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GVDA // business in greater victoria
2014 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 2014 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GUIDE
Victoria’s Imagination Economy
Local inspiration translates into international success.
It’s all about the location Discover a natural setting, mild climate and access to key markets.
Growing StRong Diversity & innovation build economic stability.
V I CTOR I A , B R I T I S H CO L U M B I A
GVDA // business in greater victoria
Victoria’s Premiere Retail & Office Opportunity AN UNPRECEDENTED 830,000 sq foot centre with the most compelling mix of category dominant retail on Vancouver Island. Located in the heart of Greater Victoria-Douglas and Blanshard. VISIT UPTOWN TODAY for Prime Retail Locations and Class-A Office Space.
Retail Inquiries: Mianne Trudeau 1-888-281-9474 Office Inquiries: Bob Law, Grant Evans Colliers International 1-888-388-6469
GVDA // business in greater victoria
Innovations of the Imagination Economy
Our organization works closely with businesses, partner agencies, educational institutions, the community, and all levels of government. We focus on leveraging Greater Victoria’s abundant energy and innovative spirit to sustain economic growth.
Dallas Gislason
Economic Development Officer 100 - 852 Fort Street Victoria BC, Canada V8W 1H8 1-888-573-8181 dgislason@gvda.ca
ON THE COVER: Research in action at the Vancouver Island Technology Park’s Proteomics Centre. Arnold Lim photo Business in Greater Victoria is published by BLVD Reports (a division of Black Press Group) 818 Broughton Street Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 1E4 250-381-3484 www.blackpress.ca Group Publisher Penny Sakamoto psakamoto@blackpress.ca Director, Sales and Advertising Oliver Sommer osommer@blackpress.ca Editor Jennifer Blyth jblyth@telus.net
The points of view or opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher of Business in Greater Victoria. The contents of Business in Greater Victoria magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without written consent of the publisher.
The people here in the Capital Region admit to bringing a creative approach to business. Instead of looking outside the box, for example, we might very well be asking how can we make that box better? Or just what kind of box can we make here that no one else in the world is making. Oh...and we’ll do it really, really well. Victoria thrives on what we like to call the Imagination Economy. Living and working between the ocean and mountains, where fresh air and sunshine are part of the signing bonus, and gardens and golf are year-round perks, inspiration is everywhere. Just ask local businesses that have carved Imagine that! a niche on the international stage for their made-in-Victoria solutions – businesses • More than 18,000 businesses are like Straitline Components, which emerged operating in Greater Victoria; from machine and fabrication parent • Advanced technology is the leading company Straitline Precision Industries to economic generator, with annual revcreate high-end aftermarket mountain bike enues exceeding $1.95 billion and with a components – quickly becoming a brand of total economic impact of $3 billion. choice among top athletes. “Who is Strait• Greater Victoria’s tourism industry line?” the company asks on its website. has a regional impact of 1.9 billion, “We are a group of bike riders who started with 3.5 million overnight visitors and making our own gear, offered it to friends 500,000 cruise passengers. and decided to launch a brand.” In 1987, Marie Hutchinson and Harold Aune combined the worlds of sculling and rowing to create Whitehall Rowing & Sail. Adapting the famous Whitehall boat, renowned for safe, efficient rowing in wind and waves, with slide seat rowing systems usually found in a racing shell, the company has earned world-wide recognition among rowing and sailing enthusiasts. In 2010 the two opened Victoria’s Whitehall Spirit® Rowing Club, making this unique, “All Water” slide seat rowing available to the general public. While the vast majority of Whitehall’s boats are exported to buyers around the world, Aune appreciates the atmosphere and inspiration Victoria offers. “It’s a great place to have great ideas!”
