Regional Economic Data
Vancouver Island
Regional Economic Data
Select a region to learn more about their economic data.
Regional District (January 2022)
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the southern most regional on Vancouver Island and home to the provincial capital. The region is also home to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt where the Pacific Naval Fleet is based. The base also hos a dockyard that supports shipbuilding and repair in the region.
The regional economy is based on government and supporting services. Healthcare is also an important driver in the economy as there are two hospitals and a medical school in the region. The tech sector is an important and growing part of the regional economy.
The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) was created in 2017 as partnership between eleven municipalities, nine First Nations and a number of non-profits and private companies. SIPP is an alliance of a number of regional stakeholders mandated to provide economic development services. SIPP operates within the Victoria census metropolitan area and focusses on an ecosystem perspective as it does not have any land.
The region is well served for power, water and connectivity infrastructure. There is good transportation infrastructure with the Island Highway providing road access to the rest of the island, ferry service to Vancouver, a float plane terminal downtown and an international airport. Natural topography and the Agricultural Land Reserve create constraint to land development and availability and there is pressure on the availability of commercial and industrial zoned land.
The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technology (COAST) is an initiative being started by SIPP to develop a cluster around marine technologies and tied to Ocean Network Canada. The film commission is responsible for attracting film and TV shoots in the region and SIPP is developing a cluster of production and post-production technology businesses around that.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 1.0% (3,886)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 1.3% (4,815)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.2% (4,833)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.3% (5,173)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.5% (6,291)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.3% (5,651)
January to June 2016: $477,897
January to June 2017: $648,586
January to June 2018: $900,077
January to June 2019: $562,795
January to June 2020: $585,973
January to June 2021: The value of building permits in the Victoria CMA increased by 59% in the first six months of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.
2012-2014 ( annual average): 1,949
2013-2015 ( annual average): 1,973
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 2,145
2014: 1,987
2015: 1,988
2016: 2,459
2017: 2,555
2018: 2,486
2019: 2,463
2020: 2,517
As at June 22, 2016: 10 Shellfish
As at June 21, 2017: 10 Shellfish
As at June, 2018: 10 Shellfish
As at June, 2019: 11 Shellfish
As at June, 2020: 11 Shellfish
As at June 2021: 11 Shellfish
June 2015: Victoria - ⬆ 4.6% ($508,900)
June 2016: Victoria - ⬆ 16.8% ($593,700)
June 2017: Victoria - ⬆ 16% ($691,100)
June 2018: Victoria - ⬆ 8% ($745,100)
June 2019: Victoria - ↓ 1% ($754,200)
August 2020: Victoria - ⬆ 6% ($795,500)
June 2021: Victoria - ⬆ 22% ($973,00)
2014: Victoria - $18.93
2015: Victoria - $18.93
2017: Victoria - $20.01
2018: Victoria - $20.50
2019: Victoria - $19.39
2014: 5,261
2015: 5,890
2016: 5,914
2017: 6,134
2018: 6,137
2019: 6,611
2020: 5,808
2015/16: 2,175
2016/17: 2,375
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is located n the southern part of Vancouver Island, close to Victoria the largest city on the island. Major industries in the CVRD are technology, food processing, film and tourism. The region offers an attractive lifestyle for residents with a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and a vibrant food industry with a number of local craft food and beverage producers.
CVRD does have an economic development strategic plan that is due for an update and the electoral districts in the region are now working to harmonize their own economic development plans. The existing industry clusters in the region are based around wood processing and the wine industry. While the wood processing industry has stagnated in recent years the wine industry continues to develop along with other artisanal food and beverage producers.
The region is well served with road and marine infrastructure with the Island highway providing good road transport to other areas of Vancouver Island. There are several private ports in the region at Ladysmith, Chemainus and Crofton and number of other smaller marine interfaces at log sorts and marinas.
