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Job Market Trends and News
British Columbia
Following labour market events is key to helping job seekers understand where the opportunities (short, medium and long-term) might be in a local community and elsewhere in the country.
The following table presents local and regional labour market events and announcements for the selected Province or Territory which can complement your job search and career exploration.
British Columbia by the numbers
Unemployment Rate: (Nov 2016)6.1%
Employment: (Nov 2016)2,391,100
Average Weekly Earning: (Sep 2016)$921.43
Week of Nov 28 - Dec 02, 2016
- The Government of BC announced a $516M commitment to create 2,900 new units of affordable rental housing across the province. The investment, which includes 68 projects, is expected to create 5,500 jobs.
- West Kelowna applied for funding to build a new $53.5M multi-barrier water treatment plant. The request came following a recent three-month long water quality advisory affecting the Rose Valley Reservoir.
- Greyback Construction was selected as the major contractor for the new Patient Care Tower and parkade at the Penticton Regional Hospital. The company expects that the project will require about 60 full-time workers over the next two years.
- Port Alberni Shelter Society is opening a new sobering and assessment centre at Phoenix House. Island Health also plans to open 93 sobering and assessment beds by March 2017.
- Willows Coastal Preschool recently opened its doors in Oak Bay
- Construction of Mount Begbie Brewing's new facility in Revelstoke is nearing completion. The brewery is hiring additional staff to help run the new tasting room.
- A new three-storey, 18-unit apartment building was recently proposed in Armstrong
- YMCA of Northern BC is opening a new child care facility in Fort St. James in February 2017
- Okanagan Studios recently opened a full-service film studio in Okanagan. The studio includes multiple sound stages in a 50,000sq.-ft. building located near Vernon.
- Helijet International is expanding its service to include weekend flights between Nanaimo and Vancouver, starting December 24
- Victoria International Airport is completing about $30M in upgrades this year. The airport expects to see its total passenger count increase by eight percent this year, compared to the previous year.
- Camosun College is launching Adventure Education, a new professional development program, in summer 2017. The 13-month post-degree diploma program includes a mix of online courses and field work.
- Rossland city council has amended its zoning bylaw to include a classification for craft breweries. The new classification is expected to make it easier for new breweries to open and expand.
- Okanagan College broke ground on its new $1.2M daycare facility at its Penticton campus. The daycare is expected to be completed in mid-2017.
- U-Haul Moving & Storage is opening an indoor storage facility at an old Zellers building in Kelowna. The facility will include more than 1,000 self-storage units when renovations are complete in 2017.
- Kelowna city council approved a new master plan for Kelowna Airport. The master plan could see as much as $259M in improvements to the airport over the next 29 years.
- Revelstoke council approved a Master Development Agreement for Mackenzie Village, a medium-density development on a 35-acre property. Construction of the project is expected to begin in spring.
- TransLink has approved the first phase of a 10-year transit plan, worth $2B, that will see improvements in Vancouver's transit services. The 10-year plan will increase bus service by 10%, HandyDART service by 15%, and rail service by 20%.
- BC Early Years Centre opened its doors at Pentictons Queen's Park Elementary on November 19
- The Government of Canada announced a $1.5B ocean protection plan. The funding will increase coast guard capacity and add new rescue stations.
- Okanagan College is moving ahead with the construction of a new $6.21M trades training facility at its Vernon campus. The trades training centre is expected to be completed in 2018, and will add about 150 new seats at the campus.
Week of Nov 21 - Nov 25, 2016
- The Government of BC is relaxing its liquor laws starting January 23, 2017. The province will offer licence to any business interested in selling liquor, with the exception of those which operate from a motor vehicle and those that target minors.
- Twelve members of the Little Shuswap Lake Indian Band will receive 12 weeks of full-time, group-based horticulture training. The training addresses a labour market demand in Thompson-Nichola region's horticulture industry.
- Tri-Eagle Development Corp. is building a six-story, 60-unit condominium in Royal Oak. Construction of the project is expected to begin early in 2017 and will be completed in approximately two years.
- North Vancouver Island Aboriginal Training Society opened a new location in Port Hardy
- Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society is planning to begin construction on a new affordable housing project in Kelowna, thanks to $8.2M in funding from the provincial government. Construction of the 42-unit project will likely begin next fall.
- South Skaha Housing Society is building 35 units of rental housing in Okanagan Falls, thanks to a $4.7M contribution from the Government of BC. Construction is expected to begin next summer.
- Urban Core Ventures has amended the project design of its proposed mixed-use building in Victoria. The proposed five-storey development includes 53 homes, 17 of which will be rental units.
- The City of Merritt is installing a new $2.28M ultraviolet water filtration system at its wells near Voght Park. Work on the filtration system is expected to be completed by February 2017.
- Vail Resorts is laying off 60 employees from its Whistler Blackcomb ski resort on May 1. The layoffs primarily affect workers in IT, marketing and finance departments.
- Island Health has proposed three supervised consumption sites for injection drug users in Victoria. The sites would be staffed by personnel with medical training between 9am and 3am, seven days a week.
- TransLink recently issued a request for proposal to design its third SeaBus. The company expects the new SeaBus to be completed by fall 2018.
- Trail Beer Refinery is opening a new craft brewery next year in Trail
- BC Teachers' Federation estimates that the BC government will be hiring hundreds of new teachers as a result of a recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada. The decision will result in lower class sizes, restoring them to pre-2002 levels.
- Ruth and Naomi's Mission is building a new six-storey Family Centre in Chilliwack, thanks to $6M in funding from the provincial government. The project will feature 35 units for low-income families.
- Mamele'awt Qweesome Housing Society expects to begin construction on Urban Village, an 80-unit affordable housing project in Chilliwack, in the summer of 2017
- Natural gas producers drilled 267 new wells in northeast BC at the end of October 2016, down 40% from the same period last year
- Yuk Yuk's comedy club recently closed its doors in Victoria
- Enbridge closed its Northern Gateway Pipelines office in Prince George, as it looks for a smaller location in the city. The company reports that there have been no job losses and employees will continue to work from home until a smaller space is found.
- Sooke Oceanside Brewery, a new craft brewery, recently opened its doors in Sooke
- GE Digital has acquired Bit Stew Systems, a Burnaby-based software developer. The company, which currently has about 100 employees, is expected to grow as a result of the $207.5M deal.
Week of Nov 14 - Nov 18, 2016
- Shaw Communications Inc. is laying off 200 employees across the country, including 67 in Vancouver and 33 elsewhere in BC. The affected employees include installers and service technicians.
- WSP Global, a Montreal-based engineering consulting firm, laid off approximately 250 employees across Canada during the third quarter of 2016. About half of the affected employees were located in Western Canada.
- The Government of Canada is granting $350M to help Canadian milk producers and cheese-makers upgrade and modernize their operations. The five-year fund will help Canadian producers deal with increased competition from European cheese-makers.
- BC Lottery Corporation plans to relocate Surreyżs Newton Community Gaming Centre to the Corporation of Delta. The potential gambling facility would be expanded to include more gambling and entertainment options.
- BC Housing submitted a rezoning application for the Nigel Valley Project in Saanich. The $100M project will combine five existing social service and housing providers into 14 new buildings.
- Petro-Canada and Tim Hortons are expected to open in Sooke by March. Construction of the 3,600 sq.-ft. location began in October.
- The federal and provincial governments announced a combined $90M towards a new $126M building at the Simon Fraser University. The five-storey building will house Western Canadażs first energy systems and environmental engineering program.
- The Royal Canadian Legion expects construction of Surreyżs Veterans Village to begin next September. The project will include a centre of excellence, where veterans will be treated for mental health-related concerns.
- Vancouver Island Construction Association is hoping to recruit unemployed youth through its Youth Constructing a Future program. The six-week program includes basic training and certifications, as well as visits to work sites.
- The provincial government and Interior Health are moving forward with an expansion of the Nicola Valley Hospitalżs emergency room. The $5.6M expansion is expected to take approximately two years to complete.
- In an effort to increase vacancy rates in the city, Vancouver proposed a one percent tax on the value of empty homes. A recent study found that at least 10,800 Vancouver homes have been empty for a year or more.
- Veterans Affairs Canada recently reopened its office in Kelowna. The office employs approximately nine staff.
- The Pantry, a Maple Ridge restaurant, recently closed its doors. The restaurant cited shortage of staff as the main reason behind the closure.
- Fairway Market is planning to shutter operations in Port Alberni at the end of January. About 40 employees will be laid off due to the closure.
- The GoodLife Fitness Family Autism Hub held its opening ceremony on November 9 in Richmond. The Pacific Autism Family Network plans to open eight mini-hubs in BC over the next two years.
- AdvantageHOPE found that the labour market in Hope shifts between the summer and winter, with businesses decreasing the number of employees during the winter months
- Sterling Springs Chicken, a poultry farm in Falkland, expanded its facility to include a sausage kitchen
- Bus drivers represented by the Kelowna Regional Transit Union went on a strike on November 10. The union represents 217 members.
Week of Nov 07 - Nov 11, 2016
- Vicarro Ranch, a large residential development, was recently proposed in east Abbotsford. The 383 acre project will include five development areas with a combined potential for 1,400 residential units.
- The Government of BC is granting $7.44M towards Okanagan College's $35M trades training complex. The new facility will have 2,667 training seats for electricians, welders, cooks, heavy mechanics and carpenters.
- The Chilliwack city council is planning to hire 10 new RCMP officers to deal with property crime, as well as two RCMP information officers
- Rolex is opening its first standalone boutique in Vancouver
- Woodfibre LNG is proceeding with its proposed $1.6B natural gas liquefaction plant in Squamish. The project is expected to create 650 construction jobs and 100 operating jobs once the project is complete.
- Terrace landfill closed its doors on October 31
- A new material Transfer Station opened in Thornhill on November 1. Materials that can be deposited at the station include garbage, metal, yard and garden waste, clean wood and demolition material.
- The Government of BC is opening a new Trade and Investment Office in Malaysia by early next year. The new facility will be third such office in Southeast Asia and the 14th BC investment office worldwide.
- Penticton city council has approved rezoning for a $9M affordable rental development. The project will consist of two six-storey apartment towers with 119 suites.
- Canada Jetlines, a Richmond-based discount airline, expects to be operational by next summer. The company plans to lease at least six passenger aircrafts, which could create up to 850 direct jobs and generate more than $850M in economic benefits.
- DP World is hiring 250 workers at its Fairview Container Terminal, following the completion of its Phase 2 North expansion project. The project is expected to be completed by July 2017 and will bring the total workforce up to 750.
- The Rise, a golf course in Vernon, is expanding its operations by adding a new practice facility and clubhouse. The practice facility is expected to open its doors in 2017.
- The provincial government is soliciting proposals to create a province-wide earthquake monitoring and early-warning system. Scientists predict that there is a 30% chance of a damaging earthquake hitting southwestern BC in the next 50 years.
- Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership recently unveiled the design for Vancouver's The Post towers. The project, located on top of Vancouver's old Post Office, will include a 17-storey office tower and two residential towers of 18 and 20 storeys.
- The District of Lake Country applied for two grants under the federal and provincial governments' Clean Water and Wastewater Fund. If approved, a septic expansion project would see sanitary sewer service extended to 700 homes.
- Quality Greens Farm Markets recently opened a new location in Kelowna
- Thompson Rivers University is planning to construct a new building to house its school of nursing. The university estimates that construction of the building would cost $32M, and will result in economic spinoffs worth $47M as well as about 305 new jobs.
- Threshold House, a transitional housing for youth, recently opened its doors in Oak Bay
- The Landing Galley, an art gallery in Gibsons,is closing its doors on November 30
- Carl's Jr. closed its locations in Kamloops, Vernon and Penticton
News Archive
Want to find out more about local or provincial labour market history? The labour market news archive may be a good place to start.
In this section, you can browse archived news titles, whose links are no longer functional, for up to one year from the current date. The archived news can help you understand the labour market trends in geographic areas and industries that are of interest to you.
Week of Oct 31 - Nov 04, 2016
- The federal and provincial governments are granting $24M in combined funding to replace the Nass River Bridge, located near Stewart
- The Government of BC announced a $24.5M seismic-safety replacement for Vancouver's Lord Tennyson elementary school. Construction of the project will begin in 2018 and should be completed by 2020.
- Sunshine Coast Fixed Link Study will begin examining the feasibility of establishing a route across Howe Sound for cars and trucks
- Construction recently began on the $7.8M High Performance Training Centre at Langford's Canadian Rugby Centre of Excellence. About 150 workers will be employed during the construction phase of the project.
- The Government of BC is contributing $45M towards the construction of more than 500 new units of affordable rental housing in the capital region
- The Government of BC is granting $565,000 to the Okanagan College for new trades-training equipment. The new equipment will support training in several trades including refrigeration and air conditioning.
- Port Hardy recently approved the construction of a proposed $12M multiplex
- Vancouver Island Economic Alliance recently held its 10th annual Vancouver Island Economic Summit. The summit allows business and community leaders to learn about new initiatives and explore opportunities in the region.
- The Saanich municipal council recently approved an 11-storey rental building in the region
- Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Times is consolidating with Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News to increase efficiencies. Staff affected by the merger will be provided with opportunities within the Black Press Group Ltd.
- Westwind Design Group was recently awarded a $433,000 contract for final design, construction, and installation of three galleries in Trail's Riverfront Centre
- North West Regional Hospital District recently signed a health care agreement with Nisga's Nation of the Nass Valley to provide financial assistance for the construction of medical facilities or purchase of medical equipment
- The Government of BC is constructing a $37M overpass on highway 16 between Terrace and Prince Rupert. Construction is expected to start next spring and will be completed in approximately two years.
- Construction of Delta Rise, a 37-storey residential and office condo tower, is expected to be completed by March 2017. The building includes 317 residential condos, a four-storey office space and ground-level retail spaces.
- Abbotsford school district plans to build a new elementary school in Eagle Mountain before 2020 to accommodate a projected increase in enrolment in the coming years
- Man-Mac Automotive, a Kamloops transmission repair shop, closed its doors on September 30
- BC Building Trades recently launched its first promotional campaign. The campaign aims to boost enrolment in skilled trades in the province.
- The City of Vancouver is testing modular construction with a 40-home temporary social housing project. If the pilot is successful, the city may fast-track permits for standardized, modular laneway houses.
- Seaspan expects that the employee count at its Vancouver Shipyard will more than double, up to 1,000 people, at the height of its 17-vessel federal contract. The contract is expected to sustain the shipyard for 15 years.
Week of Oct 24 - Oct 28, 2016
- United Front Games, a video game developer, closed its doors in Vancouver on October 17. The closure affects 150 employees.
- Vancouver-based Lululemon Athletica is considering moving its headquarters out of Vancouver due to a lack of skilled and specialized workers
- AltaGas Ltd. is building a propane extraction plant near Fort St. John. Site preparation for the $125M plant will begin in 2017, with commercial production expected to begin in the second quarter of 2018.
- According to Yellow Sheet Construction Data Ltd., the capital region has 2,573 rental apartments, either planned or under construction, as well as 2,762 condos either proposed or being built
- In a recent poll of local businesses, the City of Penticton found that employers are struggling to find skilled workers in the fields of engineering, healthcare, trades, project management, transportation, manufacturing and hospitality
- TELUS is constructing two new wireless communication facilities in Williams Lake
- In the first 10 months of 2016, 401 new businesses were registered in Saanich. Of the new businesses, 254 are based in the city.
- North Island College has received $187,000 from the provincial government to add new trades equipment. The new equipment will benefit the welding, joinery and automotive programs.
- Island Health will open 38 new beds to treat substance use by early 2017, bringing the total number of beds to 93. The new beds are part of a provincial strategy to open 500 substance use beds by 2017.
- Postmedia Network Canada Corp., owner of the National Post and the Vancouver Sun, is aiming to reduce its staffing costs by 20% in the fourth quarter of 2016. In an effort to avoid layoffs, staff have until November 8 to apply for buyouts.
- Hope Drive-In and Restaurant is closing its doors on November 5
- Honour House Society is launching Honour Ranch, a mental health treatment facility, in Kamloops. Programs at the ranch are expected to begin in March 2017.
- Air Canada recently launched a new direct route between Vancouver and Delhi. The BC-India Business Network expects that the new flight will provide a boost to provincial trade with South Asia.
- BC Hydro recently opened the Two Rivers Lodge, a camp for construction worker on its Site C project, near Fort St. John
- Gateway Casinos and Entertainment is adding two new restaurants to its Cascades Casino in Langley City. Construction of the 23,000 sq.-ft. expansion project is expected to begin in 2017.
- Bosa Developments is planning to build a 53-storey skyscraper on the New Westminster waterfront. The proposal also includes a 43-storey highrise and a two-storey commercial building.
- Lafarge Canada Inc. is closing its plant in east Kamloops by the end of this year. The closure will affect up to 36 workers.
- Prince George city council approved Pittman Asphalt's proposal to excavate an additional 8.15 hectares. The expansion is expected to add another eight or nine years to the gravel extraction project.
- Capitol 6 Cinemas is reopening its doors in Victoria on November 4. The movie theatre closed in 2013 and has been undergoing renovations since June.
Week of Oct 17 - Oct 21, 2016
- The federal government is granting $3M to the proposed North Vancouver Museum and Archives project. The project will be presented to the city council in November and, if approved, is expected to open in 2019.
- Nomad Cider is opening a new production facility in Summerland
- Leon's Home Furnishing opened a new location in Saanich, the company's first location in BC. The new store will employ 45 people.
- Polygon Fulton House is constructing a 41-storey residential building in Burnaby. The project will include 296 apartment homes as well as seven townhouses.
- Rossland joined the West Kootenay Inter-Community Business License program. The program allows businesses to operate across participating communities by paying one additional business license fee.
- A new shopping centre, Central at Garden City, opened in Richmond on October 27. The 372,000 sq.-ft. outdoor mall created an estimated 975 jobs in the region.
- The Government of BC is closing the barracks at Salmon Arm's rapid attack fire base in January 2018
- Langley's Willowbrook Shopping Centre is undergoing a 140,000 sq.-ft. expansion. The development is expected to be completed by the end of February 2017.
- Northern Lights College received $1.9M through the Industry Training Authority. The funding will be used in creating about 640 trades training seats at the Dawson Creek campus.
- Suncor Energy donated a former gas station site to the Urban Native Youth Association for its proposed youth centre complex in Vancouver. The $90M project will include a native youth centre and more than 200 units of housing.
- Oak Bay council approved a new $21.5M program to separate storm and sanitary sewers in Uplands
- Trump International Hotel is delaying its opening until January 2017 due to construction delays. Construction of the hotel is expected to be completed in late November.
- A recent study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives found several BC cities provide the best economic opportunities for women in the country. The list includes Victoria, Vancouver, Abbotsford-Mission and Kelowna.
- The City of Salmon Arm issued more residential construction permits in September 2016 than in any other September since 1999. Between the new subdivisions of Canoe and Hillcrest, over 100 new lots have been created.
- Rossland Dispensary, a licensed marijuana dispensary, recently opened its doors in the city
- Conuma Coal Resources reopened its recently purchased Brule Mine near Tumbler Ridge. The company plans to hire up to 170 workers to run the mine.