contents 4 IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION 6 A TRANSPORTATION HUB 8 SECTORS GROWING STRONG 12 BY THE NUMBERS 14 RESOURCES, NORTH AMERICA MAP
GVDA // business in greater victoria
It’s all about the
location Don Denton photo
A natural setting, mild climate and access to key markets create stability, diversity and the foundation for economic success. Cycle the waterfront on your way to work, take a conference call to Silicon Valley, Toronto and Shanghai, then network on the golf course in the afternoon. Business can be this good. Located on Vancouver Island, the largest island off the West Coast of North America, Greater Victoria sits next to the mainland coast of British Columbia and just north of Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula. In fact, Victoria’s central location puts it right in the middle of the Pacific Northwest trading area, with its population of some
15.3 million, and just an hour by plane from Calgary and Edmonton. Diversity is key to the Capital Region’s economic stability. While renowned as one of the world’s finest holiday cities, welcoming 3.5 million tourists each year, Victoria is far more than a postcard-perfect visitor destination. The provincial capital, with a regional population of 375,823, Victoria has a large, stable, well-educated workforce, with an estimated 2013 unemployment rate of just 5.5 per cent. The region is home to Canada’s Pacific Naval Fleet and a busy
Climate & Setting
Why do business in Victoria? David Black, owner of Black Press “We are fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful small city. Victoria has big city amenities without the hassles of heavy traffic all the time and sky-high housing costs.” 4
Fueling this growth is Victoria’s reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, with a vibrant arts and cultural scene complemented by easy access to nature and year-round outdoor activities. A Mediterranean climate brings just-right summer temperatures and mild winters with much less rainfall than other Pacific Northwest cities, and virtually no snow. In fact, while those in Calgary, Toronto and New York are bundled up in January, the question here is often whether to golf or kayak! Average Monthly Temperatures January: 6.5°C (44°F) February: 8.4°C (47°F) March: 10.2°C (50°F) April: 12.9°C (55°F) May: 16.3°C (61°F) June: 19.3°C (67°F) Source: Tourism Victoria
www.gvda.ca • 1-888-573-8181
July: 21.8°C (71°F) August: 21.8°C (71°F) September: 19.1°C (67°F) October: 14.1°C (57°F) November: 9.4°C (49°F) December: 6.8°C (45°F)
shipbuilding industry, while its acclaimed post-secondary institutions – the University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College – attract dynamic minds from all over the world. In fact, the education sector alone is estimated to generate $2 billion annually in economic activity. The Capital Region is anchored by the historical core of the city circling the Inner Harbour, home to much of the region’s commerce, government and office space, along with significant retail and entertainment components. Beyond downtown, Victoria is surrounded by rich, productive agricultural land, industrial areas and commercial space, and some of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, supported by thriving construction and retail sectors.
Employee attraction & retention These same features are a boon to businesses looking to attract and retain skilled employees, whether in the hightech industry – Victoria’s largest industry at $2 billion annually – education, skilled trades or tourism. Here you can enjoy a world-class quality of life with a reasonable cost of living; a vibrant city large enough to host exciting activities and events, but small enough to offer largely congestion-free streets and short commutes. Pair that with easy access to other transportation options, such as the international airport, ferries and float planes, and proximity to Vancouver, Seattle, Calgary and San Francisco, and Island life makes a lot of sense.
These numerous attributes make Greater Victoria the choice for many looking to build a career and raise a family. With a median age of 44, a full half of Victoria’s population falls into the 18 to 54 year-old age bracket. Overall, the Capital Region’s population is expected to increase from its current 375,823 to 427,800 by 2026. The median household income is $79,350. Meeting this growth is a thriving retail community. Victoria recently welcomed the brand new Uptown, an award-winning mixed-use
Housing:
Victoria’s diverse population is echoed in the diversity of its housing options, from hip urban condominiums perfect for vibrant, downtown living to planned suburban communities close to parks, beaches and recreation opportunities, to historic homes in the city’s oldest neighbourhoods. Regardless of where you live, you can typically still be downtown within 30 minutes. The appeal of the Capital Region across age groups and industries has resulted in a real estate market that has remained stable for homeowners and investors.