Future growth in the region is expected to come from expansion of existing industries. A partnership between the CVRD and the Malahat First Nation is undertaking a feasibility study to build a film studio to add local production facility to the region. The region is looking to attract technology companies, particularly those that support other local activity and will help grow the circular portion of the local economy. The region is also looking at the potential to develop opportunities in cannabis.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 0.7% (552)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 1.1% (881)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.5% (1,225)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.7% (1,514)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.2% (1,038)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 0.6% (574)
January to June 2016: $60,394
January to June 2017: $84,414
January to June 2018: $78,866
January to June 2019: $91,688
January to June 2020: Decreased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 260
2013-2015 ( annual average): 256
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 270
2014: 283
2015: 251
2016: 275
2017: 317
2018: 320
2019: 326
2020: 330
As at June 22, 2016: 46 Shellfish
As at June 21, 2017: 49 Shellfish
As at June, 2018: 49 Shellfish
As at June, 2019: 53 Shellfish
As at June, 2020: 55 Shellfish
As at June, 2021: 55 Shellfish
June 2015: Duncan - ⬆ 6.4% ($298,300)
June 2016: Duncan - ⬆ 9.1% ($325,400)
June 2017: Duncan - ⬆ 18% ($403,400)
June 2018: Duncan - ⬆ 12% ($450,500)
June 2019: Duncan - ⬆ 2% ($471,400)
August 2020: Duncan - ⬆ 1% ($480,200)
June 2021: Duncan - ⬆ 28% ($693,200)
2015: Cowichan Valley - $18.81
2016: Cowichan Valley - $18.81
2017: Cowichan Valley - $19.05
2015/16: 258
2016/17: 45
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Regional District of Nanaimo is located centrally on the east side of Vancouver Island.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 1.7% (2,558)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 2.2% (3,438)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.8% (2,891)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.5% (2,459)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.6% (2,667)
2019 to 2029: ⬆ 1.2% (2,010)
January to June 2016: $166,443
January to June 2017: $207,268
January to June 2018: $213,831
January to June 2019: $404,814
January to June 2020: Increased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 648
2013-2015 ( annual average): 693
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 752
2014: 722
2015: 747
2016: 788
2017: 800
2018: 785
2019: 817
2020: 823
As at June 22, 2016: 133 Shellfish
As at June 21, 2017: 138 Shellfish
As at June, 2018: 138 Shellfish
As at June 2019: 138 Shellfish
As at June 2020: 139 Shellfish
As at June 2021: 137 Shellfish
June 2015: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 4.1% ($369,800)
June 2016: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 16.1% ($433,400)
June 2017: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 15% ($497,600)
June 2018: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 16% ($575,800)
June 2019: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 3% ($589,500)
August 2020 Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 3% ($608,300)
June 2021 Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 30% ($824,000)
June 2015 Nanaimo - ⬆ 3.5% ($350,200)
June 2016 Nanaimo - ⬆ 14.8% ($402,100)
June 2017 Nanaimo - ⬆ 19% ($479,300)
June 2018 Nanaimo - ⬆ 11% ($534,300)
June 2019 Nanaimo - ⬆ 3% ($559,300)
August 2020 Nanaimo - ⬆ 3% ($575,100)
June 2021 Nanaimo - ⬆ 30% ($728,200)
2015: Qualicum/Parksville - $17.30
2017: Qualicum/Parksville - $16.44
2018: Qualicum/Parksville - $17.02
2018: Qualicum/Parksville - $15.81
2015: Nanaimo - $ 17.99
2017: Nanaimo - $ 17.55
2014: 2,060
2015: 2,020
2016: 1,550
2017: 1,625
2018: 1,955
2019: 1,800
2020: 1,160
2015/16: 496
2016/17: 548
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District
The Regional District of Alberni Clayoquot (ACRD) is located on the central west side of Vancouver Island. The economy of the region is based in forestry, fishing and tourism.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer. Click here to find data for the Regional District of Alberni Clayoquot.
