M1 p250-766-6671 [email protected]

Randy sunderman, Peak Solutions Consulting 666 Braemar Drive, Kamloops, BC V1S 1H9 p250-314-1842 [email protected]

Brian titus, Chief Operating Officer Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation RR#3 S25 C1, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 p250-498-3444 Ext. 305 [email protected]

Dale tomma, Senior Business Development Advisor Community Futures Central Interior First Nations 215 – 345 Yellowhead Highway, Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1 p250-314-1527 [email protected]

James umpherson, Business & Economic Development Manager City of Merritt PO Box 189, Merritt, BC V1K B8 p250-378-4224 Ext. 211 [email protected]

vancouvER islanD/coastfelicity adams, Director of Development Services Town of Ladysmith PO Box 220, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2 p250-245-6405 [email protected]

lisa Brinkman, Planner Town of Ladysmith PO Box 220, Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A2 p250-245-6415 [email protected]

kim Burden, Executive Director Parksville & Dist. Chamber of Commerce PO Box 99, Station Main , Parksville, BC V9P 2G3 p250-248-3613 [email protected]

pat Deakin, Economic Development Manager City of Port Alberni 4850 Argyle Street, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 1V8 p250-720-2527 [email protected]

Dave formosa, Mayor City of Powell River 6910 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC V8A 1V4 p604-485-6291 [email protected]

paris Gaudet, Executive Director Mid-Island Science, Technology & Innovation Council 150 Commercial Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5G6 p250-753-8324 [email protected]

Dallas Gislason, Economic Development Officer Greater Victoria Development Agency 100 – 852 Fort Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1H8 p250-383-7179 Ext. 204 [email protected]

vic Goodman, CEO Campbell River EDC Rivercorp Enterprise Centre East – 900 Alder Street, Campbell River, BC V9W 2P6 p250-830-0411 [email protected]

lara Greasley, Manager, Marketing & Communications Comox Valley Economic Development Society 102 – 2435 Mansfield Drive, Courtenay, BC V9N 2M2 p250-334-2427 [email protected]

Jolynn Green, Executive Director Community Futures Central Island 104 – 5070 Uplands Drive, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6N1 p250-585-5585 [email protected]

Darren kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer Village of Sayward PO Box 29, 652 H’Kusam Way, Sayward, BC V0P 1R0 p250-282-5512 [email protected]

pam krompocker, Executive Director Community Futures of Powell River 4717 Marine Avenue 2nd Floor, Powell River, BC V8A 2L2 p604-485-7901 [email protected]

kathy lachman, Business Development Officer Cowichan Region Economic Development Commission 135 Third Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1R9 p250-746-7880 [email protected]

maurice magowan, Director of Finance and Corporate Development We Wai Kai First Nation 690 Headstart Crescent, Campbell River, BC V9H 1P9 p250-287-6178 [email protected]

cathy mailhot, Tourism Marketing Coordinator Cowichan Region Economic Development Commission 135 Third Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1R9 p250-746-7880 [email protected]

amrit manhas, Research and Information Analyst Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation 104 Front Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7 p250-591-1551 Ext. 26 [email protected]

David mccormick, Manager of Property and Community Relations Port Alberni Port Authority 2750 Harbour Road, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 7X2 p250-723-5312 [email protected]

peter mcGee, Economic Development Coordinator Nanaimo Economic Development Corporation 104 Front Street, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H7 p250-591-1551 Ext. 21 [email protected]

Geoff millar, Manager of Economic Development Cowichan Region Economic Development Commission 135 Third Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1R9 p250-746-7880 [email protected]

scott Randolph, Manager Powell River Regional Economic Development Society 4760 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 3B6 p604-485-0325 [email protected]

line Robert, Chief Executive Officer Island Coastal Economic Trust 201A 2435 Mansfield Drive, Courtenay, BC V9N 2M2 p250-871-7797 [email protected]

terry Robertson, Manager Siliammon Development Corp Siliammon First Nation 5920 Egret Court, Richmond, BC V7E 3W3 p604-483-7777 [email protected]

vance Rosling, Director of Economic Development Tsawout First Nation PO Box 121 – 7728 Tetayut Road, Saanichton, BC V8M 2C3 p250-652-9101 [email protected]

Wendy smitka, Chair Community Futures Central Island #102 – 3032 Waterstone Way, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6S8 p250-758-7175 [email protected]

marsha stanley, Chair – Economic Development Commission CVRD Cowichan Region Economic Development Commission 135 Third Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1R9 p250-746-7880 [email protected]

oddvin vedo, Retired Member 2155 Field Road, Sechelt, BC V0N 3A1 p604-657-5105 [email protected]

