land area of , it had a population density of in 2021. Religion According to the 2021 census, religious groups in Hope included: Irreligion (3,375 persons or 53.3%) Christianity (2,645 persons or 41.8%) Hinduism (65 persons or 1.0%) Sikhism (45 persons or 0.7%) Buddhism (20 persons or 0.3%) Judaism (20 persons or 0.3%) Islam (15 persons or 0.2%) Indigenous Spirituality (15 persons or 0.2%) Economy Hope's labour force works in a variety of industries. Almost 50 percent of the labour force is involved in four main industries: accommodation and food services (17.1 percent), health care and social assistance (12.8 percent), retail trade (10.3 percent), and transportation and warehousing (8 percent) (2006 data). One of the town's largest employers is Nestlé Waters. Nestlé, the world's biggest bottler of water, packages more than 300 million litres of water from Hope aquifers annually. Nestlé pays C$675 to the provincial government for this quantity of water (C$2.25 per million litres). The Nestlé bottling plant employs approximately 75 people. Economic planning Hope's economic development planning is rooted in the community's strategic location, telecommunications infrastructure (high-speed internet), and strong support for new development and redevelopment. The 2014 Economic Profile identifies several sectors as significant areas of opportunity within the local economy: Tourism: including development of tourism products attractive to the primary market coming from the west. Virtual commuters: professionals able to serve their clientele from off-site locations, such as consultants, photographers, graphic designers, and software developers. Natural resources: sustainable and responsible development of natural resource industries. Lifestyle manufacturing or services: such as coffee roasters, sustainable agriculture, micro-brewery, and other clean water-based industries. "Gap" retailers: independent, entrepreneurial retailers who can deliver niche services for local customers and travellers. In addition, the Revitalization Tax Exemption Bylaw, adopted by the Hope District Council in 2013, encourages property owners who develop or redevelop their properties to apply for financial incentives in the form of tax relief. Arts and culture Chainsaw wood carving Hope holds chainsaw wood carving competitions and exhibitions. From 4 to 7 September 2008 the Second Annual Hope Chainsaw Carving Competition took place. Chainsaw wood carvings are displayed and exhibited throughout the downtown core of Hope. Memorial Park in downtown Hope has a display of chainsaw wood carvings. Hope is home to carver Pete Ryan, who made a number of the chainsaw wood carvings exhibited in downtown Hope. Hope Arts Gallery The Hope Arts Gallery exhibits and sells