2014 to 2015: ↓ -1.7% (-521)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 0.9% (281)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 0.7% (217)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.8% (576)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.1% (363)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.3% (419)
January to June 2016: $16,091
January to June 2017: $18,163
January to June 2018: $24,596
January to June 2019: $26,430
January to June 2020: Decreased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 100
2013-2015 ( annual average): 99
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 110
2014: 90
2015: 96
2016: 145
2017: 127
2018: 131
2019: 144
2020: 133
As at June 22, 2016: 30 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
As at June 21, 2017: 35 Shellfish; 30 Finfish
As at June 2018: 35 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
As at June, 2019: 35 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
As at June, 2020: 36 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
As at June 2021: 37 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
June 2015: Port Alberni - ↓ 6.3%($190,600)
June 2016 Port Alberni - ⬆ 5.9% ($201,800)
June 2017 Port Alberni -⬆ 20% ($241,600)
June 2018 Port Alberni - ⬆ 22% ($293,800)
June 2019 Port Alberni - ⬆ 9% ($318,300)
August 2020 Port Alberni - ⬆ 4% ($329,100)
June 2021 Port Alberni - ⬆ 41% ($468,100)
2015: Port Alberni - $17.22
2017: Port Alberni - $17.56
2018: Clayoquot Sound - $20.11
2019: Clayoquot Sound - $19.63
2015/16: 15
2016/17: 650
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is centrally located on the east side of Vancouver Island. The economy in the region is based in fishing, tourism and services. Currently the CVRD does not have an economic development strategy.
The region is well served for transportation with the Inland Island Highway providing good road access and ferry service to Powell River on the mainland. While water is a concern in some areas of the region it is well served for power and connectivity. Air travellers are served by the airport in Courtenay/Comox that has good connections to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.
Future growth in the economy of the region is expected to come from food processing. There is an existing group of businesses in aquaculture and seafood production and expansion into more processing is expected. Food processing for local agriculture products is also expected to grow.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 0.6% (387)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 0.9% (553)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.2% (778)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.5% (1061)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.5% (1060)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.3% (978)
January to June 2016: $47,059
January to June 2017: $65,640
January to June 2018: $104,934
January to June 2019: $93,845
January to June 2020: Decreased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 207
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 205
2014: 201
2015: 200
2017: 271
2018: 264
2019: 264
2020: 243
As at June 22, 2016: 1 Finfish
As at June 21, 2017: 1 Finfish
As at June 2018: n/a
As at June 2019: 1 Finfish
As at June 2020: 1 Finfish
As As at June 2021: 1 Finfish
June 2015: Comox Valley - ⬆ 2.9% ($334,000)
June 2016: Comox Valley - ⬆ 9.1% (364,400)
June 2017: Comox Valley - ⬆ 21% (436,500)
June 2018: Comox Valley - ⬆ 17% (510,700)
June 2019: Comox Valley - ⬆ 3% (518,200)
August 2020: Comox Valley - ⬆ 3% (537,300)
June 2021: Comox Valley - ⬆ 30% (756,400)
2017: $15.96
2018: $16.59
2019: $15.97
2015/16: 200
2016/17: 222
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is the second most northern regional district on Vancouver Island. The economy of the region is based on forestry, fishing and tourism.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer. Click here to find data for the Regional District of Alberni Clayoquot.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 1.9% (838)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 0.7% (319)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.3% (575)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.6% (781)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.8% (858)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.2% (573)
January to June 2016: $54,077
January to June 2017: $34,697
January to June 2018: $49,045
January to June 2019: $60,730
January to June 2020: Decreased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 156
2013-2015 ( annual average): 157
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average):175
2014: 156
2015: 147
2016: 221
2017: 225
2018: 223
2019: 214
2020: 228
As at June 22, 2016: 20 Shellfish; 12 Finfish
As at June 21, 2017: 21 Shellfish; 12 Finfish
As at June 2018: 20 Shellfish; 13 Finfish
As at June, 2018: 20 Shellfish; 13 Finfish
As at June 2019: 20 Shellfish; 13 Finfish
As at June 2021: 24 Shellfish; 14 Finfish
June 2015: Campbell River - ⬆ 6.5% ($283,300)
June 2016: Campbell River - ⬆ 3.0% ($291,900)
June 2017: Campbell River - ⬆ 19% ($348,500)
June 2018: Campbell River - ⬆ 22% ($425,800)
June 2019: Campbell River - ⬆ 4% ($434,900)
August 2020: Campbell River - ⬆ 2% ($455,600)
June 2021: Campbell River - ⬆ 28% ($627,600)
2014: 235
2015: 280
2016: 265
2017: 280
2018: 440
2019: 475
2020: 340
2015/16: 52
2016/17: 2
2017-2021: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the southern most regional on Vancouver Island and home to the provincial capital. The region is also home to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt where the Pacific Naval Fleet is based. The base also hos a dockyard that supports shipbuilding and repair in the region.