Jay yule, President Powell River Regional Economic Development Society 4760 Joyce Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 3B6 p604-485-0325 [email protected]

coRpoRatERenato arcos, Proprietor RMA Consulting Services 2781 14th Avenue, Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2X6 p250-720-2112 [email protected]

Robert Beynon, Vice-president, Development Economics Intervistas Consulting Inc. 550 – 1200 West 73rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6P 6G5 p604-717-1864 [email protected]

keith Britz, Partner Meyers Norris Penny LLP 45780 Yale Road, Suite #1, Chilliwack, BC V2P 2N4 p604-792-1915 [email protected]

kael campbell, President Red Seal Recruiting Solutions Ltd. 612 Boleskine Road, Victoria, BC V8L 5T1 p250-483-5954 [email protected]

shelley coburn, External Relations Kwantlen Polytechnic Unniversity 12666 72nd Avenue, Surrey, BC V3W 2M8 p604-599-2127 [email protected]

victor cumming, Regional Economist Westcoast CED Consulting Ltd 7816 Okanagan Landing Road, Vernon, BC V1H 1H2 p250-260-4484 [email protected]

malcolm Earle, Vice-president, Industrial Division Colliers International 19th Floor, 200 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2R6 p604-661-0895 [email protected]

Gordon Easton, Director, CIRA Colliers International 19th Floor, 200 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2R6 p604-662-2642 [email protected]

courtenay Ellingson, Senior Consultant Millier Dickinson Blais 405 – 1100 8 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 3T8 p855-367-3535 Ext. 261 [email protected]

Bruce flexman, President Advantage BC 1170 – 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2X8 p604-683-6627 [email protected]

allison Gavin, Senior Sales Manager The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver 1601 Bayshore Drive, Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4 p604-682-3377 [email protected]

victor Godin, Consulting Director Aboriginal Institute for Management Excellence 8651 Minler Road, Richmond, BC V7C 3V1 p604-277-8719 [email protected]

paul harris, Publisher Business in Vancouver Magazines 102 – 4th Avenue East, Vancouver, BC V5T 1G2 p604-608-5156 [email protected]

chris heminsley, Director, Economic Development Programs BC Hydro 333 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5R3 p604-699-7661 [email protected]

amy hennessy FortisBC [email protected]

Jennifer hogan, Strategic Projects Coordinator Talisman Energy Suite 2000 – 888 3rd St Sw, Calgary, AB T2P 5C5 p403-513-7068 [email protected]

marilyn hutchinson, Director Sustainability and Growth Grieg Seafood BC Ltd #106 – 1180 Ironwood Street, Campbell River, BC V9W 5P7 p250-286-0838 [email protected]

adrian kopystynski, Principal GreenCity Planning Services 15 – 3363 Rosemary Heights Crescent, Surrey, BC V3S 0X8 p604-535-7201 [email protected]

Zoran Kovacevic Amoveo Group Ltd. 604 – 1501 Haro Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 1G4 p778-938-2010 [email protected]

kirk kuester, Managing Director Colliers International Suite 1910 Granville Square, 200 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 2R6 p604-661-0814 [email protected]


mackenzie kyle, Partner Meyers Norris Penny LLP 2300 – 1055 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V7X 1J1 p604-685-8408 [email protected]

les lawther, President Cheakamus Consulting Inc. Unit #51 – 1275 Mount Fee Road, Whistler, BC V0N 1B1 p604-935-2669 [email protected]

Doug little, Vice-president of Economic and Business Development BC Hydro 333 Dunsmuir Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5R3 p604-699-7373 [email protected]

ian macpherson, Consultant Ian MacPherson 10588 – 159 Street, Surrey, BC V4N 3J4 p604-582-9448 [email protected]

patrick nelson marshall, Consulting Economic Developer Capital EDC Economic Development Company 4341 Shelbourne Street, Victoria, BC V8N 3G4 p250-595-8676 [email protected]

lisa moore, Manager Business Development SRY Rail Link 2102 River Drive, New Westminister, BC V3M 6S3 p604 527 6311 [email protected]

kristen mucha, Senior Manager, Community, Commercial & Industrial Energy Solutions FortisBC p250-427-5311 [email protected]

Janice murray, Administrative Assistant, Marketing Vancouver Airport Authority PO Box 23750 APO, Richmond, BC V7B 1Y7 p604-276-6008 [email protected]