VALUE OF BUILDING PERMITS ($CDN) 900,000,000
Source: Victoria Real Estate Board
Education
12-YEAR AVERAGE: $711,282,134
800,000,000 700,000,000 600,000,000 500,000,000 400,000,000 300,000,000 200,000,000 100,000,000 0
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013* *2013 Projected Value
Average Housing Values ($CDN) Municipality
Multiple Listings Service (MLS) single-family home sales ($CDN): Year Annual Average Total Units 2012 $603,298 2011 $613,839 2010 $629,925 2009 $580,748 2008 $583,701
development that at completion will feature 830,000 square feet of sophisticated open-air shopping, Class A office space, restaurants and deluxe amenities. The suburban Hillside Shopping Centre is part-way through its massive $80-million expansion that will welcome such international names as Target and Marshalls. At the same time, the city is true to its creative roots with grown-in-Victoria success stories, like Sitka Boards and Apparel and Whitehall Rowing, sharing the best of the Island both at home and abroad.
2,907 3,069 3,236 4,117 3,355
Single-Family Homes Multi-Family Homes
Oak Bay $885,304 $450,418 North Saanich $765,170 $310,389 Highlands $665,689 n/a Saanich $623,973 $349,865 Metchosin $593,377 n/a Victoria $581,889 $353,612 Central Saanich $560,836 $375,468 View Royal $558,459 $350,491 Sidney $507,031 $370,574 Esquimalt $495,858 $318,703 Colwood $495,299 $336,270 Langford $455,326 $290,916 Sooke $379,308 $244,602
Source: Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, 2013.
A highly educated community, more than 60 per cent of the Victoria population has post-secondary education, whether in apprenticeships and trades, college diplomas or university degrees. The University of Victoria was named the No. 1 Comprehensive University by the 2013 Maclean’s university rankings, while Royal Roads University has earned numerous accolades for its international connections and business development programs. Camosun College welcomes 18,500 learners a year, leading the way in university transfer and applied degree programs, career and trades training and more.
Doing Business in Canada just makes sense • Canada has the world’s 10th-largest economy. It has the second-largest proven reserves of oil and is the third-largest producer of natural gas. • Canada is the best country for business in the G-20, according to Forbes Magazine’s November 2012 study. • For the fifth consecutive year, the World Economic Forum rates Canada’s banking system as the world’s soundest. value International or building permitsMonetary • The Fund and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development both forecast that Canada will remain among the leaders of the world’s major economies through at least 2013. • Canada’s economy was the first among G-7 nations to recoup the employment losses recorded during the global recession. • In addition to very favourable R&D tax credits and incentives, Canada’s appealing environment for leading-edge research is built upon several innovation-supporting policies: effective protection of intellectual-property rights; open competition in domestic market in the deployment of digital information and communications technologies and platforms; transparent government-procurement practices, and openness to high-skill immigration. • In 2011, the OECD ranked Canada No. 1 among G-7 countries for higher-education R&D expenditures as a percentage of GDP. • In the past five years, Canada concluded free-trade agreements with eight countries; negotiations are under way with 50 other countries and regions, including the European Union and India, while early discussions continue with other countries, such as Japan. 1-888-573-8181 • www.gvda.ca
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GVDA // business in greater victoria
A growing community
GVDA // business in greater victoria
A Transportation Link to the World While Island living on the farthest reaches of Canada’s West Coast may appear to take you away from it all, in fact, thanks to a central location and well-connected transportation system, you’re rarely far from where you need to be. The award-winning Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is Canada’s 10th busiest airport, serving more than 1.5 million passengers each year with expanding services, including frequent flights to Vancouver and Seattle, and direct flights to Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and San Francisco. Harbour-to-harbour floatplane service links downtown Victoria with both Seattle and Vancouver, while the Helijet offers helicopter service between downtown Victoria and Vancouver. Several ferry options provide regular connections to the B.C. Mainland and points in Washington State. The vast majority of ferry traffic travels via BC Ferries between Victoria and Vancouver. In fact, one of the largest ferry operators in the world, BC Ferries carries more than 20 million passengers and eight million vehicles each year. In addition to visitor and commuter traffic, the easy 95-minute route services numerous commercial trucks, making it easy to transport goods to and from the Island. Other ocean-going transportation includes the MV Coho, operated by the Black Ball Ferry Line between downtown Victoria and Port Angeles, Wash., and the Washington State Ferries’ Anacortes run, between Sidney, 25 minutes north of Victoria, and Anacortes, Wash. Meeting in Seattle? The Victoria Clipper provides
From Victoria’s busy International Airport to the BC Ferries, the Capital Region is well-connected to points across North America and around the world.