- Several new businesses recently opened in Maple Ridge, including Beyond Nutrition, Avo Real Food, PharmaChoice Maple Ridge and Extra Foods Pharma
- EK Cell Repair opened its second location in Kelowna
- TWG Tea, a Singaporean-based tea company, is opening its first North American location in Vancouver this winter
- Hidden Treasure Thrift Store opened its second location in Burnaby
- Provence Mediterranean Grill, a Vancouver restaurant, is closing its doors at the end of November
Week of Oct 10 - Oct 14, 2016
- Victoria's Tally-Ho Hotel recently closed its doors. The hotel employed 10 to 14 people during the low season, and up to 20 in the high season. However, the Tally-Ho Sports Bar & Grill and Hideaway Café will remain open.
- Vancouver English Centre, a language school, recently closed its doors in downtown Vancouver. The closure resulted in 45 teachers and more than a dozen additional staff members being laid-off.
- University of Victoria received $8.7M in funding from the provincial government for six new research projects, including a new research facility at Vancouver-based TRIUMF
- Construction is underway at Shinish Creek and Pennask wind power projects. The two Okanagan wind farms have generated about $7.5M in the local economy and created approximately 60 construction jobs. Both wind farms are expected to be completed in early 2017.
- EK Employment is hosting job fairs in Cranbrook and Elk Valley on October 27 and 28. Free preparation courses are being offered in Kimberley and Cranbrook prior to the job fairs.
- Columbia Shuswap Regional District is creating an economic development strategic plan. The plan will provide a guideline for economic activities and programs in the region.
- According to Physiotherapists Association of BC, there is a critical shortage of physiotherapists in northern BC. Nine northern towns in the province lack publicly-funded physiotherapy and three have unfilled positions.
- BC-based Sutco Transportion recently signed a transportation contract with Vaagen Brothers Lumber. Sutco is hiring local drivers in the Grand Forks area.
- Diamond Head Development is constructing Skyridge, a 20-acre residential development, in Squamish. Construction is scheduled to begin in November and the final phase of the project will be completed by early 2019.
- Kelowna city council approved The Shore, a six-storey mixed-use development. The project will include 89 residential suites, medical offices, and ground-floor commercial space.
- The Government of BC is investing $10.5M to enhance tourism infrastructure and amenities at 14 resort communities across the province
- Burns Lake Thrift Shop is expanding its operations. Big Dog Construction, a local company, has been hired to complete the $250,000 renovation.
- Two new walk-in clinics will open in Kamloops by January 2017. The new clinics will bring five to seven doctors to the city.
- New Westminster-based Big Star Sandwich recently opened a new location in Burnaby
- Browns Social House recently opened a new location in North Vancouver
- Osoyoos' Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre is being renovated and expanded. The $5M project will begin in 2017 and is expected to be completed in 2018.
- Tobiano Golf Course is pre-selling units at its proposed condo-hotel. The Kamloops golf course will begin construction on its 17-unit condo-hotel when pre-sales reach a sufficient number.
- The renovated Holt Renfrew store recently opened its doors in Vancouver. The expanded store includes a 1,750sq.-ft dining space as well as expanded shop-in-shop boutiques.
- According to Victoria Foundation's 2016 Vital Signs report, the city does not have sufficient low and moderate income housing options. The average sale price for a single-family home in Victoria rose from $557,250 in 2015 to $665,000 in 2016.
- Achillion, a Greek restaurant in Prince George is closing its doors at the end of October. The closure will affect 13 to 14 full- and part-time employees.
- Gelnmore Lodge, a 118-bed care home, is under construction in Kelowna. The facility is expected to be completed in February 2017.
- The Dream Café closed its doors in Penticton on October 1
Week of Oct 03 - Oct 07, 2016
- Teck Resources expects to run out of coal at its Coal Mountain operations near Sparwood at the end of 2017. Over 200 employees may be laid off when the mine closes.
- The Government of Canada is funding 96 skills training, work experience and green job projects across the country that will benefit over 3,400 youth, people with disabilities and newcomers. Five projects totalling nearly $2M have been approved in BC.
- According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, apartment and condo starts in Kelowna are at the highest levels since 1990. Moreover, the city's vacancy rate for rental units is 0.7%.
- Jacob Bros. Construction will complete the first phase of the new Admirals-McKenzie interchange project of the Trans-Canada Highway near Saanich. The next major construction tender for the $85M project will be released in 2017.
- Tsawwassen Mills, a 1.2M sq.-ft. shopping centre, opened in Delta on October 5. The mall will feature 200 stores and restaurants which will create approximately 3,000 full- and part-time positions.
- Island SodaWorks opened a bistro in Qualicum Beach on September 13
- Polygon Parker House ltd. is developing the final low-rise building at its Windsor Gate project. The project includes 131 apartment residences in two buildings.
- The Government of BC is investing $6.5M to convert Vancouver's Victoria Super 8 hotel into a 51-unit social housing property. PHS Community Services Society will operate the property, with residents expected to move in by mid-November 2016.
- Geoscience BC is launching a new project to sample and profile natural gas from wells in northeast BC. Over 2,000 samples will be analyzed over the next three years, allowing gas producers to target higher-value gas streams.
- Casino Mining Corp. and Selwyn Chihong Mining Ltd. are planning to build a liquefied natural gas plant in Fort Nelson. The $200M plant is expected to employ 25 to 50 people during the construction phase.
- OPAL by Element, a $97.4M retirement community, recently received its final development permit from the City of Vancouver. Construction of the project will begin in fall 2016.
- TELUS is investing $14.5M to expand its fibre optic network in Lake Country
- Northern Health added two full-time psychiatric liaison nurses to Prince Rupert Regional Hospital
- AltaGas is expected to make a final investment decision on its proposed $400-500M Ridley Island propane export terminal near Prince Rupert. If the project proceeds, it will likely create up to 250-construction and 50-operations jobs.
- Colwood's Royal Roads University is planning to expand its operations. The expansion will include an update to the Mews property as well as a new 52,000 sq.-ft. science facility, expected to be completed in 2018.
- Suitela Fight Club, a martial arts and boxing gym, closed its doors in Surrey on October 1
- Hollyburn Properties is planning to redevelop its 14-storey Vancouver apartment building into a 42-storey rental apartment tower, adding more than 200 units to the project
- Downie Timber ltd. and Revelstoke Secondary School are launching a new program to allow students to begin pre-apprenticeship while in high school. The program will begin with heavy duty mechanics and may expand to other trades.
- The Government of BC is granting $5M to establish a BC Centre on Substance Abuse. In addition, the province will provide another $5M towards initiatives recommended by BC's Joint Task Force on Overdose Prevention.
- T-Bones Fresh Meal Market recently opened in Kelowna
- GoodLife Fitness is opening 15 new locations across the country, including two in Port Coquitlam and Fort St. John. Each new location is expected to create between 30 and 50 full- and part-time jobs.
- The federal government approved Pacific NorthWest LNG's proposed $11B liquefied natural gas project. The project is expected to create 4,500 jobs during construction and an additional 630 direct and indirect jobs once operational.
Week of Sep 26 - Sep 30, 2016
- Roadhouse Interactive, a Vancouver-based on-line and mobile game development studio, closed at the beginning of September resulting in 100 layoffs
- Tolko Industries will permanently close its Merritt mill on December 16. The closure will affect 203 workers.
- Joseph Richard Group is opening its third S+L Kitchen & Bar location in Surrey. The opening date of the restaurant will be announced in October 2016.
- Central Mountain Airlines is cancelling its non-stop flights between Terrace and Vancouver starting October 1, due to a decline in passengers. No job losses are expected as a result of the route cancellation.
- Chilliwack School District saw an increase in student enrollment numbers, with 196 more students registering this year than projected. As a result, the school district is hiring additional staff.
- New Gold recently halted the environmental assessment of its proposed open pit gold and silver mine, Blackwater, southwest of Vanderhoof. The pause will not affect the project's timeline, which calls for construction to begin in 2018. The mine expects to hire about 1,000 to 1,500 workers between 2018 and 2020.
- Surrey council approved the development of 131 new single-family lots in the Clayton neighbourhood. The 16-acre project will house 136 students in the neighbourhood.
- Teck Coal Limited received an environmental assessment certificate for its Baldy Ridge extension project. The project will extend the life of the open-pit coal mine until 2045, creating about 31,204 person-years of on-site employment.
- Skydance Studios opened a new 12-acre film and television production studio in Surrey on September 20. The facility includes five sound stages and can employ up to 400 people.
- The City of Langford is launching the Langtoria Greenline, a bus service from various points in Langford to downtown Victoria. The new service will begin on October 17 with one bus.
- The Department of National Defence is planning to replace two jetties at its Esquimalt base. Construction of the $72M project is expected to take 18 to 24 months and will create about 1,400 jobs over the life of the project.
- The Poké Shop, a Hawaiian-style restaurant, recently opened in Vancouver
- The Juicery Co. is planning to open a new location on Vancouver's Main Street
- The federal and provincial governments are providing $162.7M in funding to support the Salmon Arm West Project. The project will widen a section of the Trans-Canada Highway to four lanes.
- Skeena Sawmills is upgrading its milling facility near Terrace. The improvements are expected to double the mill's capacity, which will move to two full shifts. The mill currently employs about 80 workers.
- Red Apple Store opened a new location in Fort St. James on September 17
- Sandy's RV & Camping Resort, located in Burns Lake, closed its doors on September 30
- Pro Motion Clinic, a sports chiropractic and massage therapy clinic, recently opened in Kelowna
- Kamloops-based iTel Networks is planning to increase its staff level to 300 employees. The company currently employs 75 workers and is adding approximately 10 workers each month.
- The City of Vancouver plans to become a living-wage employer within the next few years. The change will primarily affect city contracts for janitorial, security and graffiti removal, where employees are paid less than the living wage of $20.64.
- Kit and Ace, a Vancouver-based clothing chain, is laying off 20% of its 280 head-office employees. The chain also plans to close approximately 25% of its 60 outlets in the next two years.
- Tiffany's Boutique Mall recently opened its doors in Penticton. The mall offers nine boutique spots on the first floor and five residential units on the second floor.
- Realstar Group plans to convert View Royal's James Bay hotel into rental apartments. The development will replace the existing 161-unit hotel with 520 rental apartment units in four to nine storey buildings.
- Thompson Rivers University is constructing a $30M Industrial Training and Technology Centre at its Kamloops campus. Construction will begin in early 2017 and create 108 direct as well as 82 indirect jobs.
- The Government of BC is granting $500M to build 2,900 rental units across the province
Week of Sep 19 - Sep 23, 2016
- Southlands Community Farm and Market Square project, a 50-acre farming development in Delta, is moving ahead. The project includes an agricultural precinct building, two large farms and several smaller farms to attract new and young farmers.
- Spectra Energy began construction on its Jackfish Lake pipeline expansion in northeast BC on August 15. At its peak, the 36km project will employ around 350 people; however for most of the project, employment will average about 50 workers.
- According to Accelerate Okanagan, the technology industry contributed $1.3B to the local economy in 2015. Moreover, there were about 633 technology businesses based in Okanagan Valley, which employed 7,600 employees.
- The Government of BC increased its minimum wage from $10.45 to $10.85 on September 15. The increase is expected to affect more than 120,000 workers across the province.
- The City of Abbotsford is constructing a $1.5M extension to Mason Street. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2017.
- McCall Funeral and Cremation Service opened a new 15,000sq.-ft. location in Saanich
- The City of Chilliwack will begin construction on the Vedder Bridge replacement shortly. The $12.5M project is expected to be complete by October 2017.
- TELUS is investing $27M in the Penticton area to upgrade 90% of homes and businesses to its fibre-optic network. The company expects the upgrades to be complete by the end of 2017.
- Canadian Tire is opening a new location in Victoria's Hillside Centre in November, which will employ about 130 staff. When the new 140,000sq.-ft. location opens, the company will be closing two other stores in the city.
- Save-On-Foods is planning on opening its seventh location in Greater Victoria's Gateway Station Shopping Centre in the spring of 2018
- Bella Terra Investments Inc. is developing Bella Terra by the Lake, 26 custom-built single-family homes, in Anmore
- Construction recently began on a new $24M super-yacht marina in Victoria Harbour. The 28-slip marina is expected to be complete in late spring 2017.
- Omicron plans to begin construction on its $35M Sidney Gateway shopping centre in early 2017. The shopping centre, located on Victoria Airport land, will take approximately two years to complete.
- Tokyo Asian Buffet/Bar recently opened in Kelowna
- Canwest Hotels Ltd. proposed a new hotel and restaurant along the Trans Canada Highway in Revelstoke
- Langley's Willowbrook Shopping Centre plans to add a 140,000sq.-ft. outdoor mall, along with interior and exterior renovations. Construction of the project could begin in late 2017.
- The Capital Regional District approved a plan to build a $765M regional tertiary sewage treatment plant at McLoughlin Point in Esquimalt. If the plant receives regulatory approval, it could be built by 2020.
- Ledcor Construction was awarded a $5.3M contract to build Riverfront Centre in Trail. Work is scheduled to begin in October and is expected to complete in September 2017.
- Hub Engineering Inc. proposed building 131 homes in the southern portion of Surrey's West Clayton neighbourhood
- Construction of Bear Mountain Resort Community's Elevate project in Victoria, a 200-unit condominium development, is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2017
- Construction recently began on University of British Columbia's The Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre in Vancouver
- Children of the Island Childcare Centre, a new bilingual daycare, recently opened in Colwood. The daycare is currently licensed for 72 children and hopes to expand to 100, increasing its staffing levels to 12-14 by the end of this year.
Week of Sep 12 - Sep 16, 2016
- Interior Health is adding 243 residential care beds at several communities across the region including 70 beds in Williams Lake, 60 in Salmon Arm, 48 in Kamloops, 35 in Penticton and 30 in Cranbrook
- Mission municipal council approved a $3.5M renovation to the First Avenue streetscape to attract more investors and merchants to its downtown. Construction is expected to begin in 2017 and will be completed in 2018.
- Splashdown Park recently closed its doors in Tsawwassen
- Cascade Aerospace, an Abbotsford aircraft maintenance company, issued layoff notices to 69 unionized workers and 30 non-union employees. The union reported that up to 50 additional layoffs may be seen in November.
- The Original Christmas Village recently closed its doors in Victoria. Bois & Cuir, a Quebec-based furniture store, will be replacing the closed store.
- Kerkhoff Construction Ltd. is developing 1151 Sunset Drive, a 21-storey condominium project, in Kelowna. Construction of the project began in 2008, however work stalled due to financial troubles.
- Lustre Products, an elevator and escalator manufacturer, is building a new 60,000 sq.-ft. location in Chilliwack. The company will increase its staff from 40 to 60 by the time the new facility is ready.
- Island Health added wellness centres to three secondary schools in the Sooke school district this year. Each wellness centres will be staffed by a part-time physician, while Belmont Secondary School will also staff four nurses.
- Kindermusik, a childrens music studio, recently opened a new location in Comox
- Horses Records and Hits and Misses, two record stores, closed their doors this summer in Vancouver
- Metallurgical Industrial Development Acceleration Studies recently opened in Trail
- WestStone Group and CIBT Education Group are planning to build a $200M education centre in Surrey. The 50-storey development will include several floors dedicated for long-term international students.
- Imperial Metals laid off approximately 200 workers as it closed Huckleberry Mine, an open pit copper mine, located near Houston. The mine will keep a small core group of workers to continue environmental monitoring and protection for another year or two.
- Peregrine House School recently opened its doors in Langley. The facility can serve 20 full-time students as well as 20 before and after care students.
- Tops Restaurant, located in east Vancouver, closed its doors at the end of August
- University of Northern British Columbia is opening a Community Development Institute office in Fort St. John. The facility is expected to be up and running by the end of 2016 and will have two full-time staff members.
- The Government of Canada is granting $2M to the Vancouver International Maritime Centre. The centre aims to attract up to eight regional headquarters to the region and will create up to 200 direct as well as indirect jobs.
- Construction of Richter property, a new subdivision in Osoyoos, will begin soon. Over the next 20 years, the subdivision will include more than 200 single-family homes, as well as a number of townhouses and condominiums.
- Wealth One Bank of Canada opened a new office in Vancouver. The bank is the newest federally chartered bank to open in Canada.
- Western Canada Marine Response Corporation is moving forward with $200M in enhancements to improve its spill response in Vancouver Harbour. The enhancements include 115 new employees and 26 new vessels along BCs southern shipping lane.
- Hamilton Transit Centre recently opened in Richmond. The new bus depot will add hundreds of jobs to the city.
- Bella Coola RCMP detachment recently added three new constables and an indigenous police officer to its team
- The Government of BC will restore direct ferry service from Port Hardy to Bella Coola by summer 2018
- The Capital Regional District housing strategy plans to build more than 440 subsidized housing units and 440 market rental units in Victoria over the next five years
- Red Cat Records, a Vancouver record store, recently opened a second location in the city
Week of Sep 05 - Sep 09, 2016
- The federal government is investing $9.6M in various infrastructure projects around Richmondżs Steveston Harbour
- Loweżs recently opened a new store in Prince Georgeżs Pine Centre Mall. The new location employs between 120 and 140 workers.
- Coulter Berry building held its grand opening in Langley on September 17. The building includes five retail businesses, as well as office space and residential units.
- Seismic upgrades at Delta Secondary School in Ladner are expected to be completed by March 2017. The $19.8M project includes upgrades to the library, shops, learning centre and cafeteria.
- Thinking Garden Early Childhood Centre opened in Lantzville on September 12. The facility offers kindergarten preparation classes and preschool curriculum classes for children between the ages of three and six.
- Cardero, a condominium project by Bosa Properties, set a new high price point for condos in Canada by pre-selling units in the $1,750-per-square-foot range. The project is slated for completion in late 2019.
- The Government of BC added an additional $20M to its School Enhancement Program. The program provides repairs and upgrades to 124 schools across the province.
- Cantex-Okanagan Construction has been awarded a $21.6M contract to widen a six kilometre section of Highway 97, near Williams Lake. The company plans to hire as many community members as possible for the project.
- Nicola Valley Institute of Technology may soon establish a rural campus in Burns Lake. The Lakes District post-secondary education committee has been trying to find an institution that would meet the needs of the local students.
- The Greater Vancouver Home Builders Association forecasts that residential construction could see up to 5,000 job losses by the end of 2016, due to the new foreign buyer tax
- Construction of Pretivm Resourcesż Brucejack mine, north of Stewart, will begin soon. The company plans to hire at least 500 full-time employees for the project.
- The federal government will be opening a new Veterans Affairs office in Surrey by May 2017. The new office will employ approximately 21 workers.
- Value Village is opening a new location in Kelowna on September 22
- Delta Community Living Societyżs Leading Employment and Achieving Possibilities program has partnered with the Delta School District to transition youth from the school system into their first jobs
- The Port of Prince Rupert is constructing a $16M maintenance and warehouse complex. The project is expected to be complete in September 2017.
- Construction of Mahogany at Mill Lake, 26-storey residential project worth $80M, recently started in Abbotsford
- Mount Washington Alpine Resort, a ski resort located near Courtenay, is investing $2M to upgrade its facilities and open a new 80-seat restaurant
- The Keg recently closed its doors in downtown Kamloops
- Capital Airlines will begin offering flights between Hangzhou China and Vancouver three times per week. Capital Airlines will be the sixth airline to serve Vancouver from mainland China.
- Surrey Board of Education plans to hire an additional 70 teachers and 81 education assistants to accommodate an additional 1,000 students in the city
Week of Aug 29 - Sep 02, 2016
- The annual Pacific National Exhibition took place in Vancouver from August 20 to September 5. The event employs approximately 3,660 workers and is one of the largest employers of youth in the province.