John murray, Managing Director Economic Growth Solutions Inc. 5377 Monte Bre Court, West Vancouver, BC V7W 3B2 p604-913-1170 [email protected]

Brad nakagawa, Sales Manager Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel 7551 Westminster Highway, Richmond, BC V6X 1A3 p604-223-3950 [email protected]

steve nicol, Principal Lions Gate Consulting Inc. #207 – 2902 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2G8 p604-733-5622 [email protected]

catherine proulx, Managing Director Twist Marketing #215 – 1235 26th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1R7 p403-242-4600 [email protected]

stan Rogers, President Legacy Pacific Land Corporation #428 – 44550 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M3 p604-824-8733 [email protected]

Gord stewart, President ICBA Benefit Services 18-21535 88th Avenue, Burnaby, BC V5C 6P3 p604-298-7752 [email protected]

Jamie vann struth, Principal Vann Struth Consulting Group 2395 Lakewood Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4T8 p604-762-6901 [email protected]

Dan sulz, [email protected]

Jemi tabak Richmond, BC p250-273-3854 [email protected]

ken veldman, Director, Public Affairs Prince Rupert Port Authority 200 – 215 Cow Bay Road, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A2 p250-627-2526 [email protected]

laith Wardi, President CEO ExecutivePulse Inc. 11 East 4th Street, Erie, Pennsylvania 16507 p866-397-8573 Ext. 2 [email protected]

Govt/inDustRysoo-kyung ahn, Senior Manager – Korea Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation # 288 – 800 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 p604-660-5916 [email protected]

Garry angus, EDP Provincial Coordinator Community Futures British Columbia 1056 – 409 Granville, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2 p604-685-2332 [email protected]

Jim anholt, Senior Project Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation BC Trade and Investment Office #730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2275 [email protected]

Robert arthurs, Senior Manager – Export Development & Olympic Legacies Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Suite 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-660-3358 [email protected]

harbs Bains, Senior Manager – Export Development & Olympic Legacies Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Suite 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-660-2241 [email protected]

David Baleshta, Portfolio Manager Investment Capital Branch PO Box 9800, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9W1 p250-952-0614 [email protected]

Rick Braam, Regional Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Bag 5000, 1020 Murray Street, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0 p250 847 7797 [email protected]

heather Brazier, Executive Lead, Integrated Policy, Legislation and Operations Division Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development PO Box 9847, Stn. Prov. Gov’t, 6th Floor, 800 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 9T2 p250-387-3860 [email protected]

ashleigh Brewer, Director of Membership Initiatives Economic Development Association of BC #402 – 44550 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M3 p604-858-7199 [email protected]

Diana Brooks, Regional Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 101 – 100 Cranbrook Street North, Cranbrook, BC V1C 3P9 p250-426-1301 [email protected]

myles Bruns, Regional Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Suite 250 – 455 Columbia Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 6K4 p250-371-3931 [email protected]

nina cagic, A/Director – Americas/Europe Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-660-5883 [email protected]

nicole chaland, Program Director SFU Certificate Program for CED PO Box 23093, Cook Street Post Office, Victoria, BC V8V 4Z8 p250-598-7215 [email protected]

Janet cho, Manager – North China Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation #288 – 800 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 p604-660-5919 [email protected]

tamara Danshin, Regional Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Room 120A, 10600 – 100th Street, Fort St John, BC V1J 4L6 p250-787-3351 [email protected]

carrie Dusterhoft, Manager Aboriginal & Community Relations Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation p250-356-0728 [email protected]

Greg Eidsness, Manager – China Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation #288 – 800 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 p604-660-5910 [email protected]

marcus Ewert-Johns, Executive Director Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2217 [email protected]

Jeff finkle, President & CEO International Economic Development Association 734 15th Street NW / Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005 p202-223-7800 [email protected]

ted fischer, Program Coordinator – Community Relations Intl Council of Shopping Centers 555 12th Street NW, Suite 660, Washington, DC 20004 p202-626-1408 [email protected]

Daniel fish, Economic Development Intern Northern Development Initiative Trust 301 – 1268 Fifth Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3L2 p250-561-2525 [email protected]

sarah fraser, Executive Director, Community Partnerships Branch Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 2nd Floor, 800 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 9N7 p250-387-0220 [email protected]

marie Gallant, Manager Director Community Futures Development Assoc 1056 – 409 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2 p604-685-2332 Ext. 226 [email protected]

penny Gardiner, Executive Director Economic Developers Association of Canada Suite 200, #7 Inovation Drive, Flamborough, ON L9H 7H9 p905-689-8771 [email protected]