2 1/2-hour passenger ferry service between downtown Victoria and Seattle. Once on the South Island, compact, connected communities are simple to navigate and you’re rarely more than 20 to 30 minutes by car from your destination. The region’s comprehensive public transit system moves people easily and includes regular connections to the airport and ferries. Victoria’s bike-friendly infrastructure and mild climate make commuting by bike safe and simple. In fact, according to census statistics, Victoria has the highest percentage of bicycle commuters in Canada, a figure that continues to grow. Many more take advantage of the climate, scenery and trails to cycle for recreation, both on- and off-road. New infrastructure projects demonstrate a commitment to the future, including the refurbishment and replacement of bridges, roadworks, technology upgrades and airport improvements. The key is to keep people, goods and ideas moving easily between Victoria’s individual neighbourhoods and the world.
Why do business in Victoria? Tim Teh, CEO/Founder of KANO/Apps KANO/APPS does business in Victoria because we love the lifestyle and are actually able to run and grow a successful gaming company here. Founded in 2008, we have bootstrapped to a profitable company with 17 full-time employees, award-winning games and millions of players worldwide, and we aren’t headquartered in “The Bay.” Our employees have short commutes to work, enjoy all the urban amenities of a big city and yet are also able to enjoy outdoor activities year-round due to our mild West Coast climate. Couple that with a strong talent pool, tax benefits, a collaborative tech industry and direct flights to San Francisco and we have everything we require. Why would we ever want to leave?
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San Francisco
Las Vegas*
Toronto
Seattle
Vancouver
Calgary
Edmonton
Kelowna
Honolulu * * Seasonal
Convenient non-stop or one-stop service to every major Canadian city and many US destinations. Victoria International Airport. Your gateway to Vancouver Island.
www.victoriaairport.com 1-888-573-8181 • www.gvda.ca
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GVDA // business in greater victoria
Victoria International Airport - Connecting Vancouver Island’s Business to the World.
GVDA // business in greater victoria
Growing strong in the Capital Region Canada’s 15th largest metro region, Greater Victoria enjoys a diversity among both its population and its business that ensures its place as one of the country’s most stable economies. Victoria’s real gross domestic product rose by 2.1 per cent in 2010 and 1.4 per cent in 2011. Growth of 1.6 per cent is expected for 2013, increasing to 2.2 per cent for 2014 2017. Expect more from advanced technology – which grew a phenomenal 38 per cent from 2003 to 2008 – and ocean and marine space sectors, such as shipbuilding and research. Numbers from 2006 indicate more than three times as many people are employed in this sector relative to other B.C. regions; Victoria’s shipyards alone currently employ more than 700, with annual economic activity approaching $1 billion. Take a look at how the individual sectors are growing in the Capital Region:
Advanced technology and skilled trades thrive in many Victoria-area businesses.
a reputation for being eco-friendly, with businesses actively challenging each other to pursue green practices and operations.” Tourism Victoria puts the direct employment in the local tourism industry at 22,000 jobs, not counting those working in ancillary fields, such as hotel and restaurant suppliers. The economic impact of the region’s 3.5 millions overnight visitors, plus the 500,000 cruise ship visitors, is estimated at $1.9 billion.
