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Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1498118
INVEST in BC 2 0 2 3 29 Official Publication of the BC Economic Development Association. In special partnership with BCBusiness. GO WEST: Langford (top left) is a hot spot for growth in Greater Victoria. A new post-secondary campus and industrial space is coming to the community; Powell River has seen a boom in new construction (top right) Economic Development Association and Synergy Foundation. On the Island's west coast, Port Alberni has taken control of its future with the purchase of a prime, 43-acre sawmill site, the Somass Lands, and has invited expressions of interest from developers. The community became the headquarters of the Coastal Restoration Society in 2022. The non-for-profit dedicated to marine habitat cleanup, invasive species mitigation and research expects to ramp up to 200 employees over the next couple of years. Growing businesses in the Alberni Valley include Coulson Aviation, which specializes in coastal firefighting operations and employs 130 people locally, and the Dock + Food Hub on the waterfront, which includes a commercial kitchen. Canadian Maritime Engineering (90 employees) has plans to build a 300-metre floating drydock in the harbour. The City-owned heritage train station is being seismically upgraded and will become home to a 6,700-square-foot taphouse and restaurant in late 2023. The city is a hub for a growing list of First Nations-owned businesses too. Having just concluded a $21-million Specific Claims action with the Government of Canada dating back to 1913, the Tseshaht First Nation intends to invest the funds in environmental, economic and social initiatives. Opposite Vancouver Island on the ferry- accessed Sunshine Coast, Powell River continues to attract migrants drawn by its relative affordability and coastal lifestyle. The city has seen over $170 million in construction since 2018. Both the city and Tla'amin Nation are working to foster the construction of more housing to meet demand as well as open up land for business development. • Find yourself at the base of a waterfall in the morning, and the peak of a mountain in the afternoon. Bask in the serenity of a quiet lake, breathe in the calm of the forest, or feel your heartbeat race as you explore exhilarating trails. Places Unknown Places Unknown STEP INTO Langford.ca/PlacesUnknown WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE FIRST? WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE FIRST? WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE FIRST? WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE FIRST? Langford is Knocking 25950-Langford-Invest-in-BC-BC-Business-PQ.indd 1 2023-04-11 2:09 PM