The regional economy is based on government and supporting services. Healthcare is also an important driver in the economy as there are two hospitals and a medical school in the region. The tech sector is an important and growing part of the regional economy.
The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) was created in 2017 as partnership between eleven municipalities, nine First Nations and a number of non-profits and private companies. SIPP is an alliance of a number of regional stakeholders mandated to provide economic development services. SIPP operates within the Victoria census metropolitan area and focusses on an ecosystem perspective as it does not have any land.
The region is well served for power, water and connectivity infrastructure. There is good transportation infrastructure with the Island Highway providing road access to the rest of the island, ferry service to Vancouver, a float plane terminal downtown and an international airport. Natural topography and the Agricultural Land Reserve create constraint to land development and availability and there is pressure on the availability of commercial and industrial zoned land.
The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technology (COAST) is an initiative being started by SIPP to develop a cluster around marine technologies and tied to Ocean Network Canada. The film commission is responsible for attracting film and TV shoots in the region and SIPP is developing a cluster of production and post-production technology businesses around that.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 1.0% (3,886)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 1.3% (4,815)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.2% (4,833)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.3% (5,173)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.5% (6,291)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.3% (5,651)
January to June 2016: $477,897
January to June 2017: $648,586
January to June 2018: $900,077
January to June 2019: $562,795
January to June 2020: $585,973
January to June 2021: The value of building permits in the Victoria CMA increased by 59% in the first six months of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.
2012-2014 ( annual average): 1,949
2013-2015 ( annual average): 1,973
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 2,145
2014: 1,987
2015: 1,988
2016: 2,459
2017: 2,555
2018: 2,486
2019: 2,463
2020: 2,517
As at June 22, 2016: 10 Shellfish
As at June 21, 2017: 10 Shellfish
As at June, 2018: 10 Shellfish
As at June, 2019: 11 Shellfish
As at June, 2020: 11 Shellfish
As at June 2021: 11 Shellfish
June 2015: Victoria - ⬆ 4.6% ($508,900)
June 2016: Victoria - ⬆ 16.8% ($593,700)
June 2017: Victoria - ⬆ 16% ($691,100)
June 2018: Victoria - ⬆ 8% ($745,100)
June 2019: Victoria - ↓ 1% ($754,200)
August 2020: Victoria - ⬆ 6% ($795,500)
June 2021: Victoria - ⬆ 22% ($973,00)
2014: Victoria - $18.93
2015: Victoria - $18.93
2017: Victoria - $20.01
2018: Victoria - $20.50
2019: Victoria - $19.39
2014: 5,261
2015: 5,890
2016: 5,914
2017: 6,134
2018: 6,137
2019: 6,611
2020: 5,808
2015/16: 2,175
2016/17: 2,375
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the southern most regional on Vancouver Island and home to the provincial capital. The region is also home to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt where the Pacific Naval Fleet is based. The base also hos a dockyard that supports shipbuilding and repair in the region.