Education
As one of Canada’s highest-educated cities, Victoria has created an exceptional education system, from its quality public and private grade schools to ground-breaking Tourism graduate-level research and development. While the traditional view of Victoria’s Maclean’s magazine has named the Unitourism industry has been of English tea versity of Victoria Canada’s No. 1 university and gardens – and these remain significant for 2014 in the comprehensive category, recattractions – today’s tourism industry has ognizing the significant research activity and tapped into so much more, from cultural wide range of programs at the undergraduopportunities to the growing area of advenate and graduate level, including profesture tourism. Advanced Technology sional degrees. In addition to recognition for Thanks to its location, climate, ameniVictoria’s advanced technology sector its business and law schools, UVic owns the ties and facilities, the region is an attractive continues to dominate much of the region’s Vancouver Island Technology Park, the hub destination for both the business and vacaeconomic discussions, with crossovers into of Greater Victoria’s technology community tion visitors. Tourism Victoria’s exit surveys manufacturing, education and other secwith emerging and established companies report ongoing high levels of satisfaction among visitors.“Victoria is known for the ac- tors. Its diverse membership shows how far working in areas such as life sciences, new media and alternative energy. UVic also tive lifestyles of its residents, and consistently into the community technology reaches, from Abebooks.com, Carmanah Technololeads Ocean Networks Canada (formerly attracts visitors both young and old who gies and Vifor Pharma Aspreva to Schneiknown as the VENUS and NEPTUNE enjoy outdoor pursuits,” says Sarah Mitchell, der Electric, Viking Air and Scott Plastics. projects), creating new economic opportufrom AdrenaLine Zipline Adventure Tours, The industry’s growth has outpaced the nities in the marine technology sector. On which has grown its business by building provincial average, making Greater Victoria campus, UVic brings researchers together relationships with cruise ship lines, wholethe second largest technology sector in with industry to transform their ideas and salers and resellers, and creating a unique B.C. The Victoria Advanced Technology discoveries into commercially viable busiguest experience. “Our community also has Council (VIATeC) notes that the Greater nesses. Victoria tech sector has grown to more than 900 known technology companies, Imagine that! directly employing 13,000 people and genOne of the most celebrated cities in the world, erating in excess of $1.95 billion in annual here’s a sampling of Victoria’s recent accolades: revenues. Region-wide, the sector has an • Canada’s Second Most Creative City – economic impact of $3 billion. Dr. Richard Florida Leading the way are companies like • No. 1 Small City in the Americas – fDi Magazine Starfish Medical, named one of the fastest• Small City of the Future – Financial Times of growing companies in B.C. in 2013, proLondon • Best Small Airport in North America (2012) – viding design, development and manufacAirports Council International turing services for innovative companies to • No. 3, Top 5 Cities in Canada – 2013 Conde create breakthrough products for a number Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Survey of medical specialty areas. 8
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GVDA // business in greater victoria
Shipbuilding is expected to generate significant economic activity in the coming years. Photo courtesy IMTARC
Internationally, Asia, especially China, Maclean’s top comprehensive universities has contributed many of the new students, 1. Victoria (2) but it’s not the whole story: 60 countries 2. Simon Fraser (1) are represented among Royal Roads’ stu 3. Waterloo (3) dent body. Looking forward, the school has 4. New Brunswick (4) adopted an aggressive five-year growth plan, *5. Guelph (5) with 12 to 15 new programs planned. *5. Memorial (*6) “Last year Royal Roads hosted 68 (Last year’s ranking in brackets; *indicates a tie) international delegations, which has a very strong impact on the local economy,” Royals Roads University, located at the McLeod says. With Royal Roads alone Hatley Park National Historic Site, offers a boasting 6,000 alumni around the world in unique delivery model particularly attractive positions of responsibility, the university is to mid-career learners who can undertake able to leverage those relationships to build their studies while balancing the demands links in other areas. For example, “through of family and career. The variety and quality the strong connections the university has of programs, such as the Master of Businow, this year we were able to arrange ness Administration and Masters of Global a mini trade mission for local business Management program, have earned national people.” and international recognition. Camosun College serves about 18,500 “We’ve had very successful growth both learners a year on two campuses, includin our domestic and international markets, ing more than 800 international students with 22 per cent in growth in our domestic from 40 different countries. More than market in the last three years,” plus 66-per160 innovative programs include univercent-growth in international numbers, says sity transfer and applied degree programs, Cyndi 200 McLeod, Royal Roads University’s career and trades training, upgrading and Vice President, Marketing, Recruitment and preparatory programs and continuing Business Development.