- Chinese Village Club is planning to open a new Mandarin bilingual school, CVC Newbridge Academy, in Surrey. The school, which would begin with two classes, is expected to open in fall 2017.
- Trinity Post & Panel, a construction material manufacturer based out of 108 Mile Ranch, recently opened a new facility in Lone Butte. The company currently employs nine workers and aims to increase its workforce to 18 workers by next year. The company also has long-term hiring plans to expand to 70-90 employees.
- Dawson Construction was awarded a $3.4M project to resurface 21km of highway 97 located in the Cariboo region. The Kamloops-based company is scheduled to complete the work by the end of September.
- The federal and provincial governments announced an additional $9.6M to help businesses in hiring and training BC workers, through the Canada-BC Job Grant
- Windermere District Farmer' Institute has begun construction on its micro abattoir in Invermere. The project is expected to begin operations in October.
- Art Knapp Plantland, a garden centre, recently closed its doors in Richmond
- The Government of BC provided $660,000 to the Industry Training Authority. The investment will fund 464 roofers, utility arborists and glaziers training positions at three training providers in Langley.
- Northern Lights College is building a new $33M trades training centre at its Dawson Creek campus. The project is expected to create 235 direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase.
- Naramata Benchland Properties Ltd is developing 42 single-family lots overlooking Okanagan Lake
- Chabad Centre for Jewish Life and Learning recently opened its doors in Victoria. The $3M facility includes a synagogue, Hebrew school, library, kosher kitchen and daycare.
- A new restaurant, Memories of Indian Cuisine, recently opened in Creston
- Canna Mall, a collection of businesses targeting marijuana-buying customers, recently opened in Victoria
- Ivanhoé Cambridge, a Quebec-based real estate developer, is investing $72M to expand and renovate the Mayfair Shopping Centre in Victoria
- The City of Surrey is building a new water park in the city. Construction of the $800,000 park is scheduled to begin early next year and the project is expected to be completed before the end of May 2017.
- Sidney municipal council has approved building a new $10M fire hall. Construction of the project is expected to begin within the next two to three months.
- Cressey Development Group is constructing McKinnon by Cressey, a four-storey residential building, in Vancouver. The 40-home building is scheduled for occupancy by spring 2019.
- Sandpiper Pub, a waterfront tavern in White Rock, is closing its doors on September 15
- The Government of BC approved a $235M natural gas pipeline expansion near Fort St. John. Construction of the project is expected to create 455 direct jobs, 774 indirect jobs, and 531 inducted positions.
- Construction of Port Hardy's Kwa'lilas Hotel is nearing completion and the hotel expects to open its doors in September 2016
- BlueSky properties is beginning construction on a $70M residential-retail development in downtown Victoria. The six-storey project includes 209 rental units, 11 of which will remain below-market rate in perpetuity.
- The Government of BC approved a $235M natural gas pipeline expansion near Fort St. John. Construction of the project is expected to create 455 direct jobs, 774 indirect jobs, and 531 inducted positions.
- Home2 Suites by Hilton opened a new location in Fort St. John at the end of August. The 90-room hotel employs approximately 40 workers.
Week of Aug 22 - Aug 26, 2016
- Metro Vancouver has awarded a $31M construction contract to Canadian Turner Construction Company Ltd. for tenant improvements at its new Metrotower III office building
- The Government of BC is accepting applications for the third year of its tree fruit replant program. The program provides $9.4M over seven years to help BC growers replant their orchards, creating more than 2,600 jobs each year in the Okanagan.
- Partnered Films is planning to open a new film studio in either Esquimalt or Central Saanich. The company plans to begin development in February 2017, with the studio fully operational by 2018.
- Campbell River is expected to receive $1.36M from the Government of Canada's Community Works Fund. The money is part of the $2B Federal Gas Tax Fund, supporting long-term community infrastructure projects.
- The City of Victoria is sending a 19-member trade team to China in October. The goal of the eight-day trip is to develop export opportunities for Victoria companies.
- WestGen, a livestock genetics company, opened its new $6M head office in Abbotsford on August 16
- The Government of BC has approved the master plan for the $175M Valemount Glacier Destination Resort, west of Valemount. Construction of the resort could begin as early as spring 2017.
- The City of Vancouver is building 400 new affordable homes, worth 50M. The new housing units are the first step toward the city's pledge to add 2,500 affordable homes by 2021.
- Caledonian Brewery and Distillery opened its doors in Victoria on August 17, 2016
- Fairfield Book Shop, a used bookstore, is closing its doors in Victoria. The store will be replaced by Cook Street Nail and Spa, which is slated to open in fall 2016.
- Seven Summits Coffee is planning to open a new location in downtown Rossland
- The Government of BC announced a new $14.7M Student Transportation Fund to make transportation more affordable and accessible for BC families
- Tim Hortons is opening a new location in Clearwater Shopping Centre. The new location could employ between 45 and 60 full- and part-time workers.
- Twin City Design, a new interior design company, recently opened in the Alberni Valley
- The Kamloops Airport is being upgraded, starting fall 2016. The $3.2M project will allow the airport to accommodate more planes on the main apron at any given time.
- Dairy Queen recently opened a new 50-seat location in Kelowna
- The Government of Canada is investing $138M to upgrade its immigration detention centres in Vancouver and Laval
- The City of North Vancouver approved Lot 5, a mixed-use development, in the Shipyards District. The development will include a hotel, restaurant and other retail spaces.
Week of Aug 15 - Aug 19, 2016
- The design phase is underway for the Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant, a new project in Vancouver's north shore. The $700M sewage plant is expected to be online by 2020.
- Boeing is opening a new laboratory in downtown Vancouver, creating more than 200 highly-skilled jobs in the city. The lab will focus on data analytics-driven software solutions.
- Tsawwassen Mills, a mega-mall under construction in Delta, recently held its second job fair. The mall tenants are hiring up to 3,000 full- and part-time employees at the event. The facility is scheduled to open on October 5.
- Bel Air Motel will renovate and convert into an affordable housing complex. Once complete, the motel will create 42 affordable housing units in Penticton.
- Highway 13 is receiving a $25.5M upgrade at the Aldergrove Port of Entry thanks to a $25.5M investment from the federal and provincial governments. The project's aim is to reduce traffic congestion and improve border access.
- The Odd Job Squad, a program that provides experience for Okanagan youth with autism, has entered its second year
- A new $5M development is being planned for Nanaimo's Departure Bay. "Legasea" will include six penthouse-style units as well as a coffee shop and café.
- The Government of BC awarded 47 grants to 30 local governments, 15 First Nations, and two not-for-profit organizations across the province. The grants total $464,000 and will be used to promote economic sustainability in the communities.
- Pemberton Holmes opened a new office in Sidney. Approximately 10 realtors are based out of the new office.
- Westhills Land Corp is developing Lakepoint One, a multi-generational project in Langford. The project, which includes 46 condominiums, is scheduled for occupancy in late 2017.
- Construction began on the Westsyde Pool renovation in Kamloops. The $2.5M project is expected to be complete by the end of January 2017.
- Bosa Properties is developing Cardero, a 26-storey highrise in downtown Vancouver. The project, which includes 119 condominium units, is expected to be complete in late 2019.
- The city of Fort St. John approved over $500,000 for sidewalk and street light upgrades throughout the city. The projects were awarded to Interoute Construction.
- Focus Ability, a Salmon Arm startup connecting disabled adults and employers, is launching its first class on September 6. The program includes a six-week assessment and training program with the end goal of obtaining meaningful employment.
- Amrikko's By the Sea, a restaurant in Nanaimo that was closed due to a fire, announced plans to rebuild and reopen. The proposed building includes four second-floor residential units as well as four commercial spaces, including the restaurant.
- Ahousaht Nation proposed a hydroelectric project that could power Tofino and Ucluelet. The project would create between 30 and 40 construction jobs for approximately 2.5 years, as well as four to six permanent positions once operational.
- The MS Society of Canada is downsizing its location in Victoria to reduce costs. The society will maintain most of its services, however its physiotherapy program will be cut.
- Nuvola Gelato Dolci, an artisan Italian gelato and pastry shop, recently opened in Vancouver
- JF Kustoms, a hot rod builder and repair shop, is opening a new automotive shop near the Osoyoos Airport
- Arrowsmith Independent School is preparing to open in Qualicum Beach. The K-7 elementary school is located in the same building as the former Morning Glory School, a private school that closed its doors at the end of the 2015-16 school year.
- Rainforest Arts, a retail art gallery located in Chemainus, opened its doors in July
Week of Aug 08 - Aug 12, 2016
- Molson Coors Canada is opening a new brewery in Chilliwack by the end of 2018 or early 2019. Construction of the project is expected to begin in early 2017 and will create approximately 1,000 construction-related jobs.
- Fraser Health Authority proposed a 200-bed residential care facility, worth $40M, near Peace Arch Hospital
- BC Ocean Boating Tourism Association began the third phase of its multi-year marketing program. In this phase, the program will market Broughton Archipelago Discovery Islands and Vancouver Island West.
- North Island College is offering a free course, New Directions For Older Workers, to help worker between the ages of 55 and 64 in getting back into the workforce
- Mastercraft Construction has started construction on its townhouse development near Brentwood Bay. The project consists of 103 rental townhouses and is expected to be complete by 2019.
- Sawbucks Pub, located in South Surrey, is expected to reopen soon, following a four-month renovation
- Contractors First by Rona recently opened a new location in Osoyoos
- According to the Asia-Pacific Gateway Skills Table study, nearly 110,000 jobs will open up in 52 transportation and construction occupations across BC by 2025
- The City of Fort St. John has issued 13 new construction permits this year. Approved developments include residential, retail, and commercial construction.
- Lower North Thompson Community Forest Society will train up to eight job seekers in the Barriere and Clearwater areas in trail clearing, milling, and carpentry
- Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. capped approximately 10% of its natural gas wells as a result of flooding in northeastern BC. The company expects to return to full production in December.
- Several new retail stores will be opening in the upgraded Langley City Square. Some of the new stores include Bed Bath & Beyond, Chipotle and Starbucks.
- Extra Foods in Maple Ridge closed its doors on August 13, while it is renovated into No Frills. The upgraded store is scheduled to re-open in November.
- Alabaster Homes is constructing Oak + Park, a 40 townhome project, in Vancouverżs Marpole neighbourhood
- Concord Pacific Developments Inc. is building Concord Brentwood, a 10-highrise tower development, in Burnaby
- Kidcare Daycare recently opened in Williams Lake. The new daycare created 22 new jobs in the community.
- Campbell River is building a new transit operations and maintenance facility, thanks to $15M in funding from the federal and provincial governments. The city expects to double the number of buses in operation over the next 25 years.
- Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society recently held its annual Mega Job Fair and Business Expo in Surrey. The job fair attracted 102 businesses and 4,700 job seekers.
- Lowes recently hosted a two-day hiring fair in Victoria to recruit up to 160 staff for its new location at Tillicum shopping centre. The 93,000 sq.-ft. location is expected to open in late fall 2016.
- Movie and TV production in Vancouver is up by 45% so far in 2016, compared to the same period last year. In the past few months, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees signed an average of 150 new workers per month.
- Klaus Fuerniss Enterprises Inc. is developing George Gibsons Marine Resort and Residences in Gibsons. The project includes two buildings, a 39-unit condominium complex as well as a 116-room hotel.
Week of Aug 02 - Aug 06, 2016
- La Van Tea opened its doors in South Surrey on August 5
Week of Aug 01 - Aug 05, 2016
- Bella Bella Airport is constructing a new terminal building, thanks to funding from the provincial government
- Harbourside Senior Cohousing recently opened in Sooke. The cohousing facility includes 31 individual units as well as a common house.
- Gramercy Developments is building 'The Crossing', a 67-unit townhome development, in South Surrey. The project is scheduled to be completed in summer 2017.
- The Government of BC announced $34M in safety upgrades to a 5km section of the Trans-Canada Highway through Malahat Village. Construction will begin early next year, and is expected to be completed in 2018.
- The RCMP detachment in South Okanagan Similkameen has requested two additional officers. The additional officers will be needed to help with the anticipated increase in workload from the new Okanagan Correctional Centre.
- Demolition work has resumed on Central Saanichżs Marigold Nursery. Following demolition, Marigold Lands will begin construction of its mixed-use development, which will include up to 250 housing units.
- According to a report by BCżs auditor general, the provincial Financial Institutions Commission is significantly understaffed and has a staff vacancy rate of 37%
- Tourism across BC was up by 14% between January and May 2016, compared to the same period last year. In addition, visits from international travellers also increased by nearly five percent over the same period.
- Vancouver city council approved the Grandview-Woodland community plan. The plan will see up to 10,000 new residents and 7,000 new homes added to the neighbourhood around the Commercial-Broadway SkyTrain station over the next 30 years.
- BC Hydro announced that it will reduce its use of outside contractors to cut costs, in addition to several other adjustments, in response to declining revenues from its industrial customers
- Salvatoreżs La Spaghetteria, a restaurant in New Westminster, closed its doors on August 1. The restaurant employed 12 people.
- New Westminster School District recently moved into its new 7,200 sq.-ft. office. The new office will save the school district about $400,000 per year, which has been used to hire four new staff members at Fraser River Middle School.
- Two highrise apartment towers and a new church have been proposed in Burnaby. The new towers will add 254 rental units to the city.
- A recent report found that Metro Vancouver requires 18,200 new housing units per year over the next decade. One-third of the new units should be purpose-built rentals, while two-thirds of which should be earmarked for low-income households.
- Tsawwassen Commons, a 550,000 sq.-ft. outdoor mall on Tsawwassen First Nation land, reported that the mall will open in two phases. The first phase is currently under construction and includes stores such as Wal-Mart, Rona and Canadian Tire.
- Globe International Cuisine, a new restaurant, opened its doors in Hope on July 4
- Nissan is opening its first auto dealership in south Okanaganżs Satikw Crossing. More than 30 full-time jobs will be created when the dealership opens in mid-2017.
- Bosa Development announced a multi-tower residential and commercial project in downtown New Westminster. The project will include two or three condo towers, a stand-alone restaurant and a daycare facility.
- Hawaiian Electric has withdrawn its application for a liquefied natural gas contract with Fortis Hawaii Energy Inc. The agreement, which was signed earlier this year, would have resulted in an $800M to $900M expansion at the Delta LNG location.
Week of Jul 25 - Jul 29, 2016
- Pretium Resources expects to hire approximately 500 full-time employees at its Brucejack gold mine, located near Stewart. The mine, which is scheduled to open in 2017, is expected to operate for the next 18 years.
- Good Shepherd Christian School is closing its doors in Osoyoos. The closure will result in a loss of two full-time teaching positions.
- A new Contractors First by Rona outlet is opening its doors in Osoyoos. The store will employ approximately 10 to 11 full-time employees and is currently hiring yard workers and cashiers.
- BC Corrections is hiring guards for its Okanagan Correctional Centre. Construction of the new facility is currently underway, with the centre scheduled to receive inmates in early 2017.
- The Government of BC is funding a $600,000 study to find ways to meet demand for high-tech workers in BC. At any given time, there are approximately 2,000 high-tech job vacancies in the province.
- FortisBC broke ground on its new Kootneay Operation Centre in Castlegar. The $23M project will allow the company to centralize operations by relocating approximately 100 existing employees to the city.
- The City of Richmond began construction on its new $22.3M fire hall. The 8,000 sq.-ft. facility is expected to be completed by late 2017.
- A new CRAFT restaurant is anticipated to open at New Westminsterżs Shops at New West plaza. In addition to the restaurant, First Capital Realty plans to develop a three-storey building that would connect to the plaza.
- Canfor recently celebrated the addition of two new pellet plants to its Chetwynd and Fort St. John sawmills. The pellet plants have a combined annual production capacity of about 175,000 tonnes of wood pellets.
- A three-storey building, that includes a boutique hotel and a courtyard plaza, has been proposed in Fort Langley
- The federal and provincial governments are granting approximately $26M to BC Transit in Greater Victoria. The funding will be used to extend a bus-priority lane, as well as to build a new depot and upgrade maintenance facilities.
- The BC Cattlemenżs Association is developing a business plan for a beef processing plant in Prince George. If the plant proceeds, it would create approximately 180 full-time jobs and about 620 spinoff jobs in the region.
- Full of Beans Play Café, a coffee shop and indoor playground, recently opened in Port Alberni
- A new $28M transit depot and maintenance facility will be constructed in Abbotsford
- Tillicum Lelum is building a new $2M childcare centre in Nanaimo. The new centre is expected to open in January 2017.
- Prince George Nechako Aboriginal Employment and Training Association is conducting an Aboriginal labour market study, thanks to funding from the provincial government. The report is expected to be released in October 2017.
- Care Funeral Services recently opened a satellite location in Sooke
Week of Jul 18 - Jul 22, 2016
- Kerkhoff Construction plans on building a 117-unit condominium in downtown Kelowna. Construction of the building is slated to begin in September 2016.
- Construction of a new patient care tower and parkade recently began at the Penticton Regional Hospital. The new tower will include expanded space for the UBC Faculty of Medicine program, and is slated to open in 2019.
- The City of Vancouver completed the removal of train tracks on the West Side last week. Parts of the transportation corridor have already been transformed into a paved path for cycling and pedestrian use.
- Stormy weather and summer hail has affected fruit growers in the Kamloops region. For example, some of the grapes at Harper's Trail winery were damaged by the recent storm.
- The City of Vancouver's bike sharing service was launched on July 20, 2016. The program will allow members of the rental network to benefit from greater mobility within the city.
- A new virtual reality gaming studio recently opened in Kamloops
Week of Jul 11 - Jul 15, 2016
- Brookside Foods is closing its production facility in Abbotsford in October 2016. The closure will affect approximately 180 employees.
- Magnolia House Holdings is replacing two aging rental properties in Vancouver with a single 40-unit apartment building
- BC Lottery Corp. plans on building a new casino in Victoria. The next step in development will be choosing an operator and identifying a potential site.
- BC Lottery Corporation announced plans to expand the View Royal Casino in Victoria. The expansion, which is expected to include a 600-seat theatre, restaurants and a larger gaming floor, could begin within the next 18 months.
- Similkameen News Leader, an independent weekly newspaper, is shutting down operation in Princeton. The newspaper had two employees, as well as four contributors from the community.
- Caetani Port Studio, a new multi-purpose facility, recently opened its doors in Vernon. The facility will be used to host workshops, presentations and exhibits by artists and writers.
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society opened a new location in Hope. The facility specializes in dealing with the effects of traumatization.
- Loweżs opened a new location in Abbotsford on July 7. The new store, which employs 140 associates , is Loweżs second location in BC.
- A new daycare, Maryżs Place, is opening as part of Rosalieżs Village development in Saanich. The development provides subsidized housing for single mothers with children under the age of five years.
- Element Lifestyle Retirement will begin construction on OPAL, a new retirement community, in Vancouver in fall 2016
- The provincial government is granting $300,000 to increase the handyDart service in Victoria. The additional funds will result in 4,000 more service hours per year.
- Grizzli Winery recently opened its doors in West Kelowna
- NorthIsle Copper and Gold announced plans to explore for a potential mine at Red Dog, located near Port Hardy. If the feasibility study is positive, the mine could employ between 500 and 600 people.
- DunnEnzies, a Kelowna pizzeria, recently opened a second location in the city
- The Government of BC announced a $15.5M investment in flood prevention in Surrey. The city will contribute another $10M toward the project, raising and boosting several dikes around the city.
