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Only a half hour flight north of Vancouver, Powell River has become a hotspot for businesses, families and retirees relocating from urban centres from across North America and the World. Located approximately 135 kilometres north of Vancouver, the community offers a wonderful mixture of urban and rural amenities that contribute to a 'Superior Quality of Life'.

A recent Real Estate Trends study shows that Powell River is becoming a popular choice because of its...

• Low cost of living
• Low cost of doing business and positive regulatory environment
• Affordable and desirable properties
• Excellent infrastructure (Health Services/ Recreation Facilities/ Schools)
• Natural Beauty
• Vibrant Arts and Culture sector (Named a Cultural Capital of Canada in 2004)
• Safety (Low Crime Rate)

Add to that...solid transportation links, a skilled resident workforce, post secondary training and strong telecommunications infrastructure, and you have a winning combination for any business and its employees.

Urban/Rural Mix

The Powell River region is an interesting mix of urban and rural. A majority of the population resides within the Municipality of Powell River. Outside of the Municipality are the small communities of Lund, Saltery Bay, and Sliammon. The region also includes the residents of Texada and Savary Islands.

Although the beautiful natural setting is the region's most startling feature, it does offer modern amenities like a new full service hospital; post secondary education (Malaspina University/College); a wide range of retail stores and services; and above par recreational complex; an airport that offers mulitple flights and destinations; and a solid telecommunications infrastructure, including High Speed Internet service.

The region's major employer is Catalyst Paper, which operates a paper manufacturing facility within the municipality that produces over 450,000 tonnes of newsprint and lightweight papers per year. It currently employs approximately 500 people.

Although the region is diversifying its economy, forestry is still the largest contributing sector with logging, sawmilling and value added wood manfacturing. This industry helps to contribute to a large skilled workforce trained in a wide variety of of disciplines.

Other industries which contribute to the size of the resident skilled workforce include construction, mining, material transportation, and commercial fishing.

Transportation

The Powell River region is serviced by a number of solid transportation links.

Flying out of Powell River you can reach Vancouver International Airport in 25 minutes. Short flights are also available to Abbotsford and Comox on Vancouver Island. All of these terminals give travellers access to destinations anywhere in North America and the World.

Local business owner Dave Formosa, who has a number of holdings in and outside of the community, is a big fan of Powell River's air services, "I rarely have any problems travelling outside of the region. In fact, I've had instances where I've been able to fly out of in the morning, grab a connection to Chicago for a business meeting, and then be back to Powell River that evening."

Since 1912, Catalyst Paper's Powell River Mill has been producing newsprint and high quality lightweight papers for customers all over the world. The operation is probably the best example of how well the region's marine barge system works. The thrid largest groundwood paper manufacturer in North America, Catalyst is able to deliver approximately 459,000 tonnes of paper a year to destinations in North America, Latin America and Asia. Serviced by two large barge transportation companies (Seaspan and Long Transportation), a multitude of other products are shipped in and out of the region daily on a very cost efficient basis. Whether it's containers, rail cars or transport trailers, a very competitive (almost unbeatable) rate can be secured.

It is also important to note that freighter traffic service is available at Texada Quarries facility on Texada Island. The company has a modern freighter loading equipment that handles limestone and granite as well as coal that is barged in from a mine in Campbell River on Vancouver Island. It is the last freighter port north of Delta before having to travel all the way to Prince Rupert.

Real Estate Market

The Powell River Real Estate Market slowed down in 2006 compared to very hot years in 2004 and 2005. The market continued to tighten up as inventories dropped, thereby pushing sales values up by another 20% (35% increase in 2005). About 60% of all sales in 2004, 2005 and 2006 were attributed to buyers from outside on the Powell River region.

Construction Activity

Construction activity in the Powell River region is another indicator that the local economy is strengthening significantly. Although 2006 saw a slight decrease in building activity from 2005 (26.4 million to 18.5 million), there was an increase in the amount of commercial structures being built within the city as values rose from $2.5 million to $4.4 million.

Population Growth

The population in the Powell River region has been growing with provincial estimates at 1.38% in 2006, which is above the provincial average of 1.24%. The City of Powell River grew the most over the past year with the addition of 205 new residents. That translates into a growth rate of 1.48%. (It is important to note that the Financial Post's data on the community is erroneous and grossly out of date when compared to federal, provincial and local stats)

Average Monthly Selling Price