The regional economy is based on government and supporting services. Healthcare is also an important driver in the economy as there are two hospitals and a medical school in the region. The tech sector is an important and growing part of the regional economy.
The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) was created in 2017 as partnership between eleven municipalities, nine First Nations and a number of non-profits and private companies. SIPP is an alliance of a number of regional stakeholders mandated to provide economic development services. SIPP operates within the Victoria census metropolitan area and focusses on an ecosystem perspective as it does not have any land.
The region is well served for power, water and connectivity infrastructure. There is good transportation infrastructure with the Island Highway providing road access to the rest of the island, ferry service to Vancouver, a float plane terminal downtown and an international airport. Natural topography and the Agricultural Land Reserve create constraint to land development and availability and there is pressure on the availability of commercial and industrial zoned land.
The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technology (COAST) is an initiative being started by SIPP to develop a cluster around marine technologies and tied to Ocean Network Canada. The film commission is responsible for attracting film and TV shoots in the region and SIPP is developing a cluster of production and post-production technology businesses around that.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 1.0% (3,886)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 1.3% (4,815)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.2% (4,833)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.3% (5,173)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.5% (6,291)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.3% (5,651)
January to June 2016: $477,897
January to June 2017: $648,586
January to June 2018: $900,077
January to June 2019: $562,795
January to June 2020: $585,973
January to June 2021: The value of building permits in the Victoria CMA increased by 59% in the first six months of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.
2012-2014 ( annual average): 1,949
2013-2015 ( annual average): 1,973
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 2,145
2014: 1,987
2015: 1,988
2016: 2,459
2017: 2,555
2018: 2,486
2019: 2,463
2020: 2,517
As at June 22, 2016: 10 Shellfish
As at June 21, 2017: 10 Shellfish
As at June, 2018: 10 Shellfish
As at June, 2019: 11 Shellfish
As at June, 2020: 11 Shellfish
As at June 2021: 11 Shellfish
June 2015: Victoria - ⬆ 4.6% ($508,900)
June 2016: Victoria - ⬆ 16.8% ($593,700)
June 2017: Victoria - ⬆ 16% ($691,100)
June 2018: Victoria - ⬆ 8% ($745,100)
June 2019: Victoria - ↓ 1% ($754,200)
August 2020: Victoria - ⬆ 6% ($795,500)
June 2021: Victoria - ⬆ 22% ($973,00)
2014: Victoria - $18.93
2015: Victoria - $18.93
2017: Victoria - $20.01
2018: Victoria - $20.50
2019: Victoria - $19.39
2014: 5,261
2015: 5,890
2016: 5,914
2017: 6,134
2018: 6,137
2019: 6,611
2020: 5,808
2015/16: 2,175
2016/17: 2,375
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is the second most northern regional district on Vancouver Island. The economy of the region is based on forestry, fishing and tourism.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer. Click here to find data for the Regional District of Alberni Clayoquot.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 1.9% (838)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 0.7% (319)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.3% (575)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.6% (781)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.8% (858)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.2% (573)
January to June 2016: $54,077
January to June 2017: $34,697
January to June 2018: $49,045
January to June 2019: $60,730
January to June 2020: Decreased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 156
2013-2015 ( annual average): 157
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average):175
2014: 156
2015: 147
2016: 221
2017: 225
2018: 223
2019: 214
2020: 228
As at June 22, 2016: 20 Shellfish; 12 Finfish
As at June 21, 2017: 21 Shellfish; 12 Finfish
As at June 2018: 20 Shellfish; 13 Finfish
As at June, 2018: 20 Shellfish; 13 Finfish
As at June 2019: 20 Shellfish; 13 Finfish
As at June 2021: 24 Shellfish; 14 Finfish
June 2015: Campbell River - ⬆ 6.5% ($283,300)
June 2016: Campbell River - ⬆ 3.0% ($291,900)
June 2017: Campbell River - ⬆ 19% ($348,500)
June 2018: Campbell River - ⬆ 22% ($425,800)
June 2019: Campbell River - ⬆ 4% ($434,900)
August 2020: Campbell River - ⬆ 2% ($455,600)
June 2021: Campbell River - ⬆ 28% ($627,600)
2014: 235
2015: 280
2016: 265
2017: 280
2018: 440
2019: 475
2020: 340
2015/16: 52
2016/17: 2
2017-2021: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is centrally located on the east side of Vancouver Island. The economy in the region is based in fishing, tourism and services. Currently the CVRD does not have an economic development strategy.