- Les Chocolats Favoris, a Quebec-based chocolatier, opened its first BC location in Victoria
- PICS employment programs presents PICS Mega Job Fair and Business Expo 2016 on August 4 at North Surrey Recreation Centre, 10275 City Parkway, Surrey, BC.
Week of Jul 04 - Jul 08, 2016
- According to a recent survey by the Truck Loggers Association, optimism in BC's coastal forest industry has declined since 2004. More than 25 timber harvesting contractors filed for insolvency protection between 2004 and 2016.
- Saanich council is proceeding with a public hearing for the Uptown residential tower's proposed 14-storey development. The development includes 134 apartments and townhouses, as well as 55,000 sq.-ft. of retail space.
- Strathcona regional district is undertaking a $21.8M renovation to Strathcona Gardens
- Construction of Sooke Brewing Company's new facility is expected to begin soon in Sooke. The new brewery expects to employ six full- and part-time staff, and is scheduled to open at the end of 2016.
- BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals opened a new $3.4M facility in Nanaimo. The facility will act as a development model for 12 new shelters being developed in BC over the next eight years.
- The Village, a local restaurant, is opening a second location in Saanich
- Construction of a 49-unit affordable housing project, Madrona at Dockside Green, started in Victoria. The project includes a mix of two- and three-storey buildings, which will be rented to households with incomes ranging from $28,000 to $65,000.
- Berwick Retirement Communities proposed a $25M development in Qualicum Beach. Construction of the 91-unit community could begin as early as spring 2017, with occupancy in fall 2018.
- Sooke Oceanside Brewery, the first craft brewery in Sooke, is expected to open its doors in August
- Leaf Compassion Cannabis Dispensary opened in Port Alberni on June 1. The facility is the second licensed medical marijuana dispensary in the Alberni Valley.
- Royal Bay, a new community, is under development in Colwood. The first phase of the project includes 28 homes, which will eventually grow to 2,300.
- Chard Development is constructing a new 54,000 sq.-ft. building in Vancouver. The four-storey office strata building is expected to break ground in January 2017, with an 18-month construction period.
- The federal government announced an investment of $150M over two years in affordable housing in BC. The investment includes $25.2M for senior housing, $10.9M for victims of family violence, and $50.9M to repair aging facilities.
- Ted Baker opened a new location at Vancouver's McArthusGlen Outlet
- Kamloops Airport will receive $2.6M from the Government of BC's Air Access Program. The funding will be used to rehabilitate a section of the airport apron.
Week of Jun 27 - Jul 01, 2016
- NewLeaf Travel, a Kelowna-based airline company, will begin offering flights to 12 Canadian cities on July 25
- Mount Polley mine will return to full production on July 9. The mine, located near Williams Lake, features a repaired and strengthened tailings storage facility.
- Patio Burger and Ice Cream Co is opening in Penticton's Lakawanna Park
- Seaspan laid off 250 workers from Victoria Shipyards following the completion of a five-year federal frigate upgrading contract. The company expects to hire about 250 workers this fall, however the make-up of the trades will be different.
- Seaspan Vancouver announced a $2.9M investment to support training in the marine industrial sector. Funding was provided to the University of BC, BC Institute of Technology, Camosun College, and the Canadian Welding Association.
- New Westminster is building a new 7,100 sq.-ft. animal shelter and tow yard. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in the spring of 2017.
- Veresen Midstream awarded a $130M contract for its Saturn Phase 2 project to WorleyParsonsCord. The company will provide module assembly and field construction services for the project, located near Dawson Creek.
- ABC Communications is investing $2M, along with $5M in government funding, to develop wireless high speed internet in several rural communities across the province
- Construction recently began on an $86M seniors facility in Victoria. The Summit at Quadra Village is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2019 and will provide 320 beds for seniors, including residents with dementia.
- Okanagan Similkameen school board voted to save Osoyoos Secondary School. The school was scheduled to close this year due to declining enrolment and required repairs.
- Alpha Secondary School, a high school in Burnaby, began a $27.2M renovation. The project involves seismic upgrades and the replacement of two classroom wings. Construction is scheduled for completion in fall of 2018.
- A Vancouver developer announced plans to open Hawkers Wharf, a public market featuring 25 local, independent food start-ups
- Bliss Float Centre, a float therapy provider, recently opened in Kamloops
- Vancouver school board are considering closing 12 schools, 11 of which are located on the city's east side. Under the proposed plan, 11 of the 12 schools would close by September 2017, with the final one closing in September 2018.
- Viking Air, a North Saanich-based aircraft manufacturer, bought the manufacturing rights for Bombardier's water bombers. The acquisition will see Viking add another 40 people to its workforce in Victoria and Calgary.
- The City of New Westminster is building BridgeNet, a one-gigabit-rated fibre optic network. New Westminster hopes that the network will help attract new businesses to the city.
- RBC Capital Markets predicted at least five mills in BC could be negatively affected if a new softwood lumber agreement with the US is not reached by October 15
Week of Jun 20 - Jun 24, 2016
- Duz Cho Logging recently opened a sawmill in Mackenzie. The mill employs a total of 28 people.
- West Vancouver city council recently endorsed a five-year plan that will expand the Spirit Trail and replace nine buildings with a new arts centre and bistro
- Construction will begin shortly on Mahogany at Mill Lake, an $80M high-rise in Abbotsford
- Microsoft recently opened its new Microsoft Canada Excellence Centre in Vancouver. The new centre will double Microsoft's workforce in Vancouver from 350 to 700.
- Chevron Canada is soliciting bids for its Burnaby oil refinery and fuel distribution network in BC and Alberta. The refinery, which employs approximately 430 people, currently processes 55,000 barrels-per-day.
- Oak+Cru, a new restaurant and wine bar, was added to the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort as part of a recent $9.4M renovation.
- Nightingale, a new Vancouver restaurant, recently opened downtown
- The Government of BC announced $2.7M in funding, to help save nine rural schools slated to close next year. School Districts can apply for the funding, which equals the amount they would save by closing the schools.
- A feasibility study for the Kootenay Lake ferry concluded that building a new location on Queens Bay would cost $25M, compared to a $40M upgrade to the current Balfour location. A decision on the ferry terminal location is expected in the fall.
- The Government of BC reaffirmed its commitment to provide transit service between Price Rupert, Terrace, and the Hazeltons. The new routes, which are subject to local government approval, are expected either in 2016 or 2017.
- Construction of Margaret "Ma" Murray Community School, located in Fort St. John, is expected to begin in July and be completed by spring 2018, with classes starting later that year in fall.
- Bad Axe Throwing, a Burlington-based company, is opening its first BC location in Surrey
- Federal, provincial, and municipal governments announced nearly $1B in joint transit funding for BC. The funding will allow for 55 new rail cars, a third Seabus, new transit exchanges, and the construction of Surrey's new light-rail lines.
- The Government of BC purchased the former Victoria Central Care Home from the Baptist Housing Society for $11.2M. The building will provide 140 units of long-term supportive housing for residents with mental-health and addictions issues.
- Multiple hotel renovation projects in Victoria this year made as many as 500 rooms unavailable for use. The shortages resulted in average occupancy levels rising from 67% in the first four months to 80% in April.
- The Keg restaurant is closing its location in Kamloops at the end of August. Up to 60 full and part-time staff are expected to be laid off.
- Chanel recently opened a 470 sq.-m. flagship store in Vancouver, located on the first floor of Holt Renfrew
Week of Jun 13 - Jun 17, 2016
- Cloverdale-Langley will see 117 summer jobs created for students aged 15 to 30 as the result of $421,000 in funding from the Canada Summer Jobs program
- Highstreet Ventures is building new apartment buildings in Kelowna and West Kelowna. Construction of the $113M project is expected to begin before the end of the year and will create 528 units in the region.
- Central Okanagan School District is building a new administration building in Kelowna. Construction of the 125,000 sq.-ft. building is expected to begin this summer and be complete by August 2017.
- Chartered Professional Accountants of BC released its annual economic report. The report highlights that despite layoffs in the mining and forestry industries the Kootenay region saw overall positive job creation.
- The Trellis Group will build and operate a new 135-bed residential care facility in east Richmond. Fraserview, another residential care facility in the city, is redeveloping and expanding by 75 beds.
- The Trellis Group will build and operate a new 180-bed residential care facility on the North Shore
- The Trellis Group will build and operate a new 128-bed residential care facility in Sechelt. The facility is scheduled to open in August 2018.
- Vancouver Coastal Health signed agreements to add new beds to residential care facilities in Vancouver. Point Grey Private Hospital will add 84 new beds and Casa Mia Mansion will add 87 beds. Both projects include publicly and privately funded beds.
- The Government of BC and North Vancouver school district are replacing Argyle Secondary school with a new $45.7M facility as part of its Seismic Mitigation Program. Construction is expected to begin in 2017, with the school opening in 2019.
- Queen's Park Meat Market, a butcher shop in New Westminster, closed its doors at the beginning of June
- Evo, a Vancouver-based car sharing company, expanded its services to include three locations in Burnaby. The company launched last year and recently tripled its fleet to include 750 hybrid vehicles.
- A Victoria movie theatre that closed in 2013 is being remodelled and is scheduled to reopen in August
- The Government of BC is investing $30M to build a new interchange at Highway 91 and 72nd Avenue in Delta. Construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
- Playland, a Vancouver amusement park, proposed a $120M expansion to be financed by the city and repaid through increased future revenue. The expansion includes a number of upgrades that owners believe would turn Playland into a world class theme park.
- Rathskeller, a German restaurant in Victoria, was put up for sale. It's owner expect the restaurant will close its doors after the location is sold.
- The Government of BC is providing an additional $1M in funding through its seven-year tree fruit replant program. The funding will assist more than two dozen projects with 122 additional acres being replanted.
- The city of White Rock proposed a $30M renovation to the city's waterfront, including a seaside walkway and amenities.
- Margaux Resources is restarting operations at Jersey-Emerald Mine, a tungsten-zinc mine outside Salmo that shut down 43 years ago. The company estimates the mine will generate approximately 10 jobs to start.
- The Government of BC announced $11.3M in funding to create 1,818 new childcare spaces in 30 communities across the province. Priority was given to underserved areas like Surrey, Richmond, Vancouver, Burnaby, and Coquitlam.
- Immigrant Services Society of BC recently opened a new $24M facility in Vancouver, providing many of the services refugees need under one roof
- Canadian Tire is opening a new location at Victoria's Hillside Centre this fall
Week of Jun 06 - Jun 10, 2016
- Eastlake Campus, a high-tech business hub in Burnaby, is expanding to include six multi-tenant buildings that will total about 310,000 sq.-ft. The expansion is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2017.
- Bardel Entertainment, an animation company based in Vancouver and Kelowna, is planning to add 70 positions to its Kelowna location
- Enderby Preschool Society is expanding its facility and creating 33 new child care spaces. The expansion is scheduled to open in February 2017.
- The Government of BC is reducing the mark-up rate for small and regional breweries by about 25% per litre. The reduction should provide craft breweries with increased opportunities to grow and expand.
- British Columbia, led by metro-Vancouver, saw the highest year-over-year employment growth in the country in April at 4.9%. Nonetheless, many residents still face difficulties finding affordable housing in Vancouver.
- Tourism Victoria expects to see interest in the region rise, increasing ferry and aircraft traffic and intensifying demand for more hotels in the city. The tourism sector in Victoria currently employs about 22,000 people.
- The Government of BC announced that a $25M cut to school districts across the province will be cancelled. School Districts that have already made the necessary savings will be able to spend the money as they see fit.
- Northern Lights College, located in Dawson Creek, will receive $150,000 to provide training for workers affected by decreased production at the Chetwynd Mechanical Pulp Mill
- North Island College, located in Courtenay, will receive $200,000 to provide training for workers affected by the closure of Myra Falls Mine and Quinsam Mine
- Kamloops-Thompson school district expects to rescind 15 full-time layoff notices, as at least 29 teachers opted to retire at the end of this school year
Week of May 30 - Jun 03, 2016
- Gasland Properties is building a $50M gated vacation community in Kelowna. The project includes 21 three-bedroom homes, starting at $2.5M each. The first homes are expected to be complete in June 2017.
- Summerland Secondary School is receiving a $1.2M exterior upgrade and roof replacement. The renovations are expected to be complete by April 2017.
- Construction began on the new $7.9M community centre in Invermere. The project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2017.
- Sooke school board is hiring at least 12 classroom teachers due to an increase in enrolment. However, the school district also announced cuts to several specialist positions, including counsellors, librarians, and special education.
- The Government of BC is investing $12.7M over three years in BC Transit, which will increase handyDART service in the province by an additional 8,000 hours annually
- The Government of BC announced $5M in funding to help Geoscience BC continue mapping groundwater resources in the Peace Region, which should help communities make informed resource decisions and attract investment
- Sobeys recently applied for a development permit from the City of Langford for its $100M project, Belmont Market Shopping Centre. The project will include a 57,000 sq.-ft. Thrifty Foods and a 200,000 sq.-ft. shopping centre.
- Magusta Development is building a new residential tower in Vancouver. Burquitlam Capital will include 189 condominiums, four townhomes, and 10,534 sq.-ft. of commercial space. Construction is expected to be complete by December 2018.
- The federal and provincial governments will provide a combined $17.6M towards the expansion of British Columbiażs Coquihalla highway
- The City of Vernon is hiring two temporary bylaw compliance officers
- St Joseph Elementary School broke ground on its new facility in Kelowna. The $4.8M modular project is expected to open for school in September.
- The Government of BC announced a $45M investment in its School Enhancement Program, which will provide various school improvements across the province
- Loblaw Companies Limited is closing its Super Valu grocery store in Fraser Lake in June, laying off 18 employees. The closest location to purchase groceries after the store closes will be Vanderhoof, 58km away.
- Loblaw Companies Limited is closing its Super Valu grocery store in June, laying off 27 employees. The closest location to purchase groceries after the store closes will be Smithers or Burns Lake, approximately a 45-minute drive away.
- Flashbacks Nightclub, a 27 year old nightclub in Kelowna recently closed its doors
- Texada Island Inn was heavily damaged by a recent fire. The Inn is a major employer in the small community of Van Anda, creating approximately 20% of employment.
- TELUS is investing $40M to expand its fibre optic network in Kelowna and West Kelowna
- Avenue M Microgreens recently opened in Kelowna
- Starkhund Brewery is under construction in Kelowna. The new 60,000 sq.-ft. brewery and accompanying 150-seat lounge are expected to create a number of jobs in manufacturing and in food and accommodations.
- The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is opening a new 4,000 sq.-ft. location in Castlegar. Construction of the $2M facility is expected to begin before the end of the year.
- The BC Schizophrenia Society is adding an additional 12 educators to its caregiver network in BC after receiving an investment of $3M from the Ministry of Health
Week of May 23 - May 27, 2016
- Tsawwassen First Nation is holding a job fair for its Tsawwassen Mills shopping centre on June 25 at the Vancouver Convention Centre
- The Federal Government provided over $550,000 to 54 employers in Delta through its Canada Summer Jobs program. The funding, which is double the amount provided in 2015, will create 178 summer jobs for Delta students.
- BC Housing announced that a new affordable housing project is being developed in Penticton. The new development, which is expected to open in 2018, will provide 67 units for low-income families.
- The National Energy Board issued a recommendation to approve the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, which runs between Edmonton and Burnaby. The recommendation includes 157 conditions that the company must meet before they can begin construction.
- PARC Retirement Living expects to begin construction next spring on its 23-storey rental retirement building in White Rock. The $100M project will provide 204 units for seniors, as well as a two-storey retail and amenity building.
- AltaGas proposed a $400-$500M propane export terminal on Ridley Island. The project is expected to create up to 250 jobs during construction as well as 40 permanent full-time positions
- The Canada Summer Jobs program is providing $679,119 to 91 employers in the North Okanagan-Shuswap region this year. The funding will create 188 summer jobs for students in the region.
- Parallel Mechanical Ltd proposed a 30,000sq.-ft. multi-purpose activity centre in Quesnel. The new facility includes bowling alleys, mini golf and a banquet room.
- The Government of BC announced nearly $100M to create 2,700 new student spaces in Surrey schools. Three elementary schools will receive expansions, which will be completed by fall 2017, and two new schools will be built by the end of 2020.
- Seaspan's Victoria shipyard is aiming to increase its cruise ship dockings from two to three or four per year; each docking includes about $5M in ship maintenance
- Splashdown, a water park in South Delta, is closing its doors in September
- The Skilled Trades Employment Program is opening an office at Mission's Riverside College one day per week. The program connects people with skilled trade jobs and education, as well as connecting employers with skilled labour.
- The City of Vancouver will soon issue a Request for Proposals for two modular housing projects in the city. The projects will create 120 microsuites, with rents starting at $375.
- BC Hydro is providing $1.8M to School District 60 to help build a new daycare at its Margaret żMa' Murray Community School in Fort St. John. The new daycare will provide space for 37 children, with half of the spaces reserved for Site C workers.
- Skydance Media, a California-based film and television production company, is renovating a new building in Surrey which can accommodate up to 400 production staff. The company expects to bring in $100M per year of regional economic spinoffs.
- Wealth Shop Society opened Vancouver's first licenced medicinal marijuana shop
- A new $140M senior living project has been proposed in Summerland. The new project, iCasa, includes four building as well as numerous amenities and on-site health care.
- The Trading Post, a gift shop, opened on Highway 1 at the Ashcroft Esso Travel Centre
- Paesano's, an Italian restaurant in Richmond, recently closed its doors
- Cabela's is opening a new location in Abbotsford on June 23. The new 70,000 sq.-ft. store is the company's second location in BC. The store will create 220 jobs through a mix of full- and part-time and seasonal employees.
- The Government of BC announced $6.1M in funding to repair the roof at Bayside Middle School, located in Central Saanich
Week of May 18 - May 22, 2016
- The Horizon Village Lift Station in West Kelowna will be replaced. The $1.3M project is expected to be completed before the end of October.
- George Derby Centre, a long-term care home in Burnaby, issued layoff notices to 54 nurses effective July 11. The affected nurses will be offered employment elsewhere in Fraser Health.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada is hiring 135 research scientists, biologists, oceanographers, and technicians
- The first phase of construction at the Site C dam worker camp near Fort St. John is finished. The $470M camp will be able to house 2,000 workers once complete.
- Knappett Industries Ltd. is commencing work on a $3M storm sewer project in Fort St. John. The work will be the final phase of the upgrade, which began in 2013.
- Columbia Basin Trust announced 42 recreation projects around the region which will receive a combined $3.5M in infrastructure grants
- PJ's Pets is closing 27 of its 39 stores across Canada, including five in BC. The closures in BC affect Petculture stores located in Victoria, Coquitlam, Chilliwack, Pitt Meadows, and Richmond.
- The Canadian Coast Guard closed its marine traffic and services centre in Comox. Nine of the affected employees relocated to Sidney and nine were laid off.
- Burnaby is moving ahead with a $250,000 feasibility study for the development of a new ice arena. The city has put aside $22M from its 2017/18 budget to construct the new facility.
- Polygon Homes is developing 84 townhomes in Delta's Marina Gardens
- Make Children First, Vancouver Community College, and School District 74 have partnered to offer a full-time Early Child Care Education certificate program to high school students and adults in Clinton, Cache Creek, and Ashcroft
- The Health Employers Association of BC and the BC Nurses' Union ratified a five-year collective agreement. The agreement will provide 40,000 BC nurses with a wage increase of 5.5% over the five-year term.