150
SIZE OF WORKFORCE
200 200,000
education. In addition to training opportunities for local business, Camosun College provides research, innovation and prototyping services for industry, and co-op students for employers.
Shipbuilding
Western Diversification Canada estimates the total economic activity in B.C.’s shipbuilding industry, primarily located in Vancouver and Victoria, is expected to grow from $450 million to $1.4 billion, with the number of jobs increasing from 3,000 to 5,000. During the same time, about 850 retirements are anticipated, accounting for further openings, most in the skilled trades with anticipated shortages in marine fitting, pipe fitting, welding, electrical and fabrication trades. To capitalize on these opportunities, the jointly funded Industrial Marine Training and Applied Research Centre (IMTARC) opened in 2013 in Esquimalt, offering entry-level training, working with postsecondary institutions and apprenticeship programs, and helping businesses adopt new technologies and processes.
UNEMPLOYMENT 8% 7%
100 150 150,000
6% 5%
100 100,000
4%
50
3% 2%
50 50,000
1%
0 00
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
1-888-573-8181 • www.gvda.ca
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GVDA // business in greater victoria
Industry growth is fueled by a significant increase in shipbuilding and ship repair activities in support of Canadian Coast Guard and Naval fleets, along with regular upgrades and servicing of existing vessels, along with those from BC Ferries, cruise ships and other commercial traffic, explains Alex Rueben, Executive Director for IMTARC. Greater Victoria will continue to be the hub for most ship repair, refit, modernization and in-service support activity in B.C., Ruben says. In addition to the region’s experienced workforce, the Esquimalt Graving Dock in Esquimalt harbour is the largest facility of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and allows all sizes and types of shipbuilding and repair enterprises to leverage the capabilities of the dock to attract and generate business.
Agriculture
The Capital Region has reaped the benefits of the organic, local food movement, with an increasing number of farms undertaking innovative ideas to boost the sustainability of local agriculture. The number of farms has grown slightly, as has the Capital Region’s Agricultural Land Reserve, which increased by 1,044 hectares between 2007 and 2012. The region’s grocery retailers, craft brewers, restaurateurs and related small businesses are supporting this trend, which has resulted in a new year-round public market downtown, multiple community markets, and entrepreneurs creating value-added products from local ingredients. The South Island is also home to a burgeoning wine sector that attracts accolades – and visitors – from around the world.
Film Industry
The Southern Vancouver Island film industry has generated more than $162 million in direct film spending in the region over the past decade, notes Kathleen Gilbert, Victoria’s film commissioner. “Add
Kathleen Gilbert, Victoria’s film commissioner.
to this amount the indirect spending of film dollars and this sector provides a substantial contribution to B.C.’s economy.” Boasting both a rural landscape and urban amenities suitable for a variety of film projects, plus a skilled, experienced labour force, Greater Victoria has been the location of choice for numerous productions, from television projects to major motion pictures. As added financial incentive for filming in Greater Victoria, the region is eligible for the 33 per cent Basic and the six per cent Regional Tax Credit intended to apply to the studio zone surrounding the City of Vancouver. The region also boasts more than 100 skilled crew working full-time on the southern Island, complemented by many more who work part-time and crew from Vancouver who can be called on when needed. Providing jobs and training, the Island film industry has created opportunities for a range of skilled jobs which are attractive to young people, providing a viable future and a reason to stay on the Island.