The region is well served for transportation with the Inland Island Highway providing good road access and ferry service to Powell River on the mainland. While water is a concern in some areas of the region it is well served for power and connectivity. Air travellers are served by the airport in Courtenay/Comox that has good connections to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.
Future growth in the economy of the region is expected to come from food processing. There is an existing group of businesses in aquaculture and seafood production and expansion into more processing is expected. Food processing for local agriculture products is also expected to grow.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 0.6% (387)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 0.9% (553)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.2% (778)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.5% (1061)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.5% (1060)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.3% (978)
January to June 2016: $47,059
January to June 2017: $65,640
January to June 2018: $104,934
January to June 2019: $93,845
January to June 2020: Decreased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 207
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 205
2014: 201
2015: 200
2017: 271
2018: 264
2019: 264
2020: 243
As at June 22, 2016: 1 Finfish
As at June 21, 2017: 1 Finfish
As at June 2018: n/a
As at June 2019: 1 Finfish
As at June 2020: 1 Finfish
As As at June 2021: 1 Finfish
June 2015: Comox Valley - ⬆ 2.9% ($334,000)
June 2016: Comox Valley - ⬆ 9.1% (364,400)
June 2017: Comox Valley - ⬆ 21% (436,500)
June 2018: Comox Valley - ⬆ 17% (510,700)
June 2019: Comox Valley - ⬆ 3% (518,200)
August 2020: Comox Valley - ⬆ 3% (537,300)
June 2021: Comox Valley - ⬆ 30% (756,400)
2017: $15.96
2018: $16.59
2019: $15.97
2015/16: 200
2016/17: 222
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District
The Regional District of Alberni Clayoquot (ACRD) is located on the central west side of Vancouver Island. The economy of the region is based in forestry, fishing and tourism.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer. Click here to find data for the Regional District of Alberni Clayoquot.
2014 to 2015: ↓ -1.7% (-521)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 0.9% (281)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 0.7% (217)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.8% (576)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.1% (363)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.3% (419)
January to June 2016: $16,091
January to June 2017: $18,163
January to June 2018: $24,596
January to June 2019: $26,430
January to June 2020: Decreased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 100
2013-2015 ( annual average): 99
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 110
2014: 90
2015: 96
2016: 145
2017: 127
2018: 131
2019: 144
2020: 133
As at June 22, 2016: 30 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
As at June 21, 2017: 35 Shellfish; 30 Finfish
As at June 2018: 35 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
As at June, 2019: 35 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
As at June, 2020: 36 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
As at June 2021: 37 Shellfish; 24 Finfish
June 2015: Port Alberni - ↓ 6.3%($190,600)
June 2016 Port Alberni - ⬆ 5.9% ($201,800)
June 2017 Port Alberni -⬆ 20% ($241,600)
June 2018 Port Alberni - ⬆ 22% ($293,800)
June 2019 Port Alberni - ⬆ 9% ($318,300)
August 2020 Port Alberni - ⬆ 4% ($329,100)
June 2021 Port Alberni - ⬆ 41% ($468,100)
2015: Port Alberni - $17.22
2017: Port Alberni - $17.56
2018: Clayoquot Sound - $20.11
2019: Clayoquot Sound - $19.63
2015/16: 15
2016/17: 650
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Regional District of Nanaimo is located centrally on the east side of Vancouver Island.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 1.7% (2,558)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 2.2% (3,438)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.8% (2,891)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.5% (2,459)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.6% (2,667)
2019 to 2029: ⬆ 1.2% (2,010)
January to June 2016: $166,443
January to June 2017: $207,268
January to June 2018: $213,831
January to June 2019: $404,814
January to June 2020: Increased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 648
2013-2015 ( annual average): 693
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 752
2014: 722
2015: 747
2016: 788
2017: 800
2018: 785
2019: 817
2020: 823
As at June 22, 2016: 133 Shellfish
