Powell River is a Pearl to business and investors because it offers a number of advantages that larger urban centres can't.

The cost of living in Powell River is much lower. Just compare real estate prices and rental rates to those in large urban centres and you will find that they are about a third of what you will find in cities like Vancouver or Toronto. The same is true for industrial lands.

The cost of doing business in Powell River is low as well. The Municipality was one of the first in BC to recognize that it could not put a majority of the tax burden on Industry and made the decision to reduce its rates over five years. This move allows the community's largest employer, NorskeCanada, to realize a cumulative savings of $3 million dollars.

For years investors have been hesitant about investing in British Columbia because of unsettled land claims. In Powell River this is not a concern. Not only is the Sliammon Nation close to signing off on a Treaty with the Federal and Provincial Governments, but it has also entered into an Accord with the Corporation of the District of Powell River. The only one of its kind in BC, the Accord outlines how the two communities will work together in close partnership to advance economic and social development initiatives so that all residents of the region will benefit.

There are many other pearls to doing business in Powell River…

• The community is only a half hour flight away from Vancouver
• A solid barge transportation system can move product to International Freight Traffic at a cost efficient rate in less than a day
• A wide range of Industrial and Commercial Lands are available for development
• A skilled labour force with a wide variety of disciplines
• Strong Telecommunications Infrastructure
• Post Secondary Education Training Institutions (College & University Levels)
• Community Agencies which can lend support for business planning and expansion needs

To see the latest Federal Government Census data on the Powell River region click here.

To learn more about recent trends in the Powell River Real Estate market please click here to download the latest study.

To seek further information on moving or starting a business in the Powell River region please follow the links listed below.

Local Government

Corporation of the District of Powell River www.district.powellriver.bc.ca

Sliammon First Nation www.sliammon.com

Powell River Regional District www.powellriverrd.bc.ca

Site selection, market analysis, statistics and business planning

Powell River Regional Economic Development Society www.prreds.com

Sliammon Development Corporation www.sliammon.com

Business planning & loans,
Community Economic Development Self Employment Program

Powell River Community Futures Development Corporation Office www.cfdcpowellriver.com

Information on the local business community

Powell River Chamber of Commerce www.discoverpowellriver.com/chamber/index.html

Available wage subsidy programs

Powell River Career Link Employment Centre www.careerlinkbc.com