Brenda Gendron, Chief Financial Officer Northern Development Initiative Trust 301 – 1268 Fifth Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3L2 p250-561-2525 [email protected]

amardeep Gill, Manager – India Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2133 [email protected]

Brody GuyMinistry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training 765 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604 660 5905 [email protected]

leann hackman-carty, Executive Director Economic Developers Alberta Suite 127, #406 917 – 85th Street, SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3Z9 p403-214-0224 [email protected]

henry han, Director – Business Development Initiatives Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-660-5888 [email protected]

lori henderson, Regional Director Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 2nd Floor, 800 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC V8W 9N7 p250-356-7828 [email protected]

Jordan howard, Regional Economic Projects Coordinator Economic Development Association of BC #402 – 44550 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M3 p604-858-7199 [email protected]

paul irwin, Senior Director – North Asia Division Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation #288 – 800 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 p604-660-5906 [email protected]

chris Jensen, Policy Analyst Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development PO Box 9847, Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8S 3N5 p250-356-8737 [email protected]

arlene keis, Chief Executive Officer GO2 – The Resource for People in Tourism 450 – 505 Burrard Street, PO Box 59, Vancouver, BC V7X 1M3 p604-633-9787 [email protected]

Brian krieger, Director, Business Services & Olympic Legacy Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Suite 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-660-3358 [email protected]

heather lalonde, Executive Director Economic Developers Council of Ontario Inc. Box 8030, Cornwall, ON K6H 7H9 p613-931-9827 [email protected]

Jeanette lam, Senior Information Officer Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 3585 Gravely Officer, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J5 p604-660-1691 [email protected]

karen lam, Project Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2188 [email protected]

John leech, Executive Director Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC 10767 – 148th Street, Surrey, BC V3R 0S4 p604-585-2788 [email protected]

troy machan, Director – Americas and Europe Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2039 [email protected]

Glenn mandziuk, Chief Executive Officer Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association 2280 D Leckie Road, Kelowna, BC V1X 6G6 p250-860-5999 [email protected]

Joel mckay, Director, Communications Northern Development Initiative Trust 301 – 1268 Fifth Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3L2 p205-561-2525 [email protected]

Dean mckinley, Director, Economic Development Northern Development Initiative Trust 301 – 1268 Fifth Avenue, Prince George, BC V2L 3L2 p250-561-2525 [email protected]

laurie mcnaught, Membership & Events Coordinator Economic Development Association of BC #402 – 44550 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M3 p604-858-7199 [email protected]

mark morrissey, Executive Director Nunavut Economic Developers Association PO Box 1990, Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 p867-979-4620 [email protected]

michael nicholas, Director, India and Southeast Asia Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2144 [email protected]

Rob o’Brien, Manager – Japan Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation # 288 – 800 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 p604-660-5918 [email protected]

Wendy ormond, Policy and Program Analyst Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training p250-952-0614 [email protected]

caterina papadakos, Manager – Americas/Europe Section Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730-999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-660-1045 [email protected]

George privett, Director Council of Northern Economic Developers 21 Oak Street, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1X6 p867-668-7715 [email protected]

Edwina Ramirez, Manager – Southeast Asia & Oceania Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2192 [email protected]

Dale Richardson, Regional Manager – Northwest Region Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Suite 220 – 132 West 1st Avenue, Prince Rupert, BC V8J 1A8 p250-624-7499 [email protected]

Richard sawchuk, Senior Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-0030 [email protected]

amy schneider, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Analysis Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation PO Box 9853 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9T5 p250-356-0784 [email protected]

Jianye (Jason) si, Senior Manager – East China Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation #288 – 800 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 p604-660-5911 [email protected]

khris singh, Regional Project Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation 201 – 1, 2435 Mansfield Drive, Courtenay, BC V9N 2M2 p250-897-3276 [email protected]

vera sit, Executive Director, Softwood Lumber Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training PO Box 830 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8T 5C3 p250-387-6061 [email protected]

mark startup, President & CEO Shelfspace, The Association for Retail Entrepreneurs 208 – 1730 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1H6 p604-730-5252 [email protected]

mike stolte, Executive Director CIEL 1419 Josephine Street, Nelson, BC V1L 1Y3 p250-352-9192 [email protected]

verona thibault, Executive Director Saskatchewan Economic Devlopment Association Box 113, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3K1 p306-384-5817 [email protected]

michael track, Manager, Investor Services Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation BC Trade and Investment Office #730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2202 [email protected]

leslie Wada, Project Manager Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation BC Trade and Investment Office #730 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1 p604-775-2201 [email protected]