As at June 21, 2017: 138 Shellfish
As at June, 2018: 138 Shellfish
As at June 2019: 138 Shellfish
As at June 2020: 139 Shellfish
As at June 2021: 137 Shellfish
June 2015: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 4.1% ($369,800)
June 2016: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 16.1% ($433,400)
June 2017: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 15% ($497,600)
June 2018: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 16% ($575,800)
June 2019: Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 3% ($589,500)
August 2020 Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 3% ($608,300)
June 2021 Qualicum/Parksville - ⬆ 30% ($824,000)
June 2015 Nanaimo - ⬆ 3.5% ($350,200)
June 2016 Nanaimo - ⬆ 14.8% ($402,100)
June 2017 Nanaimo - ⬆ 19% ($479,300)
June 2018 Nanaimo - ⬆ 11% ($534,300)
June 2019 Nanaimo - ⬆ 3% ($559,300)
August 2020 Nanaimo - ⬆ 3% ($575,100)
June 2021 Nanaimo - ⬆ 30% ($728,200)
2015: Qualicum/Parksville - $17.30
2017: Qualicum/Parksville - $16.44
2018: Qualicum/Parksville - $17.02
2018: Qualicum/Parksville - $15.81
2015: Nanaimo - $ 17.99
2017: Nanaimo - $ 17.55
2014: 2,060
2015: 2,020
2016: 1,550
2017: 1,625
2018: 1,955
2019: 1,800
2020: 1,160
2015/16: 496
2016/17: 548
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) is located n the southern part of Vancouver Island, close to Victoria the largest city on the island. Major industries in the CVRD are technology, food processing, film and tourism. The region offers an attractive lifestyle for residents with a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities and a vibrant food industry with a number of local craft food and beverage producers.
CVRD does have an economic development strategic plan that is due for an update and the electoral districts in the region are now working to harmonize their own economic development plans. The existing industry clusters in the region are based around wood processing and the wine industry. While the wood processing industry has stagnated in recent years the wine industry continues to develop along with other artisanal food and beverage producers.
The region is well served with road and marine infrastructure with the Island highway providing good road transport to other areas of Vancouver Island. There are several private ports in the region at Ladysmith, Chemainus and Crofton and number of other smaller marine interfaces at log sorts and marinas.
Future growth in the region is expected to come from expansion of existing industries. A partnership between the CVRD and the Malahat First Nation is undertaking a feasibility study to build a film studio to add local production facility to the region. The region is looking to attract technology companies, particularly those that support other local activity and will help grow the circular portion of the local economy. The region is also looking at the potential to develop opportunities in cannabis.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 0.7% (552)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 1.1% (881)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.5% (1,225)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.7% (1,514)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.2% (1,038)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 0.6% (574)
January to June 2016: $60,394
January to June 2017: $84,414
January to June 2018: $78,866
January to June 2019: $91,688
January to June 2020: Decreased - Complete data unavailable at reporting time
January to June 2021: Unknown
2012-2014 ( annual average): 260
2013-2015 ( annual average): 256
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 270
2014: 283
2015: 251
2016: 275
2017: 317
2018: 320
2019: 326
2020: 330
As at June 22, 2016: 46 Shellfish
As at June 21, 2017: 49 Shellfish
As at June, 2018: 49 Shellfish
As at June, 2019: 53 Shellfish
As at June, 2020: 55 Shellfish
As at June, 2021: 55 Shellfish
June 2015: Duncan - ⬆ 6.4% ($298,300)
June 2016: Duncan - ⬆ 9.1% ($325,400)
June 2017: Duncan - ⬆ 18% ($403,400)
June 2018: Duncan - ⬆ 12% ($450,500)
June 2019: Duncan - ⬆ 2% ($471,400)
August 2020: Duncan - ⬆ 1% ($480,200)
June 2021: Duncan - ⬆ 28% ($693,200)
2015: Cowichan Valley - $18.81
2016: Cowichan Valley - $18.81
2017: Cowichan Valley - $19.05
2015/16: 258
2016/17: 45
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
Regional District (January 2022)
The Capital Regional District (CRD) is the southern most regional on Vancouver Island and home to the provincial capital. The region is also home to Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt where the Pacific Naval Fleet is based. The base also hos a dockyard that supports shipbuilding and repair in the region.