- Canadian officials met with a 200-member delegation from China in Vancouver. The province of BC was identified as an ideal location for China to invest in Canadian engineering, bioscience, and finance sectors.
- Woodfibre LNG signed a 25-year agreement with Guangzhou Gas Group to export one million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year from its planned Squamish plant. The agreement starts in 2020 and accounts for half of the plantżs total production.
Week of May 16 - May 20, 2016
- Vancouver Public Library will build a 35,000 sq.-ft. upgrade to its Robson Street location. Work on the $15.5M expansion will begin in early 2017 and is expected to be completed by 2018.
- University of Northern British Columbia recently opened its Field Education Centre, a 1,200 sq.-ft. interpretive centre overlooking the Upper Fraser area and the McGregor Mountains
Week of May 09 - May 13, 2016
- Potluck Café Society recently launched Knack, a program offering workplace readiness workshops and digital badges to demonstrate skills to potential employers. Knack offers an eight-week soft skills program and a 12-week kitchen skills training.
- Export Development Canada predicts that agriculture and forestry will continue to be BC's largest export sectors. Agriculture exports are expected to grow by 7% in 2016 thanks to demand from China and other Asian economies.
- Harbour Air opened its new 5,000 sq.-ft. floating terminal in Victoria
- BC Oil and Gas Commission issued the final permits required for TransCanada Corp to begin construction on its proposed Coastal GasLink pipeline. The project is expected to create between 2,000 and 2,500 jobs during construction.
- Burns Lake Band began construction on its new $8M hotel project. The Band will hold a job fair to recruit for the hotel, which is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
- Ksan House Society is proposing a 45-unit affordable housing complex in Terrace. The $13M project will rent all units at about 30% below market value.
- Repair Express, a Kelowna-based cellular phone repair company, opened a new location in Penticton
- The province of BC is increasing its minimum wage in two stages. The first increase of 40 cents will be effective September 15, 2016 with a second 30 cents increase a year later.
- Thompson Rivers University is adding an engineering program to its school. The university expects it will begin offering software, electrical, and computer engineering within three years.
- Mr. Red Café opened a new location in Kitsilano
- Emilio Finatti Sicilian Pizzeria opened its second location in Langley. The company employs 25 people between its two locations.
- Polygon is building a new 27-storey residential high rise in Coquitlam. The new building includes 179 two- and three-bedroom apartments, and is expected to be complete in summer 2018.
- The Canadian Coast Guard base in Kitsilano reopened on May 1 after being closed for three years
- There were 81 fires burning across BC as of May 6. About 500 people northwest of Fort St. John have either been forced to evacuate or have been notified they may need to leave.
- Langley Hospice Society received approval for a new stand-alone facility with 15 beds. The facility will be planned and built over the next few years.
- The Government of BC amended the restricted operations permits for Mount Polley Mining Corporation. The mine is now allowed to produce five million tonnes of ore, up from from four million previously
- Sigma Stone Inc. is building 18 duplex houses in Osoyoos
- Clothing retailer Aeropostale is closing all 41 of its locations in Canada, including two in BC, as well as 113 locations in the US. The closures represent 20% of the retailer's total locations.
- The Government of BC announced that The Crossing at Keremeos, a substance-abuse treatment centre for youth near Keremeos, is reopening in 2017. The centre will offer 22 treatment beds for youth between 17 and 24.
- Meridian Farm Market Store opened a new location in Maple Ridge. Approximately 40 positions were created at the new store.
- Nak'azdli Whut'en First Nation held its fourth annual żThink Bigż Career Fair on May 6 and 7 at Fort St. James Secondary School
- Marriott Hotels of Canada is building a new 170-room Marriott Courtyard hotel in Prince George. The hotel is expected to open sometime in 2017.
- Edgecombe Builders is constructing a six-storey mixed-use complex in downtown Kelowna. The development, Sole Downtown, will include 40 condo units.
- Nl'akapxm (Eagle) Motorplex, located near Ashcroft, has closed its doors. The drag-racing facility attributed the closure to declining attendance at events and difficulty finding qualified repair personnel.
- Six schools in Kootenay Lake school district face possible closures. The schools being considered are Trafalgar, Winlaw, Salmo Elementary, Jewett, Yahk, and Creston Education Centre.
- Construction began on Cascades Casino Penticton. The casino is expected to create 150 jobs during construction and employ 300 people when completed in spring 2017.
- TELUS is investing $8M to expand its fibre optic network to Grand Forks. The company aims to connect more than 90% of homes and businesses in the city before the end of 2016.
Week of May 02 - May 06, 2016
- BC Corrections expects that 65% of the 240 guard jobs at the new Okanagan Correctional Centre will be new hires. The first inmates are expected to arrive at the facility in January.
- Delta Board of Education is cutting 12 full-time education assistant positions and eight full-time teaching and library positions
- Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School Board will end its school bus transportation service next year. The change will affect 370 students who are currently riding the school bus.
- Three new 25-storey towers were proposed for White Rockżs town centre. The towers would include approximately 342 units ranging from 1,100 to 25,000 sq.-ft. The development also includes a daycare centre for up to 70 children.
- The College of New Caledonia will begin offering Industrial Mechanic (millwright) apprenticeship training at its campus in Vanderhoof in September
- The College of New Caledonia will begin offering Access to Business as well as Pathway to Practical Nursing courses at its Burns Lake campus in September. The programs will prepare students for the upcoming business management certificate diploma program as well as the two-year practical nursing program offered at the college.
- T.A. Rendek and Associates Ltd. was selected to build Invermereżs new $7.45M multi-use centre. The Creston-based company expects the centre will open in the summer of 2017.
- Bowen Island Pub is constructing a new, larger building at its current location
- Meridian Farm Market held a job fair for its new location in Maple Ridge. The job fair attracted over 250 applicants, 42 of which were hired.
- Air Canada will begin offering direct flights between Vancouver and Delhi on October 20. The thrice-weekly flights are expected to add 94 jobs in BC.
- Holmberg House, Abbotsfordżs first adult hospice, opened its doors at the end of April. The 30,000 sq.-ft. facility provides end-of-life care to adults as young as 19 in a home-like setting.
- The Government of BC is expanding paramedicine service to 73 rural and remote communities in the province. The additional coverage is expected to create at least 80 new full-time positions across the province.
- Northern Thunderbird Air will begin offering flights twice a week between Dease Lake and Prince George
- 91, a casual fine dining restaurant, recently opened in Peachland
- Bjornbar Bakery opened in North Vancouver
- Air Canada will begin offering three flights per week between Vancouver and Brisbane, Australia, starting in June 2016
- Victoria Clipper has postponed the launch of its Vancouver to Victoria ferry service until spring 2017
- Thompson Veneer Products, a forest-products company in Kamloops, recalled 40 staff that were temporarily laid off last month back to work
- ENCORE Vineyards is opening the first urban winery in the south Okanagan. The former PenMar Theatre will be home to TIME Winery, McWatters Collection and Evolve Cellars.
Week of Apr 25 - Apr 29, 2016
- Osoyoos Desert Centre, a 67 acre nature interpretive facility, recently opened for the season. The centre offers several guided tours throughout the day.
- The Greater Victoria School District is requesting funding from the Ministry of Education to support hiring an additional 52 teachers and 50 support staff. The school board would also like to hire a number of speech-language pathologists
- Kindale Developmental Association, a non-profit organization supporting people with disabilities, is opening a new training centre in Vernon. The new centre includes a thrift store, which provides participants with on-the-job training.
- Days Inn in downtown Prince George reopened its doors after being closed for a year and a half. The hotel underwent a large renovation and now includes a barber shop, diner, coffee shop, and sandwich spot.
- Mountain Equipment Co-op and Lee Valley Tools both opened new stores at Kelowna's Orchard Plaza. The shopping centre had large vacancies created after Target and Future Shop moved out.
- Capilano University is closing its Community Music School. The closure will affect about 16 part-time instructors and 250 students at the North Vancouver University.
- Ledingham McAllister is building Escala, a 42-storey high-rise, in Burnaby's Brentwood area. The development, which includes 520 homes and townhomes, began selling at the end of April.
- Open Door Group recently held job fairs in Oliver and Osoyoos, attracting over 300 job seekers across both events
- The City of Nelson expects to complete the second half of its Hall street reconstruction in late 2017. The $6.6M project includes replacing old water and sewer pipes under the street.
- Lowe's is completing $3M in renovations at Victoria's Tillicum Shopping Centre before opening its new store in the former Target location
- Aritzia, a women's clothing retailer, opened a new location in Vancouver
- Up to 130 marijuana shops in Vancouver were forced to close their doors at the end of April. Of the 176 businesses that applied under the city's new regulations last year, only 41 were allowed to remain open.
- Polygon R&R Homes is developing R + R, a new 99-unit residential development in Vancouver. The six-storey building is Polygon's fifth development in as many years in Vancouver's River District.
- Tim Horton's is opening a new location in Sparwood. The building is currently under construction and is expected to open in December.
- Anita's Diamonds by Design recently opened in Kelowna's Towne Centre Mall
- Kamloops Innovation Centre, Venture Kamloops, and the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce joined together to form Startup Kamloops. The new group will focus on promoting entrepreneurship within the city.
- Bao Down, a Vancouver-based restaurant, opened a new location in False Creek
- British Columbia's wildfire season began on April 1, with three evacuation orders in South Taylor Hill, Charlie Lake, and Baldonnel. There are currently 21 fires burning near Fort St. John and 16 near Dawson Creek.
- CaliBurger is opening a franchise in Vancouver
Week of Apr 18 - Apr 22, 2016
- Ladner-Tsawwassen Kinsmen Club and Reach Child and Youth Development Society are building a new 21,000 sq.-ft. building in Delta. Construction is expected to begin in August.
- Conceptual plans were unveiled for a new long-term rental building in downtown Victoria. The 85,000 sq.-ft. building will include about 70 units as well as 5,000 sq.-ft. of ground-floor commercial space.
- Clean Energy BC anticipates future green energy projects will create 4,500 construction jobs, as well as more than 800 current and future operational positions in the province
- A 48km gravel footpath along an abandoned Vernon-Kelowna railway was recently proposed to Kelowna city council. Construction could begin this year and cost an estimated $7.9M.
- The Government of BC is spending $23M to combat gangs and gun violence in the province. Part of the funding will go towards the creation of two new 10-person anti-gang police units.
- Electra Meccanica, a Vancouver-based electric vehicle manufacturer, is preparing to launch a single-seat electric vehicle named "Solo". The company is opening retail stores in Vancouver, Toronto, Seattle and Manhattan.
- Choo Choo's, a family-friendly restaurant in Lanley, recently closed its doors
- Several new businesses have recently opened up storefronts in downtown Rossland. In September 2015, Rossland News observed 11 empty retail spaces, currently only three remain empty.
- Northern Health announced 19 community groups in northeast BC will receive grants through its IMAGINE program. The groups will receive a total of $75,000 through the grants.
- Northern Health anticipates it will need 143 new health care assistants in the Peace Region over the next five years. To help meet demand, Northern Light College is opening at least 10 spots for a spring course in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson.
- Vancouver city council is considering a shared-ownership pilot program to help make home ownership more affordable for moderate-income, longer-term residents
- Fresh St. Market is opening a new location in Surrey's Panorama Village shopping mall. The new store is currently under renovations and is expected to open in August.
- Interior Law recently opened a new law office in Penticton
- Northwest Regional Airport started work on its $16.4M expansion and renovation. The project includes a substantial renovation to the terminal building as well as an expanded passenger hold area. The project, which will be complete in late 2017, is expected to be sufficient for the airport's needs for the next 20 years.
- Riverside Marine will not start its Victoria to Vancouver passenger ferry service until next year. The company is expecting that a complete refit of its vessel will take five to six months and begin in late May.
- The unemployment rate in northeast BC has more than doubled in the last year, rising from 4.2% in March 2015 to 9.7% the same time this year
- Browns Socialhouse is opening a new location in Fort St. John. More than 80 workers have already been hired, with the restaurant still looking for another 10 employees.
- The Zen Den, a new store featuring yoga and active wear, recently opened in Kelowna
- Harkness and Co. Butchers closed the retail storefront of its Mount Pleasant butcher shop. The butcher is beginning a three-month trial offering meat as a delivery service instead, taking orders online.
- Woss Lake Elementary, a school on Vancouver Island with only three children enrolled next year, is closing its doors
Week of Apr 15 - Apr 19, 2016
- Quay Property Management was selected to develop The Shipyards, a new waterfront destination in North Vancouver. Construction is expected to begin this year and will be complete by the fall of 2018.
- Site preparation of Penticton Regional Hospital's new patient-care tower will begin in May, with construction starting in August. The $312.5M project is expected to create 1,900 direct and indirect jobs during construction.
Week of Apr 11 - Apr 15, 2016
- The Canadian Federation of Independent Business found that BC's private-sector has a 3% job vacancy rate, or approximately 50,000 positions. Businesses with fewer than 20 employees had a harder time finding candidates.
- The Government of BC is accepting applications for its Rural Dividend program. In its first year, the program will provide $25M to communities with populations under 25,000 to diversify and bolster their economies.
- CKF Inc., a food service and packaging manufacturer, is expanding its facility in Langley City by 20,000 sq.-ft. The company is the largest employer in the City with about 150 workers.
- Vancouver school board updated its budget proposal for the new school year. The new proposal significantly reduces the number of staff cuts under consideration in the district.
- A future capacity study completed by Urban Systems found that the new $25M Sechelt Water Resource Centre could require a $23M expansion if population growth estimates are correct
- A 43-storey residential tower was proposed for downtown Vancouver. The tower will include 188 condominiums as well as six levels of underground parking.
- A rezoning application to construct 30 single-family units in Richmond will result in eight businesses closing their doors if approved
- Okanagan-Similkameen School Board voted to close Osoyoos Secondary School and transfer its 233 students to Southern Okanagan Secondary in Oliver
- The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary voted to close the reuse centres at West Boundary, McKelvey Creek, and Grand Forks Landfill. The landfills are also reducing their hours of operation as a result of reduced usage.
- Imperial Metals recalled 44 workers from a temporary layoff at Huckleberry Mine. Despite the recall, the mine remains scheduled to shut down at the end of August.
- A large seniors care home, proposed by Elim Housing Society, was recently approved by Chilliwack city council. The new facility includes a mix of seniors living, residential care, and medical units for over 500 individuals.
- Good Earth Coffeehouse, a Calgary-based coffee shop, is planning to open three to five new locations in Vancouver over the next year
- Starline Enterprises recently broke ground on its three-tower residential development in Penticton. The first 12-storey tower includes 75 units and four garden apartments and will be built over the next 18 to 24 months.
- Selkirk College recently completed its inaugural Logger Training Program. The 11-week training program provided participants with work experience and job coaches.
- Lionsgate, a California-based studio, moved production of a new TV series from North Carolina to Vancouver. The move is expected to create a number of local jobs, more if the project involves multiple seasons.
- The Federal Government is providing $460M to the BC transit system over two years as part of the $3.4B Canada-wide public transit fund. The federal government will fund up to 50% of projects under the new program, up from the previous 33%.
- Peacock Bar & Grill recently opened in Surrey
- Horizon North, a Calgary-based modular building manufacturer, laid off 34 employees at its Kamloops location
- Whistler Blackcomb announced Renaissance, a $345M investment that will add year-round attractions and activities to the mountain. The Company expects that construction of the first two phases will take four to five years to complete.
- Voith Hydro Inc. was selected to design, supply, and install six turbines and generators for Site C dam. The $470M deal is expected to create about 400 person-years of employment.
- Wexford Creek Care Home, a seniors-care facility in Nanaimo, will lay off its entire staff on September 30. More than 150 employees are affected by the layoffs, ranging from nurses to care aides.
- TELUS is investing $5M to expand its fibre optic network to include Tofino and Ucluelet. The company expects that 90% of homes and businesses in the communities will be connected by the end of 2016.
- Richmond school district is considering closing four or five schools this year due to declining enrolment and aging facilities
Week of Apr 04 - Apr 08, 2016
- Bridge Studios, a film studio in Burnaby, is planning a multimillion-dollar expansion. Once complete, the expanded studio is expected to provide employment opportunities for 800 to 1,000 people.
- A major fire in Nanaimo recently destroyed 15 businesses. The affected businesses included a framer, graphic designer, clothing store, three art studios, and the Nanaimo Arts Council office and gallery space.
- Interior Heavy Equipment, a heavy equipment training school, opened a new location in Mission. The school offers courses from three to ten weeks long, teaching between 20 to 60 students at a time.
- Northwest Community College is planning an extensive renovation at its main campus in Terrace. An estimate found that $6M would be required to bring their trades building up to current standards.
- The Government of BC is setting up eight permanent mussel inspection stations to protect the province from invasive mussel species. The inspection stations will employ a total of 32 conservation officers between April and October.
- A number of new businesses recently opened in Summerland. Some of the new openings include landscaping services, food retailers, and bookkeepers.
- A developer is proposing a new micro-suite development in Lake Country. The two-building development will include 150 units, 42% of which will be larger than 45 sq. meters.
- West Fraser Mills and Interior Logging Association recently trained 16 new heavy duty equipment operators in Williams Lake. The training initiative received over 60 applications and all of the participants have received full time jobs in the forest industry.
- Chinese waste-management company, Bioland Environment Technologies Group, is opening its North American headquarters in Vancouver this year. The company expects to employ over 200 workers in the Lower Mainland by 2021.
- The City of Kelowna is beginning a $20M expansion to the Kelowna airport. The airport expansion will include a gas station and convenience store outside the terminal, and a Tim Hortons and Subway inside the departure lounge.
- Eaglequest Coyote Creek, a golf course in Surrey, recently hosted a hiring fair. The facility is hiring for multiple positions, including servers, bartenders and cooks.
- WorkBC is hosting an interview workshop in White Rock on April 18. "Rock that Interview" will cater to youth aged 15 to 24, providing tips and tricks to help with job interviews.
- Codan Radio Communications is hiring up to 30 engineers at its location in Victoria over the next five years. The Australia-based electronics manufacturer is expecting its production in Victoria to double over the same time.
- Woodfibre LNG, a liquefied natural gas export facility in Squamish, received federal environmental approval. The project is now awaiting a final investment decision.
- Uber, a ride-for-hire provider, began posting job advertisements for drivers in Vancouver despite not being legally eligible to operate in the province at this time
- Sears Canada recently closed several of its Hometown Store outlets in the province. Affected stores were located in Penticton, West Kelowna, Vernon, and Osoyoos.
- Camille's Restaurant, a 28-year-old restaurant in Victoria, recently closed its doors
- The first Burger King in Fort St. John recently opened its doors at Gateway Plaza. The new restaurant hired 45 employees and most of the construction work was completed by local tradespeople.
- A Vancouver School Board proposal is calling for 167 full-time job cuts next year and a further decrease of 35 going forward if enrolment continues to decline. About 80 of the affected jobs are positions that work directly with children, including support workers, vice-principals, and specialists.
- School District 20 is considering cutting its bus service in order to address a deficit of nearly $1M. Cutting bus services would affect 1850 students, including 100 living in rural areas.
- Omni Group is poised to begin its largest residential development project in the province. Vancouver's Cambie Corridor could include more than 400 units of low-cost housing, medical and recreational facilities, and a new SkyTrain station.