Dale Wheeldon, Chief Executive Officer Economic Development Association of BC #402 – 44550 South Sumas Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 5M3 p604-858-7199 [email protected]

Raymond Zhu, Senior Manager – South China Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation #288 – 800 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C5 p604-660-5910 [email protected]

honouRaBlE mEmBERsvalerie anne caskey, Retired Honourable Member p604-530-8469 [email protected]

peter monteith, Chief Administrative Officer City of Chilliwack 8550 Young Road, Chilliwack, BC V2P 8A4 p604-793-2966 [email protected]

alBERtaDan Dibbelt, Executive Director Northwest Corridor Development Corporation PO Box 1414, Grande Prairie, AB V8V 0L4 p780-527-6232 [email protected]

sandra lemmon 315 Sierra Morena Green SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3H8 p587-899-6470 [email protected]

alexandra Ross, Economic Development Officer Saddle Hills County PO Box 69, Spirit River, AB T0H G0 p780-864-3760 Ext. 214 [email protected]

Canadian Western Bank fp Ad 34909.indd 1 1/23/13 2:01:24 PM

Maple Ridge FP ad 32954.indd 1 2/6/13 11:49:34 AM

Maple Ridge FP ad 32954.indd 1 2/6/13 11:49:34 AM

Company Page URLRio Tinto IFC www.riotintoalcan.comCatalyst Paper pg 5 www.catalystpaper.comCGA of BC pg 9 www.cga-more.orgSquamish pg 28 www.squamish.caWhite Rock pg 29 www.whiterockcity.caChilliwack pg 30 www.chilliwackeconomicpartners.com

Chilliwack pg 31 www.chilliwackeconomicpartners.comCoquitlam pg 32 www.coquitlam.caCoquitlam pg 33 www.coquitlam.caTownship of Langley pg 34 www.tol.caTownship of Langley pg 35 www.tol.caMaple Ridge pg 36 www.investnorthfraser.comNew Westminster pg 37 www.investnewwest.caharrison Hot Springs pg 38 www.harrisonhotsprings.caAdvantage Hope pg 39 www.hope.caport Alberni Port Authority pg 42 www.portalberniportauthority.caNanaimo Port Authority pg 43 www.npa.ca

Comox Valley pg 44 www.investcomoxvalley.comCowichan Valley pg 45 www.discovercowichan.comPowell River pg 45 www.ppreds.comNanaimo pg 46 www.investnanaimo.comNanaimo pg 47 www.investnanaimo.comCampbell River pg 48 www.rivercorp.caPrince George pg 51 www.initiativespg.comWilliams Lake pg 52 www.investwilliamslake.caMackenzie pg 53 www.district.mackenzie.bc.caCanadian Rockies International Airport pg 56 www.flycanadianrockies.comCastlegar pg 57 www.castlegar.ca

Cranbrook pg 58 www.cranbrook.ca; www.kimberley.caCranbrook pg 59 www.cranbrook.caRevelstoke pg 60 www.cityofrevelstoke.comElkford pg 60 www.elkford.caBarriere pg 63 www.barriere.caDestination Osoyoos pg 64 www.destinationosoyoos.comWest Kelowna pg 65 www.districtofwestkelowna.caMerritt pg 66 www.merritt.caMerritt pg 67 www.merritt.caKamloops pg 68 www.venturekamloops.com/investbcCity of Vernon pg 69 www.investvernon.ca

Prince Rupert pg 72 www.ypr.caNorthwest Regional Airport pg 72 www.yxt.caPort of prince Rupert pg 73 www.rupertport.comKitimat pg 74 www.kitimat.caKitimat pg 75 www.kitimat.caChetwynd pg 80 www.gochetwynd.comChetwynd pg 81 www.gochetwynd.comHudson’s Hope pg 82 www.hudsonshope.caHudson’s Hope pg 83 www.hudsonshope.caNorth Peace Economic Dev pg 84 www.npedc.caNorth Peace Economic Dev pg 85 www.npedc.ca

Tumbler Ridge pg 86 www.investtumblerridge.comTumbler Ridge pg 87 www.investtumblerridge.comInvest Northern Rockies pg 88 www.investNorthernRockies.caCanadian Western Bank pg 95 www.theworkingbank.caMaple Ridge pg 96 www.investnorthfraser.com

Invest In BC 2013

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