employers by industry, capital regional district
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting Mining Utilities Construction Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Retail Trade Transportation & Warehousing Information Finance & Insurance Real Estate & Rental & Leasing Professional, Scientific & Technical Services Mgmt. of Companies & Enterprises Admin & Support & Waste Manage & Remed. Educational Services Health Care & Social Assistance Arts, Entertainment & Recreation Accommodation & Food Services Other Services (except Public Admin.) Public Administration 10
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# of businesses % # of businesses % 2011 2011 2006 2006 105 14 8 2,056 995 600 2,879 457 403 561 477 2,203 21 1,040 685 2,473 544 1,555 2,115 506
0.5% 0.1% 0.0% 10.4% 5.1% 3.0% 14.6% 2.3% 2.0% 2.8% 2.4% 11.2% 0.1% 5.3% 3.5% 12.6% 2.8% 7.9% 10.7% 2.6%
77 18 6 1,568 956 664 2,957 481 407 570 429 2,015 N/A 1,013 673 2,075 481 1,643 1,988 421
0.4% 0.1% 0.0% 8.5% 5.2% 3.6% 16.0% 2.6% 2.2% 3.1% 2.3% 10.9% N/A 5.5% 3.6% 11.3% 2.6% 8.9% 10.8% 2.3%
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GVDA // business in greater victoria
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GVDA // business in greater victoria
Greater Victoria: By the Numbers
$15 Billion Greater Victoria’s Real GDP (in 2007 $’s)
$3+ BILLION Advanced technology economic impact
% of Canada’s Olympic Athletes that live in Victoria
13%
2,441
Major postsecondary institutions
3 375,823 km²
Belgium – a comparable country to the size of Vancouver Island
The region’s population
$1.9 Billion
Regional impact of tourism
48
the number of regional, provincial and federal parks in Greater Victoria
18,000+ the approximate number of businesses in Greater Victoria
ENERGY, BUZZ AND BOOM. Downtown Victoria is enjoying a renaissance as the place to live, work and play in the region. As more and more companies look at addressing challenges such as long commutes and the need to attract young urban professionals, they look to our downtown core. Come and be where the energy, the buzz and the building boom are all happening.
Find out more today. Contact Ken Kelly of the DVBA at 250.386.2239 or visit downtownvictoria.ca/invest
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13-11-14 1:20 PM
Jobs in Greater Victoria support: • families • workforce housing • community stability
GVDA’s work = more jobs.
Contact us today to find out how we`re making Greater Victoria “ A Natural Place to do Business ”
gvda.ca
Dallas Gislason Economic Development Officer dgislason@gvda.ca 13 1-888-573-8181 • www.gvda.ca (250) 360-3478
GVDA // business in greater victoria
Economic Growth = More Jobs!