- The Railway Club, an iconic live music venue in Vancouver, recently closed its doors
- Dolce Melli, a European-style ice-cream shop, opened in Penticton in April.
- A new Shoppers Drug Mart recently opened its doors in Burnaby
- The Government of BC is investing $515,000 to support The Government of BC is investing $515,000 to support Aboriginal digital skills development with its Bridging to Technology program. The program will help develop advanced digital skills and professional development in up to 40 participants.
- Laduree Boutique and Tea Salon recently opened in Vancouver. The new location is Laduree's first location in Canada.
Week of Mar 28 - Apr 01, 2016
- A new community health centre is being built in Sun Peaks, and is expected to open in December 2016. The facility will serve the resort and also provide family doctor services for residents of nearby Whitecroft and Upper Louis Creek Valley.
- The Government of BC is providing nearly $7.2M for over 250 projects and programs across the province that safeguard vulnerable youth and women
- Construction of a new truck stop in Chetwynd is expected to start this spring. The development also includes a convenience store, liquor store, laundromat, showers and office space.
- BC Ferries is sending two Spirit-class vessels to a Polish shipyard for $140M in upgrades. Vancouver-based Seaspan pulled out of the bidding process as its BC shipyards are too busy to handle the work.
- The BC government and City of Richmond are spending nearly $25M on flood mitigation efforts in the area. The projects are expected to create 297 jobs.
- BC Housing and Abbotsford Community Services are building a new supportive housing project in the city. The four-storey building is expected to open in mid-2017, and will provide 30 residential units for men who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
- Construction will begin soon on a new winery near Osoyoos that is located at the site of the historic Haynes House. The winery is expected to be up and running by the fall of 2017.
- Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada recently closed its office in Prince George. The organization will continue to serve northern BC from its head office in Toronto and a location in Burnaby.
- New Westminster approved funding for a new $8M animal shelter. The new facility, which is expected to take three to four years to build, will be three times larger than the current shelter.
- The Government of Canada is reopening nine Veterans Affairs offices across the country, including locations in Prince George and Kelowna. A new office will also be opening in Surrey.
- Mission Group sold $10M worth of condominiums on the opening day of sales at Central Green, its new master-planned community in downtown Kelowna
- Houston-based KBR Inc. has been selected to complete the engineering and design work for the Woodfibre Liquefied Natural Gas project in Squamish
- Central Okanagan School District is building a new 125,000 sq.-ft. head office in Kelowna
- Kelowna Fire Department is seeking funding to build a new $9.1M fire hall and hire 20 additional firefighters
- Burnaby currently has 106 high-rise residential buildings either proposed or under construction, 47 of which are 40 storeys or higher. By comparison, Vancouver currently has 68 under development, with 13 above 40 storeys.
- Campbell River School District is closing two of its elementary schools. Oyster River and Discovery Passage are closing on June 30, with students transferring to other schools in the district.
- Construction of Tsawwassen First Nation's $25M sanitary sewage treatment plant is now complete
- Invermere's Canadian Tire is under new ownership and expanding its product line. The store has hired two new full-time staff and expects to hire additional part-time employees over the summer.
- Vancouver Coastal Health expects to increase the number of hospice beds in the city from 28 to 46
- Myrtle's Famous Hot Dogs is closing its doors at Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall
- Downtown Deli in Kimberley is closing
Week of Mar 21 - Mar 25, 2016
- Bosa Properties recently broke ground on Encore, a 134-unit residential tower in Victoria. The $40M building is the newest addition to the 20-acre Bayview Place development in Victoria West.
- Waterbridge Steel, a Nakusp-based ship builder, has been awarded a $27.9M contract to design and build four new cable ferries. The project will generate employment for around 30 individuals over four years.
- Some Vancouver families are struggling to find available child care spaces in the city. Neighbourhoods that are hardest to find after-school care include Yaletown, Sunset, Kerrisdale and South Vancouver.
- Audain Art Museum recently opened in Whistler. The $43.5M museum took three years to build.
- Parks Canada is providing the Hul'q'umi'num and Wsanec First Nations with $900,000 to restore ancient seafood farms in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. The five-year project will focus on rebuilding rock walls and clam gardens.
- The National Energy Board reports that Liard Basin, which straddles the BC, NWT and Yukon borders, could be one of the largest natural gas deposits in the world. According to estimates, the play could supply Canada's natural gas needs for 70 years.
- A Work BC job fair in Victoria recently attracted 50 employers and 1,200 job seekers
- Urban Sprout, an organic café, recently opened in Chilliwack
- The Government of BC is providing RainCity Housing with $270,000 to continue operating its 40-bed temporary homeless shelter in Maple Ridge until June 30, 2016. The shelter was previously scheduled to close at the end of March.
- Chetwynd's CIBC branch is closing in September 2016, once its operations are merged with a location in Dawson Creek. The bank is looking at transfer opportunities for the branch's five employees.
- The City of Vancouver broke ground on a new $38.75M, 135-unit affordable housing development
- Grizzli Winery, a new $30M development in West Kelowna, will open on May 1, 2016. Staff are being hired for administrative, vineyard, production and retail positions at the winery.
- The Canada Foundation for Innovation is providing $1.4M to support ten research projects at the University of BC
- Pretivm is ramping up construction at its Brucejack Gold Project near Smithers. The company expects to increase the number of workers at the site from 400 to 500.
- Boralex, a Québec-based renewable energy developer, is proceeding with its Red Willow project near Tumbler Ridge. Construction of the $480M development is expected to begin in 2018.
- The Government of Canada is providing $65.4M to start building two non-combat vessels at Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards
- BC Hydro attracted over 5,000 job seekers at Site C job fairs held across northern BC. Business-to-business meetings also drew over 700 local firms. The sessions were held to facilitate local employment and contract opportunities for the project.
- The BC government is providing $1.8M for the Women in Trades Training initiative. The funding will benefit up to 234 participants at Camosun College, Okanagan College, Thompson Rivers University and Tradeworks Training Society.
Week of Mar 14 - Mar 18, 2016
- FortisBC is building a new Kootenay Operations Centre in Castlegar. As a result, the company will move 38 positions from Warfield to Castlegar. Construction of the $22.4M project is expected to begin in May 2016.
- Gordon Head Recreation Centre, located in Saanich, will receive a $1.6M upgrade to reduce its carbon emissions
- CityAge recently held its sixth Data Effect conference in Vancouver. The conference examined how to design new health care systems and infrastructure to promote innovation and economic growth.
- The Government of BC announced $11.9M for three programs that promote clean energy. Over half of the funding will be used to continue incentives for purchasing clean energy vehicles.
- The Government of BC is expanding the Trans-Canada Highway near Victoria from three lanes to four. Design work for the project is expected to be complete by the end of 2017.
- The Government of BC made an offer to purchase the Quality Inn in Maple Ridge for $5.5M. The building is expected to be converted into 61 units of long-term supportive housing for individuals who are homeless or at risk.
- TELUS is upgrading its network to provide fibre optic internet to more than 90% of homes and businesses in Dawson Creek. The $10M investment should be complete before the end of 2016.
- Fort St. John's École Central Elementary School is being renovated. The project will transform its library, computer lab and a classroom into a centralized learning space.
- Cutbank Ridge Partnership approved the construction of Saturn Phase 2, an expansion to its compressor station located near Dawson Creek. The $930M project is part of Veresen Midstream's energy infrastructure development.
- Okanagan Skaha School Board is closing three schools on July 1, 2016. The affected schools are Westbench Elementary and McNicoll Park Middle School in Penticton, as well as Trout Creek Elementary in Summerland.
- Richmond School District is closing between three and five schools on June 30, 2017. The schools being considered for closure are at least 25% under-capacity and are older and in need of repairs.
- Alaska Highway News is closing its printing operations in Dawson Creek. The change is a result of the paper shifting to a weekly publication. The paper's editorial staff will be retained, providing daily coverage online.
- Metro Vancouver's TransLink is moving to a fully-automated toll system, but will continue to staff transit stations and terminals to assist disabled customers. However, this staffing will be a short-term policy until a permanent solution is found.
- A new $480,000 amphitheatre is being built in West Kelowna. The city is inviting bids for naming rights to the facility, which it hopes will be completed by early July 2016.
- MedviewMD, a Toronto-based telemedicine provider, is opening two new locations in Kamloops. Each studio is located within an existing pharmacy and is staffed with a nurse practitioner or registered nurse, as well as an assistant.
- West Fraser temporarily shut down production at its fibreboard mill in Quesnel after a fire broke out in early March. The mill's 100 employees will remain on the job, conducting cleanup and repair.
- Thompson River Veneer Products issued layoff notices to 40 workers at its plywood manufacturing facility in Kamloops. The company has retained 20 employees for its veneer-drying operations.
- Cradlepoint, a wireless network solutions provider, is opening a new operations centre in Kelowna. The development will create a number of highly-skilled jobs in the city.
- Plans for Dawson Creek's largest apartment complex have been approved. The new 160-unit development is expected to begin construction in summer 2016.
- The Government of BC is spending $23M to bring high-speed internet to every public school in the province
- The BC government is providing $9M to members of the Tsimshian First Nations. The funding, which will be issued over three years, supports skills training programs on the northwest coast.
- Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service is building a new laundry facility in the Okanagan to support its 20-year contract with Interior Health. The new facility, which is expected to open in mid-2017, will create up to 100 full-time unionized jobs.
- The City of Vancouver purchased the Arbutus Corridor, a 9km route from Kitsilano to the west side of the city, from Canadian Pacific Railway for $55M. A project office is being established to oversee development of the land.
Week of Mar 07 - Mar 11, 2016
- Kelowna's Paramount Theatre is closing as a result of redevelopment plans for the property
- Private MRI clinics in Nanaimo and Comox are performing 1,800 diagnostic tests for Island Health over the next three months. The $1M contract will help reduce the region's wait time for these services, which is currently around eight months.
- North Delta Recreation Centre recently reopened, following a $15.2M expansion. The expansion added 27,000 sq.-ft. of space including a fitness centre and aerobics studio.
- Construction recently started on Clayton North Secondary, a new high school in Surrey. The $55M school, which has capacity for 1,500 students, is expected to open in the fall of 2018.
- The Government of BC is providing Bioenterprise BC with $800,000 over four years to support the growth of innovative agri-tech businesses in the province
- Beachcombers Academy & Little Oysters Preschool, located in Comox Valley, recently completed a $267,000 renovation. Upgrades include a new preschool room, play structure and playground.
- The Conference Board of Canada predicts that Vancouver will be the only major metropolitan region in Canada to see economic growth above three percent in 2016. Vancouver's labour market is also forecast to add 26,600 jobs this year.
- Red Barn Market will open a new location in Esquimalt in spring 2017. The specialty grocer expects that its new store will create 75 jobs, including 15 to 20 full-time positions.
- Kamloops saw a slow start to building permits this year, with $15.3M in permits issued in January and February 2016. This compares to $30.8M in the same period last year
- The Bridge Lounge, a nightclub in downtown Courtenay, closed its doors on March 5
- Interior Health is cutting approximately 93 full-time positions once its laundry services are transferred to Ecotex Healthcare Linen Service in summer 2017. Staff in Kelowna, Nelson, Penticton, Vernon and Kamloops will be affected.
- North Island Employment Foundation Society is cautiously optimistic about job creation in the region in 2016. The group expects to see increases in tourism and construction. Major projects in the area include a new hospital and generating station.
- BC Hydro will begin seismic upgrades to the John Hart Dam once work on its generating station is complete in summer 2019. Work on these long-term projects, as well as the nearby Strathcona Dam, could take up to 20 years.
- The 2016 Squamish Valley Music Festival has been cancelled due to financial pressures, and it is unclear if the event will proceed in the future. The music festival generated $14.8M for the local economy in 2015.
- A recent study by the Union of BC Municipalities estimates that changes to BC ferry rates and routes deprived the province of $2.3B in economic activity. Another study from Alaska found that each dollar invested in ferry service returns $2.30 in economic benefits.
- The BC government recently put two oil and gas drilling licences and three parcels of land up for sale, but did not receive any successful bids
- Delta Museum has closed so that its current building can be repurposed and undergo $2.5M in renovations. The museum will be shut for at least a year, until a new location can be found and retrofitted.
- Victoria Conservatory of Music opened a new location on Victoriażs West Shore. The 30,000 sq.-ft. facility includes four classrooms and three studios, and employs around 20 instructors.
- The Conference Board of Canada estimates that if three large liquefied natural gas plants are built in BC, the provincial government would gain $2.9B per year
- CAE and Conair are developing a Wildfire Training and Simulation Centre in BC to provide pilot training for Conairżs RJ85 Airtanker aircraft
- Poly Culture North America has opened its headquarters in Vancouver. The art, culture, movie and theatre company currently has seven local employees and plans to expand quickly.
- Construction will begin soon on a residential building in Kelowna that fell into receivership in 2008. The Grace, a 21-storey high rise, includes 155 suites. Construction is expected to take two years.
Week of Feb 29 - Mar 04, 2016
- Export Development Canada will provide up to $750M to support small and medium-sized oil and gas companies. Companies will have to be active internationally or interested in expanding beyond Canada to receive funding.
- AltaGas is not proceeding with its proposed Douglas Channel liquefied natural gas terminal near Kitimat
- A development permit was issued for a new 15-storey tower in Richmond. The Alfa new tower joins three other similar developments in the area.
- Elk Falls Cemetery, in Campbell River, will undergo a $175,000 expansion
- Kwadacha First Nation, located north of Williston Lake, is hoping to build a $4M biomass project. The facility would burn wood waste to offset the diesel currently generating electricity for the community.
- A $35M upgrade to Vancouver's Burrard Bridge will start in March 2016 and take 18 months to complete
- The Government of BC announced a $6.45M expansion to the Douglas Street bus lane in Victoria. Construction for the project will begin in the fall of 2016.
- The abc Country Restaurant in Delta is closing. The restaurant has offered all of its staff positions at its Richmond location.
- Work has begun on Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital's $1.77M upgrade. The project, which is expected to be complete by mid-October, includes wall and window replacements, as well as an improved intensive care unit.
- Port Metro Vancouver issued a project permit to the Vancouver Airport Fuel Facilities Corporation to build a jet fuel storage facility. The project, which includes six storage tanks, is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
- Camosun College opened its new $30M Centre for Trades Education and Innovation in Victoria. The 80,000 sq.-ft. facility will offer 370 full-time seats in a variety of trades training programs.
- BC is on-track to see 28 new breweries opening in 2016. If all of the expected projects proceed, it will bring the total number of breweries in the province up to almost 140.
- In 2015, BC had 7.9% more international visitors compared to the previous year. It is estimated that each new daily international flight to BC creates between 450 to 600 direct and indirect jobs in the province.
- Homewood Health, an Ontario-based mental health and addiction care provider, is opening a new treatment centre in North Saanich. The facility will employ between 60 and 80 staff.
- Mercer released its rankings of quality of life in cities around the world. Vancouver was found to have the highest quality of life in the Americas and came in fifth globally.
- Nightingale, a new 120-seat restaurant, will be opening in Vancouver in mid-April 2016
- Starting this spring, Okanagan College is charging fees for its educational upgrading and English second language courses. Tuition will be up to $1,600 per semester; however, students who qualify for financial assistance may pay less.
- Leonżs Furniture is opening a new location in Victoria. The furniture company will complete about $500,000 in upgrades to the former Sears Home location before opening the new store in September 2016.
- A recent survey by the BC Construction Association found that a number of employers in BC hired laid off workers from Alberta's oil-patch in the last year. Several member companies are also currently recruiting full-time skilled tradespeople.
- Spare Rides, a new ride-on-demand app, has launched in Vancouver. The new app is allowed to operate in the city as it provides a carpooling service, as opposed to a taxi service.
- Buildex Vancouver recently held its annual construction industry trade show. The two-day event attracts over 14,000 attendees and features more than 600 exhibits and 70 educational seminars.
- "Contractors for the Site C dam project collected over 3,300 resumes during the first two job fairs held in Dawson Creek and Prince George. Job fairs were also held in Fort St. John, Mackenzie and Quesnel."
- Cineplex Entertainment opened a new 11-auditorium movie theatre in Vancouver. The 1,900-seat theatre employs 130 people and features a restaurant and lounge in its VIP area.
- Kit and Ace, a high-end clothing retailer, laid off 35 employees from its head office in Vancouver
Week of Feb 22 - Feb 26, 2016
- Community Marine Concepts is building two commercial buildings, instead of one, at Victoria International Marina. The City approved the $24M marina development, which is expected to begin construction in April.
- Kelowna General Hospital recently opened its new perinatal unit. The addition adds a new neonatal intensive care unit, five private delivery rooms, as well as nine private and four semi-private postpartum rooms.
- Timms Community Centre recently opened in Langley following 16 months of construction. The 14.3M building provides residents with fitness facilities, meeting and game rooms, a community kitchen and a café.
- Finning International, a Vancouver-based heavy equipment dealer, is cutting between 400 and 500 jobs globally. Approximately 200 of the jobs are located in Canada.
- The Fraser Health Authority is closing 80 acute-care hospital beds, in 10 hospitals, and opening more than 400 residential beds in the Fraser Valley. Overall, the health authority expects to add 400 additional nurses.
- Western Forest Products issued about 40 temporary layoffs at its Alberni Pacific Division mill. The company reports that the layoffs are a result of disputes in the bush and are expected to last a couple of months.
- The City of North Vancouver cancelled plans for the proposed $10M North Vancouver Museum
- The City of Victoria is replacing its fire department headquarters with a new $30M facility. Construction on the new building is expected to begin in early 2017.
- College of the Rockies is launching its Trades Exploration program in Cranbrook, aimed at workers laid off from Canal Flats mill. The 15-week program allows participants to explore several heavy trades and prepares them to enter apprenticeship training.
- The Industry Training Authority found apprenticeship placements for all 15 participants in its Construction Craft Worker Pilot Program. The program provided 10 weeks of training to members of the Tsimshian Nation.
- New Gold Inc. recently held an information session in Fort St. James regarding its Blackwater gold project near Vanderhoof. The company announced that the $1.28B mine will create between 1,200 and 1,500 jobs during construction and will employ 500 full-time workers over the 17-year lifespan.
- Quality Foods is opening a new location in View Royal
- Kool Runningżs Hair Salon recently opened in Chilliwack
- Teck Coal announced that its West Line Creek Active Water Treatment Facility in Elk Valley has begun full operations. The $120M facility removes selenium and nitrate from up to 7,500 cubic metres of mine-affected water per day.
- The BC Wine Museum recently reopened in a rennovated space in the Laurel Packinghouse in Kelowna. The space was previously occupied by the VQA Wine Shop, which closed in late 2015.
- NAG Construction recently received approval from Maple Ridge council to build a 43-unit townhouse complex along the Haney Bypass
- Tim Hortons is opening a new location in Sooke as part of an Esso gas station
- Hudsonżs Hope received $1.35M from the Federal Government's gas tax fund to install solar panels on some of its public buildings
- Canadian Wind Energy Association closed its BC office and will now focus on opportunities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The closure will not hurt the Meikle Wind Energy project; however, it may affect the $480M Red Willow project.
- Rocky Mountain School District is closing Field Elementary School at the end of June. The elementary school has three students this year, and one signed up for next year.
- Cox Developments is building two residential towers in Victoria named 989 Johnson. The towers, which are 15 and 17 storeys tall, will include 209 residential units as well as ground-floor commercial space.