The regional economy is based on government and supporting services. Healthcare is also an important driver in the economy as there are two hospitals and a medical school in the region. The tech sector is an important and growing part of the regional economy.
The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) was created in 2017 as partnership between eleven municipalities, nine First Nations and a number of non-profits and private companies. SIPP is an alliance of a number of regional stakeholders mandated to provide economic development services. SIPP operates within the Victoria census metropolitan area and focusses on an ecosystem perspective as it does not have any land.
The region is well served for power, water and connectivity infrastructure. There is good transportation infrastructure with the Island Highway providing road access to the rest of the island, ferry service to Vancouver, a float plane terminal downtown and an international airport. Natural topography and the Agricultural Land Reserve create constraint to land development and availability and there is pressure on the availability of commercial and industrial zoned land.
The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technology (COAST) is an initiative being started by SIPP to develop a cluster around marine technologies and tied to Ocean Network Canada. The film commission is responsible for attracting film and TV shoots in the region and SIPP is developing a cluster of production and post-production technology businesses around that.
Socio-Economic Data
The Province of British Columbia maintains a website for all communities in British Columbia that provides detailed socio-economic data, the Community Insights Explorer.
2014 to 2015: ⬆ 1.0% (3,886)
2015 to 2016: ⬆ 1.3% (4,815)
2016 to 2017: ⬆ 1.2% (4,833)
2017 to 2018: ⬆ 1.3% (5,173)
2018 to 2019: ⬆ 1.5% (6,291)
2019 to 2020: ⬆ 1.3% (5,651)
January to June 2016: $477,897
January to June 2017: $648,586
January to June 2018: $900,077
January to June 2019: $562,795
January to June 2020: $585,973
January to June 2021: The value of building permits in the Victoria CMA increased by 59% in the first six months of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020.
2012-2014 ( annual average): 1,949
2013-2015 ( annual average): 1,973
2014-2016 ( VI+ coast annual average): 2,145
2014: 1,987
2015: 1,988
2016: 2,459
2017: 2,555
2018: 2,486
2019: 2,463
2020: 2,517
As at June 22, 2016: 10 Shellfish
As at June 21, 2017: 10 Shellfish
As at June, 2018: 10 Shellfish
As at June, 2019: 11 Shellfish
As at June, 2020: 11 Shellfish
As at June 2021: 11 Shellfish
June 2015: Victoria - ⬆ 4.6% ($508,900)
June 2016: Victoria - ⬆ 16.8% ($593,700)
June 2017: Victoria - ⬆ 16% ($691,100)
June 2018: Victoria - ⬆ 8% ($745,100)
June 2019: Victoria - ↓ 1% ($754,200)
August 2020: Victoria - ⬆ 6% ($795,500)
June 2021: Victoria - ⬆ 22% ($973,00)
2014: Victoria - $18.93
2015: Victoria - $18.93
2017: Victoria - $20.01
2018: Victoria - $20.50
2019: Victoria - $19.39
2014: 5,261
2015: 5,890
2016: 5,914
2017: 6,134
2018: 6,137
2019: 6,611
2020: 5,808
2015/16: 2,175
2016/17: 2,375
2017-2020: Data not available for this region