GVDA // business in greater victoria
Greater Victoria Resources & Connections: Prince Rupert Dawson Creek
Queen Charlotte Islands
• Greater Victoria Development Agency – the region’s economic office leads competitiveness initiatives, business retention and expansion, and is the primary point of contact for in-bound investment inquiries and delegations. • University of Victoria, Royal Roads University and Camosun College – these are the three degree-granting institutions in the region, but the education sector also includes numerous others like the Academy of Learning, CDI College, Pacific Rim College, Q College, Sprott-Shaw College, Pearson College, among other private schools at both the secondary & postsecondary levels. • Victoria Advanced Technology Council (ViaTec) – one of Canada’s largest and most active high-tech associations is leading many projects that will grow and diversify the region’s burgeoning technology sector, including among many others a successful Tech Accelerator. • Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce – as the Province of British Columbia’s second largest business association with approximately 1,500 members, the chamber leads local advocacy on behalf of local businesses to all levels of government, and offers numerous programs that foster business networks, entrepreneurial development, business-management and leadership skills and more. • Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Westshore Chamber of Commerce, Esquimalt Chamber of Commerce, Sooke Chamber of Commerce and other networks like The Prodigy Group, Young Entrepreneur Society, and Entrepreneur Organization ensure business people are connected, and are upgrading their skills and resources on an on-going basis. • Vancouver Island Technology Park & Ocean Networks Canada – the University of Victoria’s research 14
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Prince George
Russia Anadyr'
Vancouver Queen EIsland lizabeth
Point Hope
Bering Sea
Barrow Selawik
Kamloops
Beaufort Sea
Victoria
Seattle
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320
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Panama Medellin City
G
Morelia
Colombia
640 Miles
and technology infrastructure are significant economic drivers for the region and also include the Research Partnerships and Knowledge Mobilization unit (RPKM) in the Office of Research Services (ORS), responsible for commercialization of UVic-led technologies and research conducted with industry partners. • Starting a business in Greater Victoria is easier with Business Victoria, a local non-profit organization offering coaching, financing, and other programs: www.businessvictoria.net 320
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Victoria’s central location puts it in the centre of the Pacific Northwest trading Missoula area, with a population of Williston some 15.3 million. Helena Montana
Spokane
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Lethbridge
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Princ
Greater Victoria has been consistently rated among the top best cities in the Americas by readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
Kelowna
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Greater Victoria was named Small City of the Future by Financial Times of London.
British Columbia
Arc tic Oc e an
Chukchi Bay
Fort Mcmurray
Alberta
Grande Prairie
640 KM
Moving here:
Learn more about living, working and immigrating to British Columbia at www.welcomebc.ca
Doing Business in British Columbia:
Learn more about BC laws, incentives, economic regions and driving sectors by visiting the primary business and investment portal: www.britishcolumbia.ca
Acapulco De Juarez
GVDA // business in greater victoria
innovation. Whitehall Rowing & Sail, founded by Harold Aune and Marie Hutchinson, has been pushing the evelope for clean recreational rowing and sailing since 1987. They began by refining the classic Whitehall rowboat into a line of boats perfect for beginners, and experienced rowers and sailors. in 2007 they developed an all new ultra-touch, high-tech all-water sculling boat line. Next a rowing club business opportunity. And most recently, a fit-on-top rowing unit for the exploding SUP market.
Classic Whitehall Boats
Whitehall Spirit® Classics are known worldwide as floating works of art that perform excellently and last generations. Handcrafted in flawless fiberglass with impeccable teak woodwork and custom bronze fittings. WhitehallRow.com
Copolymer Sculling Models
The Solo 14™ single and the Tango 17™ double all water sculling boats have proven very popular for recreational rowing with thousands sold since 2007. Affordable, easy to use, extremely durable, totally attractive, and leaving no oily footprint, these models make owners healthy and fit. WhitehallSolo.com
Club Business Opportunity
Owning a rowing club means operating a turn-key business that includes boats, docks, accessories, marketing material, personal hands-on training and a software package that handles online membership, boat bookings, payments, and scheduling. WhitehallRow.com/row-club
Oar Board™ SUP Rower
This leading edge fit-on-top sliding rigger rowing system converts an SUP (Stand-up Paddleboard) into a sculling rowboat, adding a new dimension to the relatively new sport of paddle boarding. WhitehallSolo.com/oarboard N. America: 1-800-663-7481 Europe/Asia: 00+1-250-361-2628 info@whitehallrow.com
®
Visit the Whitehall showroom at 85 Dallas Road, Victoria 1-888-573-8181 • www.gvda.ca
15
GVDA // business in greater victoria
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