- Joe Fresh closed its Uptown store in Victoria at the end of February, three years after opening
- Perch, a restaurant at the University of British Columbia, closed its doors
- The City of Vancouver received 176 applications from prospective marijuana dispensaries after new regulations were adopted. Fourteen applicants received a permit, and 62 applicants have filed an appeal.
Week of Feb 15 - Feb 19, 2016
- The Government of BC has realigned its funding for educational institutions to help meet the need for in-demand jobs. Targeted grants will focus on technology occupations such as engineering, and software or computer development.
- Construction will begin in March 2016 on the $11.3M Sam Ketcham Pool renovation project in Williams Lake
- Port Metro Vancouver is planning a $320M expansion for its Centerm container terminal. The project is expected to boost the container capacity at the Burrard Inlet by two-thirds.
- The federal government has awarded a $397,000 grant to the Okanagan Basin Water Board to study water flows in creeks entering Okanagan Lake
- Kanaka Creek Seniors Lodge, an independent living seniors facility in Maple Ridge, was recently destroyed by fire. The process has already begun to rebuild a $10M, 50,000 sq.-ft. building.
- School trustees in Salmon Arm voted to consolidate Salmon Arm Secondary into a one-campus model. The school will sell its Jackson campus and develop additional space at its Sullivan location.
- The Government of BC has committed $355M to create over 2,000 affordable housing units across the province. The funding will be distributed over a five year period, beginning with $50M in 2016-17 and increasing to $90M in 2020-21.
- The City of Merritt received federal funding to install UV light reactors onto its water wells. The $2M project is expected to go out to tender this fall and be finished in 2017.
- The Government of BC is selling 16 hectares of largely undeveloped land to the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. Once the sale is complete, First Nations members and the City of Vancouver will be consulted regarding redevelopment plans.
- Two projects on Vancouver Island received grants from the federal government's Green Municipal Fund. The grants provide $1M to conduct upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant in Ladysmith, as well as $60,300 to guide development in North Cowichan.
- Accio, a Victoria-based delivery company, is preparing to expand its services to include ride-sharing. The company is waiting until ride-sharing regulations are in place before launching its new service.
- Westcorp is delaying construction of its $65M Kelowna hotel until the fall of 2016. This is the second delay for the 24-storey hotel project, which was originally scheduled to begin in 2015.
- The BC government approved a 20 year mining lease for MGX Minerals in the East Kootenay region
- A new medical facility is being planned for Fort St. James, which will include a physician's clinic and support for mental health, addictions and public health. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
- Urban Academy, a private school in New Westminster, is proposing a new 60,000 sq.-ft. facility. The school is partnering with Wesgroup Properties, who plan to develop a 195,000 sq.-ft. residential building on the property.
- The governments of BC and Alberta are in discussions to build a new $1B power line between the provinces. The power line would allow Alberta to buy clean energy from BC while its phases out coal-fired power plants.
- Port Metro Vancouver is considering a proposal from G3 Global Holdings for a $500M state-of-the-art grain terminal near the Second Narrows Bridge. The project is expected to create between 175 and 200 construction jobs and 50 to 60 permanent jobs.
- F21 Red, a spinoff brand from Forever 21, is opening its first Western Canadian location in Abbotsford in fall 2016
- Big Smoke Burger recently opened its second lower mainland location at Simon Fraser University's campus in Burnaby
- Tim Hortons, Subway, and Coast Capital Insurance are now open at Omicron's new $100M Eagle Creek development in View Royal. Additional retailers are scheduled to open in the coming months.
- Kelson Group Property Management is planning to build a 100-unit rental complex in Kamloops. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2016 and finish in late 2017.
Week of Feb 08 - Feb 12, 2016
- Apprenticeships are on the rise in BC, with more than 10,000 employers sponsoring apprentices in 2015, compared to 9,500 in 2014
- The newly-formed South Vancouver Island Economic Development Association has set goals to increase employment in targeted sectors, attract project funding, and boost household income in the region
- A new art shop has opened in Prince George. 2 Studio Gallery also plans to host classes and other events.
- Huckleberry Mines will shut down by the end of August. Mining operations have already ceased, but around 160 workers will continue to process stockpiles until the end of the summer.
- North Island Employment Foundations Society is offering a new program for laid-off workers in the resource sector
- The last edition of Northeast News was published on February 11, 2016. The newspaper's closure impacts six full-time employees and 20 distribution staff.
- Horizon North, a Calgary-based oilfield camp management provider, has cut 39 permanent jobs and also announced 48 temporary layoffs at its Mount Paul Industrial Park in Kamloops. The facility still employs around 300 staff.
- A Canadian Freightways location in Kelowna is closing, impacting five local employees
- A new provincial program allows metal and coal mines to defer a portion of their electricity bills to BC Hydro. The initiative aims to support mining companies struggling with low commodity prices, and help protect 7,500 jobs in the industry.
- Columbia Basin Trust is providing $4.65M over three years to form a Basin Youth Network in the Kootenay region. The network will support job readiness, work experience, and leadership programs for youth.
- Thanks to a $1.05M donation, the University of BC is doubling the size of its David C. Lam Asian Garden in Vancouver. The expanded botanical garden will provide additional training opportunities for horticulturalists and researchers.
- Royal Dutch Shell is postponing a final investment decision on LNG Canada's $50B liquefied natural gas project in Kitimat until later this year
- Fort St. John is poised to sign an agreement with BC Hydro to address the impacts from the Site C Dam construction project. BC Hydro is expected to provide several million dollars in benefits to the community over a number of years.
- The City of Victoria is replacing its fire department's aging headquarters. The $30M construction project is expected to start in early 2017.
- Sears Home store in Victoria will close in July 2016. The store currently employs 25 people, some of whom will be offered positions at other locations
- The Okanagan Correctional Centre, which is currently under construction, is already recruiting correctional officers. The facility is scheduled to open in 2017, and will employ 240 full-time correctional staff and 60 support workers.
- Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate opened its first Canadian branch in Vancouver. The company has taken over DTZ Vancouver Real Estate and its team of 22 brokers.
- Red Barn Market recently opened its fifth store in Victoria. The speciality grocer's new location has 55 staff, including 14 full-time positions.
- BC Hydro is hosting job fairs in Chetwynd, Dawson Creek and Fort St. John in February 2016. BC Hydro expects that around 600 workers are needed by this spring for its Site C Dam construction project.
- A Rolex store is opening in Vancouver's Shangri-La Hotel
- Cranbrook's Baker Street Café recently opened a second location at the Canadian Rockies International Airport
Week of Feb 01 - Feb 05, 2016
- The Burns Lake Band expects construction of a new hotel to begin as early as March 2016. The band is working with Langley-based Britco to build the modular development.
- Vancouver Island's Capital Regional District began public consultations for potential wastewater treatment options. The proposals being considered are each estimated to be worth more than $1B.
- The Greater Victoria Rental Development Society is proposing an $11M, five-storey apartment building in Sidney. Half of the building's 56-units would be designated as affordable housing.
- As part of a provincial effort to add 1,600 nursing positions, the Interior Health Authority announced that 16 positions will be created in Cranbrook and 29 in the East Kootenay region
- Zhiye Photoelectric Precision Technology, a China-based photo-etching company, is investing $1M to establish a research and development facility in Vancouver
- Verity Construction started work on the first phase of the District of North Saanich's municipal hall replacement project. The second phase of the $2.5M project will begin later this year.
- A proposal for a new mountain resort, Garibaldi At Squamish, has received an environmental assessment certificate. The $3.5B resort would be built over 20 years, creating an estimated 2,000 construction jobs and 4,000 operational jobs.
- The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is expanding its Job Skills program to Sooke and Central Saanich. The seven-week program helps people who face complex barriers to employment.
- The Nechako-Kitimaat Development Fund Society has approved $422,436 in funding for six projects in communities such as Fraser Lake, Vanderhoof and Burns Lake
- Salmon Arm City Council approved a development permit for a new car wash
- AltaGas announced plans to build a propane export terminal in Price Rupert. The terminal, which is expected to cost between $400M and $600M, would see the equivalent of 50-60 railcars of propane coming from Alberta and BC per day.
- The Williams Lake Economic Corporation partnered with the University of Northern BC to launch an economic development project. The initiative will offer small workshops for individuals and organizations over a period of six to eight months.
- Morguard Investments submitted plans for an 11-storey residential building in Uptown Saanich. The development features 134 rental suites and townhomes, as well as 55,000 sq.-ft. of retail space.
- Pacific NorthWest LNG recently leased two floors of office space in downtown Vancouver. The new space will accommodate up to 75 staff.
- Wilson's Transportation took over cross-water bus service between Victoria and Vancouver from Pacific Coach Lines. The company moved four of its casual drivers to full-time and added two additional positions.
- Whole Foods Market recently opened a new location in Burnaby's Brentwood neighbourhood. The 41,000 sq.-ft. store is the retailers' fifth location in BC.
- Video Stop, the last remaining video rental store in Terrace, has closed
- The Walmart in Trail reopened following an expansion. The store has added over 20 new positions, and now employs 150 full- and part-time staff.
- North Peace Savings & Credit Union is expanding to serve clients in Kitimat, Terrace and Prince Rupert
- Vancouver's Pattison Toyota Downtown plans to move into an eight-storey vertical dealership at the Burrard Place development. One office and two residential towers are also expected to be built at the site.
- The Vancouver School Board voted to close 12 or 13 schools over the next 14 years. Meanwhile, eight more schools may be converted into temporary classrooms while seismic upgrades are completed at other locations.
Week of Jan 25 - Jan 29, 2016
- Northern Health hopes to create 100 nursing jobs by the end of March. There are currently 143 registered nurse positions in the region and recruitment can be difficult for remote communities.
- car2go announced that it is eliminating Lower Capilano, Pemberton Heights, and Northgate from its home areas. The company plans to reallocate vehicles in these neighbourhoods to other areas of the Vancouver.
- The Penticton Regional Hospital selected Ellis Don Infrastructure to build its new patient care tower and parkade. Construction is expected to begin after a contract is finalized this spring, with the tower opening in 2019.
- Xenon Pharmaceuticals, a Burnaby-based bio-tech company, is teaming up with MOSAIC, a settlement services organization, to provide employment opportunities for skilled refugees in the health and life sciences sector
- Swamp Donkey Oilfield Services recently laid off up to 70 employees. The company retained only a few staff, but hopes to recall workers when demand for energy services increases.
- BC's Ministry of Energy and Mines has published its annual report on mineral exploration in the province. The report highlights that exploration slowed in 2015, continuing a trend that began in 2011.
- The Nanaimo Daily News closed its doors at the end of January. Black Press, the owner of the newspaper, will continue to publish the twice-weekly Nanaimo News Bulletin.
- Spectra Energy proposed a 27km expansion to the Wyndwood Pipeline. If approved, the project could begin in the third quarter of 2016.
- The Budzey, a long-term housing project for women and women-led families, is now fully occupied. The building features 147 residential units from studio apartments to three-bedroom family suites.
- The Government of BC announced $50,000 in funding to help train electricians in the installation and maintenance of charging stations for electric vehicles
- RPB Hotels is building a 70-room addition to its Lakeside Resort in Penticton. Construction is expected to begin in March and finish in time for the 2017 summer season.
- The Government of BC plans to hire 1,632 full-time registered nurses by the end of March. It is estimated that there are 7,000 nurses currently working casually in the province and that many of them will apply for full-time positions.
- The Victoria Clipper announced plans to begin harbour-to-harbour service between Victoria and Vancouver. The expanded service will see Victoria Clipper double its staff of 22 employees.
- Riverside Marine is spending $15M to establish a passenger service between Victoria and Vancouver starting in July
- Willoughby Junction Preschool in Langley is closing its doors. The preschool was unable to fill all of the spots it had available and cites financial troubles for the closure.
- Tolko Industries will curtail some operations at its Lakeview Mill in Williams Lake. The decision could affect approximately 30 employees.
- As a result of the lower Canadian dollar, the proportion of US buyers of BC recreational property increased from 6.4% in 2014 to 8% between January and October 2015, before rising to 12% in November and December
- Continental Pipeline and Facility notified its employees that the firm will close its doors in March. The Fort St. John company stated that it will complete current projects, but is not accepting new work.
- Postmedia is laying off approximately 90 workers across Canada. The company indicates that none of the layoffs will affect employees in Vancouver, but still expects to offer buyout packages to local staff.
- Construction began on The Polygon Gallery, a new two-level gallery in North Vancouver. The $15M project is expected to be finished next year and open in the fall of 2017.
- PC Urban announced plans to build IntraUrban Business Park, a strata industrial business park in south Vancouver. The project includes 55 units, ranging from 3,000 to 53,000 sq.-ft. spaces. Construction is expected to begin in March.
- Starting in February, Cando Rail Services will begin the $7M to $10M development of its new rail terminal in Kamloops. The company expects to create approximately 50 jobs in the community.
- The Government of BC announced that computer coding classes will be phased into provincial curriculum over the next three years. The move will teach young children different methods of problem solving, while giving them skills for future jobs.
Week of Jan 18 - Jan 22, 2016
- Colwood council approved two new developments. The first is an apartment complex and nine single-family dwellings. The second project is a six-phase development which includes 33 condominiums in three low-rise buildings.
- Five businesses on West Fourth, in Vancouver, are relocating to new locations as the building is being cleared for a new development. One of the affected businesses, Buen Café, has chosen to close permanently.
- A group of Vernon doctors announced that they will open a new medical clinic in March. The news comes after another Vernon clinic recently announced it is closing and a second announced it is reducing its hours of operation.
- The Victoria Women in Need Community Co-operative is opening a new location in Langford. The co-operative creates opportunities for local women to be self-sufficient and employed through a number of programs.
- Selkirk College announced that it will begin offering Red Seal training with a Professional Cook 3 course, starting in February.
- Hillsborough Resources suspended operations at its Quinsam coal mine near Campbell River. The company did not say how many of its 66 employees would be affected by the shutdown; however the company will continue to ship coal from its inventory to meet contractual commitments this year.
- The Prince Rupert Port Authority released its Economic Impact of Capital Expansions Plans forecast. The forecast predicts that its full-buildout development plan could generate about 5,000 new jobs directly related to port activity in northern BC.
- Larch Hills Nordic Society approved an expansion which would increase the chalet's size from 1,200 to 3,600 sq.-ft.
- Bosa Properties and BlueSky Properties are constructing the first tower of the three-building Lougheed Heights development. The 37-storey development will include 334 units as well as four townhomes, with occupancy anticipated in winter of 2018.
- Cando Rail Services recently purchased the 36-hectare former Weyco site in Mission Flats. The company plans to build an extensive rail terminal at the location and expecting to employ hundreds of workers.
- Island Health announced plans to perform 3,160 more MRI between now and March. As a result, 4.6 full-time-equivalent MRI technicians have been hired at the south Island, and 2.2 additional technicians at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
- Esdilagh (Alexandria) First Nation announced that it is building a new community and health centre. The new building, which is expected to be completed by July 2016, will replace the band office which was destroyed over a year ago.
- The Canadian Cancer Society opened a new Community Initiatives office in Dawson Creek on Jan 20
- Chemainus Foods announced that it has closed its doors. The closure leaves Chemainus with one grocery store, 49th Parallel Grocery.
- Pryndik Bit and Supply Limited recently closed its doors. The Fort St. John business, which manufactured oilfield drill bits, cited the downturn in the economy as the reason for the closure.
- Penticton city council recently found that 25 city-owned buildings would require $31M in repairs and upgrades over the next decade. The city is exploring its options to reduce the number of buildings that will require repairs.
- Comox Strathcona Waste Management started the first phase of its Comox Valley landfill closure project by installing a landfill gas flare system at the Cumberland dump. The cost to close the dump is estimated at over $10M.
- In an effort to help local businesses connect with Peace River Hydro Partners, the BC Chamber of Commerce and BC Hydro are hosting several networking sessions throughout January and February.
- The Columbia Basin Trust increased its Community Initiatives and Affected Areas program funding from $3.6M to $4.2M. The program provides funding to local government and First Nation partners to support community projects.
- The Clean Energy Vehicle for BC program, which offers a $5,000 rebate on new electric vehicle sales, has nearly been exhausted. The program, which was expected to last until March 2018, is expected to run out early.
- Fraser Works Co-op recently launched its Working Man's Closet program. The program provides interview-appropriate clothing to men free of charge to help with job searches.
Week of Jan 11 - Jan 15, 2016
- Family Naturopathic Clinic is hoping to expand its services for low income families. The Victoria clinic, which provides free naturopathic health care to young parents and low income families, currently has a waiting list of about four months.
- The Town of Sidney and Victoria Airport Authority announced a land swap. The move is expected to help the development of a new community safety building for Sidney, along with a commercial and retail area for the airport.
- A new crepe and panini shop, Hot and Toasty Café, recently opened in Langley.
- The National Energy Board granted LNG Canada a 40-year export licence for its planned terminal near Kitimat. The license, which allows for up to 1,494 billion cubic metres of gas, will expire if exports have not begun by December 31, 2022.
- The Okanagan Skaha School District added Trout Creek Elementary to the list of schools being considered for closure. Trout Creek currently has 182 students and enrollment is projected to decrease to 168 by 2018.
- The Chetwynd Echo recently closed its doors. The Echo is the most recent in a growing list of community newspapers shuttering across BC.
- The Government of BC is proposing a payment deferral program to support mines in the province. The program would defer a portion of the mines' electrical bills until prices for mineral commodities increase.
- A new airline company, NewLeaf Travel, will begin offering low-cost flights on February 12. The company will fly into seven Canadian cities, including Kelowna and Abbotsford.
- The Canada-BC Job Grant launched new funding streams in 2016. These initiatives provide training opportunities for newcomers, refugees, and priority sectors.
- Imperial Metals Corp. announced that it is laying off about 100 workers at its Huckleberry mine near Houston. This is the second round of layoffs at the mine, and affects around one-third of its workers.
- A new restaurant and bar, Craft Bierhaus, recently opened in Revelstoke.
- Granite Medical Clinic is closing its doors by the end of March. The closure will leave Merritt with only six doctors, but the Interior Health Authority is attempting to recruit three more.
- Pacific Coastal Airlines will begin offering twice-daily flights from Prince George to Victoria.
- Status of Women Canada awarded a $163,000 grant to the Community Resource Centre to support self-employed women and business owners on the Sunshine Coast. The project runs until October 2017.
- Original Joe's Restaurant & Bar is opening a new location in Dawson Creek.
- Riverside Marine announced that it could begin passenger ferry service between Vancouver and Victoria's Inner Harbour as early as this summer. The company recently started retrofitting a catamaran to handle up to 300 passengers.
- A number of resource-based communities in BC experienced multi-year declines in home values. The drop in copper and coal prices is significantly impacting towns such as Trail, Elkford, Fraser Lake, and Tumbler Ridge.
- TransLink will add 21 new busses to its fleet. The three-door busses are part of an ongoing effort to replace aging vehicles.
Week of Jan 04 - Jan 08, 2016
- After losing its contract with BC Ferries, Pacific Coach Lines faces layoffs for about 70% of its workforce. Starting in February, bus service on BC Ferries will be provided by Wilson's Transportation.
- Westcorp plans to build a new $65M hotel in downtown Kelowna. Construction of the 24-storey development is expected to begin in early 2016 and will take 22 months to complete.
- Beach Fire Brewing is working to bring a craft brewery to Campbell River. If approved, the company expects to create 15 new jobs at the brewery and restaurant.
- Since September, more than 1,300 single parents in BC have signed up for the provincial government's Single Parent Employment Initiative. Of those, more than 100 are enrolled in training programs and 50 are already working.
- The Surrey School District expects to add over 6,500 new students over the next decade, which would require three new schools and three expansions
- Upgrades to the Surrey Central SkyTrain Station are expected to start in May. The expansion includes a new station house, commercial building, and additional platform space.
- The Ruby Princess cruise ship was recently refitted at the Esquimalt drydock. The project, which is valued at between $4M and $5M, saw 350 Victoria Shipyards workers and 350 Princess employees working long shifts over ten days.
- TransCanada and the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation formed a new Pipeline Benefits Agreement for the Coastal GasLink Pipeline. The proposed liquefied natural gas pipeline would run from Dawson Creek to Kitimat.
- The City of Prince Rupert approved a new eight-storey, 72-unit, condominium. The project is expected to break ground in 2016.
- Yellow Cabs is looking to expand its service to Fort St. John. The Passenger Transportation Board of BC set a hearing for February, when it will decide whether to approve the application for 21 new cabs.
- The Government of BC announced it will invest $175M to build a new hub for mental health care services in Coquitlam. Two new buildings will house existing programs, including the Maples Adolescent Treatment Centre and a facility for mental health and addiction,
- The City of Nanaimo recently laid off three members of its senior management team as a result of organizational changes and budgetary pressures
- The City of Grand Forks recently gave layoff notices to three employees. The layoffs are expected to save the city approximately $300,000 annually, which will be used for infrastructure projects.
- Great Canadian Gaming recently completed a $11M renovation of the Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino in Cloverdale. The facility was rebranded as Elements Casino and its workforce increased from 290 to 380 employees.
- Dairy Queen recently opened a new location in Lake Country that employs 45 staff
- BC Ferries added over 150 additional sailings between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island over the holiday season
- The City of Victoria opened a new business hub at city hall. The business hub is a one-stop shop for businesses trying to set up or expand in the city. The city also announced plans to hire a business ambassador.
- Salman Partners, a Vancouver-based investment banker and broker, is closing its doors in February. The firm announced that it will make arrangement to transfer its accounts to other brokerage companies.
- The Government of BC announced plans to replace the George Massey Tunnel with a ten-lane toll bridge. Construction will begin in 2017, and is expected to create about 9,000 direct jobs over the life of the project.
- World Journal Vancouver closed its doors on January 1. The newspaper is one of three mainstream Chinese-language dailies in the region. The paper employs more than 20 people in Toronto and Vancouver.
- Three Voices of Healing, a 12-bed alcohol and drug abuse treatment centre in Invermere, closed its doors at the end of the year. The closure impacts approximately nine employees at the centre.
- The Village of Clinton approved a development permit for Clinton Hangyang Zhengong International Investments to construct a water bottling plant. Construction of the 85,000 sq.-ft. facility will begin in April. The plant is expected to create between 40 and 60 jobs once complete in spring 2017.
- The City of Vancouver approved more than 1,300 new rental units in 2015 in an effort to improve the supply of rental housing. This is the fourth year in a row that the city has met its annual target of approving 1,000 rental units.
- The City of Vancouver opened an additional 60 winter shelter spaces, bringing the total to 230. The new spaces are in three locations, on Burrard St., East Hastings St., and in the Downtown Eastside.
Week of Dec 14 - Dec 18, 2015
- The province of BC is opening a new trade office in Jakarta in the first quarter of 2016. The trade office will help small businesses in BC to export their goods to Southeast Asia. Currently, only 1.3% of BC small businesses are exporters.
- The Fraser Institute published its 2015 edition of Waiting Your Turn, a report on health wait times across Canada. The report found that the wait time between referral and seeing a specialist in BC decreased from 9.5 weeks in 2014 to 8.4 weeks in 2015.
- The Kootenay Lake school board announced that it will spend the majority of its $734,000 budget surplus on staffing. The decision includes adding a new computer technician and stabilizing clerical hours.
- Construction of a new 70,000 sq.-ft. Cabela's is underway at McCallum Junction. The new store is expected to open in the fall of 2016.
- Animation jobs in Vancouver are growing; DreamWorks Animation and DHX Media announced that they are producing 130 episodes of children's animation in their Vancouver and Halifax studios.
- Surrey's Centre for Child Development recently completed its expansion. The expansion creates 37 new child care spaces, as well as a renovated therapy wing.
- Port Metro Vancouver plans to reduce the RCMP-led National Port Enforcement Team from 13 to nine officers, as the port invested in a number of additional security upgrades, including 600 cameras, access gates, and patrol boats.
- The Regional District of Nanaimo awarded a $2M contract to Island West Coast Developments. The contract will help to extend the life of the Cedar landfill until at least 2040.
- The Capital Regional District Hospital Board hopes to fund 367 affordable or supportive-housing units. The housing would include 182 brick-and-mortar units and 185 rent supplement units.
- Phase three has begun at the CastleRock subdivision of Invermere. The first two phases were completed prior to 2008, and phase 3 was delayed when the previous owners declared bankruptcy in 2009.
- Parkside Place, a commercial strip in downtown Invermere, is at full occupancy for the first time in its 10-year history. Invermere council has begun considering a new development on the land just north of Parkside Place, which it owns.
- The Government of BC announced an $800,000 investment which will provide 168 unemployed and underemployed members of the Gitxsan Nation receive training to support the emerging liquefied natural gas industry.
- The Cutbank Ridge Partnership recently approved a $715M gas processing plant south of Fort St. John. The Tower gas plant, which will draw its supply from the Montney resource play, is expected to be in service in late 2017.
- Underhill Geomatics was recently awarded a $300,000 surveying contract for the Site C dam. The surveying work will currently only require two or three people, but there may be a need for more later on.
- Jaguar Land Rover recently opened a new dealership in Langley. The 33,271 sq.-ft. dealership is part of the country's first-ever luxury auto mall.
- Jackfish Dundee's, a pub in Charlie Lake that closed at the end of October, has recently reopened under new ownership. Most of the pubs former staff have agreed to stay on and work under the new management.
- Shoulder Tappers, a program which partners career co-ordinators or recruitment specialists with elementary and secondary school students, received an investment of $4.9M from the Government of BC and the Northern Development Initiative Trust.
- PC Urban Properties announced plans for a 54,000 sq.-ft. business and manufacturing building in Mount Pleasant, while maintaining the existing art deco façade of the 1942 building on the property. Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2016.
- The Government of BC announced the BC Tech Fund, a $100M venture capital fund aimed at stimulating growth and creating jobs in the technology sector. The fund will be in operation next year after securing a private sector fund manager to administer it.
- The BC Innovation Council and the Government of BC are hosting the #BCTECH Summit on January 18 and 19 in Vancouver. The summit features a Career Showcase, which is offered to secondary and post-secondary students at no charge.
- The Vernon Jubilee Hospital recently completed a $30M upgrade. The expansion, which includes 60 new beds, will result in the hospital hiring 17 additional nurses.
Week of Dec 07 - Dec 11, 2015
- Kelowna 's city council is considering building a new $50M sports and activity facility to replace the Parkinson Recreation Centre
- LNG Canada recently began site work at its proposed liquefied natural gas facility in Kitimat. The clearing work will speed up construction should the project proceed. A final investment decision is expected in 2016.
- The Conference Board of Canada predicts that BC will see 3.6% economic growth in 2016, should Petronas' $11B liquefied natural gas terminal proceeds as planned. If the facility does not go ahead, the projection drops to 2.6% growth.
- The Government of BC is funding a new 40-bed temporary shelter in Victoria. Victoria currently has 150 year-round shelter spaces and an additional 145 spaces during extreme weather.
- Complete Contracting proposed a new light industrial mall near Alberni Mall. The proposed development would include light industrial or commercial buildings. If approved, construction could begin in spring 2016.
- The District of Hudson's Hope plans to build a new public works shop. The district recently put up a request for qualifications to supply and construct the new facility.
- The City of Vancouver proposed a plan to bolster its rental tenancy protection program. Vancouver currently has one of the lowest vacancy rates in Canada, averaging 0.9% over the last 40 years.
- Nanaimo's school district voted to close the Rutherford Elementary and Woodlands Secondary schools. The decision comes as a result of a $2.7M structural deficit.
- The North Delta Recreation Centre's $15.2M expansion is nearly complete. The project has been under construction since July 2015, and a grand opening is scheduled for February 2016.
- The Sisters of St. Ann set up a $2M endowment at the University of Victoria. The fund will help up to 15 disadvantaged youth each year to pursue undergraduate degrees.
- The City of Trail has hired a project manager to build the new Riverfront Centre library and museum. The next phase will be to recruit an architect for the $7.7M project.
- The Government of BC is supporting microbreweries by allowing BC Liquor Stores to expand their selection of local offerings
- Vernon plans to add an additional two RCMP officers to its local detachment, bringing the total up to 50 officers
- Hudson's Bay Company is opening four new Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th outlets across the country. The first of the new stores will be located in Delta, opening in fall 2016. The company plans to open as many as 25 locations by 2019.
- Frank and Oak, a Montreal-based menswear brand, opened a permanent retail location in Vancouver
- Hootsuite, a social media management company, recently laid off 20 employees in Vancouver as part of a global reorganization
- Francis Jewellers, a jewellery store in downtown Courtenay, is closing its doors
- Hawkair, a regional airline in northwestern BC, is closing its Terrace reservation office. The closure will impact two full-time and six part-time employees, as well as two casual workers.
- Port Metro Vancouver approved a $50M upgrade to the Surrey Fraser Docks. The upgrade will allow 80 Panamax-size ships to be loaded with US coal each year to be shipped to Asia. Construction should begin within a year and be completed within four.
- A new restaurant, Alcan Smokehouse, recently opened in Dawson Creek
- Imperial Metals Corporation laid off 20 workers at its Huckleberry Mine near Houston. The mine currently has about 250 employees.
Week of Nov 30 - Dec 04, 2015
- The residents of Vernon and Coldstream voted to twin the Vernon hockey arena, Kal Tire Place. Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2016 and take about two years to complete.
- Encana is scaling back drilling activity at its Montney play in northeast BC and northwest Alberta. The number of workers at the company's camp near Dawson Creek has decreased from 1,200 to 271 over the last year.
- The BC Government launched the third phase of its Child Care Major Capital Funding Program. The initiative is expected to create 1,700 new child care spaces across the province.
- Paper Excellence announced that it is laying off 109 workers at Chetwynd Mechanical Pulp. The mill, which is currently on a routine maintenance shutdown, has had its start-up date pushed back from January to March 2016.
- Hawkair Aviation ceased its winter service to Prince Rupert. As a result of the change, the company laid off two full-time and five part-time employees. Hawkair plans to restart its service to Prince Rupert in May or June.
- The City of Richmond is considering the creation of its own civic police force. The police force is projected to cost up to $48.6M in 2018, compared to the RCMP cost of $44.7M. The switch would also incur a transition cost of up to $24M.
- Rosenau Transport has moved into a new location at the recently completed $5.5M warehouse at the Prince George Airport. The trucking company occupies 60 percent of the 25,000-sq.-ft. facility.
- The University of British Columbia will begin accepting four recent medical graduates each year into its two-year Family Practice Residency program at its Okanagan campus
- The Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre pushed its opening date back to March. The $55M centre, which was initially expected to open in the summer of 2014, will complete its staff training and user-group testing during January and February.
- Walmart opened its new location in downtown Maple Ridge on December 3. The store occupies the former Target location in Haney Place Mall.
- Pacific Coastal Airlines set up a new permanent base at the Kelowna airport, creating six new staff positions. The airline also launched a new, twice daily flight between the Okanagan and Victoria.
- The Vancouver Economic Centre and the Hanhai Zhiye Group announced the China Canada Clean Tech Innovation Centre. The centre will foster the development of start-ups in the sector and promote access to Asian markets.
- Greyback Construction, a Penticton-based construction company, began work on the new fire hall for the Town of Osoyoos. Construction of the $5.6M facility is expected to be complete in November 2016.
- The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council entered into a partnership with BCJobs.ca and BCtechjobs.ca. The partnership will expand the reach of job postings by Victoria employers in the tech sector.
- New Westminster City Council recently approved a $6.5M renovation of its City Hall. Construction will begin in July 2016 and is scheduled for completion by December 2017
- REALnorth Opportunities Fund announced plans to develop 144 acres of land east of the Fort St. John Hospital. The development is expected to be a mixed-use community of residential and commercial properties.
- Tourism Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows will close its visitors centre at the end of the year .
- The BC Government has awarded the main civil works contract for BC Hydro's Site C dam. Contractors on the project expect to have 600 workers by May 2016 and 1,500 by mid-2018. Hiring efforts will focus on local workers.
- Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is moving to a new location in Penticton. Construction of the $25M casino will begin in 2016 and create about 200 person-years of employment over 18 months. Once complete, the casino's staff will increase from 135 to 300.
- The Government of BC announced a new $24.8M elementary school in Fort St. John. The new school, which is scheduled for completion in late 2017, will create 365 new student spaces in the city.
- The Vernon Family Doctors Medical Clinic will be closing its doors in March 2016. The closure is due to a shortage of doctors in the city. Once the clinic closes, it will leave Vernon with only two medical clinics.
- The Abbotsford Police Department is hiring four investigative support officers and one IT helpdesk worker. This is the first time that the local police force's staffing has increased since 2012.
Week of Nov 25 - Nov 29, 2015
- The Regional District of North Okanagan recently approved a number of variances to allow North Enderby Timber to expand its facility.
- Oliver and its neighbouring communities are requesting additional RCMP officers after a nearly 70% increase in crime over the past year
Week of Nov 23 - Nov 27, 2015
- Kirschner Mountain, a new Kelowna neighbourhood, submitted a revised development plan. The updated plan increases the neighbourhood from 600 homes to 771, with a focus on multi-family units.
- The Greater Victoria Economic Development Agency recently proposed the creation of a new economic body that would receive funding from all 13 Greater Victoria municipalities. The new organization would have an annual operating budget of around $700,000.
- TimberWest placed a hold on its proposed $60M pellet plant at Duke Point. The company is conducting a review of the business model for the plant, which was scheduled to begin construction this year.
- Energy Services BC is working with the Business Development Bank of Canada to help educate companies in Northeast BC on how to access the bank's new $500M funding. The new fund aims to help businesses struggling in the oil & gas industry.
- Woods Coffee will open its first Canadian location in Tsawwassen. The new location, at the Tsawwassen Springs Golf Club, is expected to open in early 2016.
- Ski resorts across BC started opening for the season. Whistler, Grouse, Sun Beaks, and Silver Star are now open thanks to fresh snow across the province.
- The City of Abbotsford Economic Development launched a new website to encourage business growth. The new site features an interactive map that displays data such as consumer spending, labour force distribution and household income.
- Okanagan College is showcasing its Residential Construction program, a 26-week course beginning in February. The course will allow students to work with a homebuilder constructing two homes in Kelowna, providing them with training and experience.
- Canfor completed a final shutdown of its Canal Flats sawmill. Excluding workers who accepted transfers to other mills, 53 workers were laid off between May and November. The company created four security positions at the mill for the next 24 weeks.
- Secondary schools in Lillooet and Lytton will receive over $1M in funding from the provincial government to complete upgrades and repairs. Work is expected to begin this year and finish by spring 2016.
- The BC Technology Industry Association has teamed up with PayPal Canada to establish a financial tech hub in Vancouver. There are currently between 70 and 100 financial tech companies in the area, ranging from start-ups to established firms.
- The Nelson Police Department requested funding for two additional constables and one administrative coordinator for 2016.
- Skeena Sawmill, a wood processing facility in Terrace, shut down half of its operations due to a decrease in log supply. The mill currently has only 45 staff, but normally employs 85 workers.
- The Four Seasons Motor Inn in Fort St. John is beginning a major renovation, which is expected to be complete by June 2016. The hotel's new management is hoping that the renovated property will benefit from Liquefied Natural Gas investment in the region.
- Finning confirmed that its Sparwood facility will close by mid-2016. However, the company expects that field technicians will continue to support its customers in the area.
- Two new retail stores have opened in downtown Trail. Sonsie sells clothing and accessories, while Combort Walk specializes in footwear.
- Career City College, a new educational institute, recently opened its doors in Kelowna. The new campus offers accounting, human resources and business programs.
- Teck Resources announced that it will be closing its Coal Mountain mine, located near Sparwood, in the fourth quarter of 2017. The mine currently employs around 200 unionized and 100 non-union workers.
- Bell Media recently laid off 18 staffers in Vancouver as part of a Canada-wide reduction. CTV Vancouver and TSN Radio 1040/1410 were both affected by the cuts.
Week of Nov 16 - Nov 20, 2015
- Penticton's city council is expected to approve Starline Enterprises' 12-storey tower at the south end of the city. The development is the first of three residential towers planned, and will include 71 units and four garden apartments.
- The Eaglet Lake Farmers' Institute in Prince George started the Young Farmer's Project, a program for school-aged children interested in a career in farming.
- Mission, Kent and Delta have agreed to an inter-municipal business licence program. The initiative allows contractors to work in all municipalities that have signed on to the program without having to obtain business licences in each city.
- Venture capital investment in BC totalled $290M in the first nine months of 2015, which was $100M lower than the same period last year, and more than $200M lower than 2013. Canada-wide, venture capital investment has increased.
- The Government of BC provided the Northern Brain Injury Association with $91,252. The funding will help the organization build services in the northeast as well as Quesnel.
- The Yale Hotel reopened as the Yale Saloon on November 13. The Vancouver bar has been closed for four years, and recently completed a major renovation. The building also includes 43 low-cost housing units.
- The new chief of the Tk'emlups Indian Band pledged that economic development will be a main focus for the band. The chief also announced that he would like to increase revenue and invest in infrastructure.
- TransCanada announced a $570M system expansion for its NOVA Gas Transmission line in northeastern BC and northwestern Alberta. Construction of the upgrades is expected to start in 2017.
- The Tsawwassen First Nation has proposed a new liquefied natural gas export facility near Delta. The facility would produce three to five million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually, and service five to six tankers per month.
- The exterior of the $331M Comox Valley Hospital is nearly complete, with approximately 550 workers currently on site. The project is set to begin indoor work soon, which will create jobs for mechanical, electrical and interior-finishing trades.
- A report by Resource Works found that Teck's Elk Valley coal operation spent more than $1B on goods and services in BC in 2013. The report also found that the operation benefited more than 1,400 suppliers in BC and Alberta.
- The Abbotsford School District received over $1M from the provincial government for upgrades at three of its schools. Work is expected to begin before the end of 2015 and finish next spring.
- Finning International, a Vancouver-based heavy equipment dealer, announced that it will lay off 1,100 workers worldwide, including 440 in Western Canada. The company also announced that it would be closing 11 locations in Western Canada.
- Best Buy has begun hiring seasonal staff for the holiday shopping season. The company's website has seasonal positions posted for a number of locations in BC.
- Canadian Fishing Company (Canfisco) announced that it is no longer supporting the maintenance and operation of its salmon canning operation at its Oceanside Plant in Prince Rupert. The company did not report the number of expected layoffs.
- BC's Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice currently has around 50 doctors. The region reports that it should have 60 doctors to be fully staffed and that approximately 15 physicians plan to retire or move within five years.
- Savary Island Pie Company has had its second large flood in just over a year, forcing it to close and lay off 35 staff. The company hopes to reopen once the building is clean, but does not know when it will be able to re-hire its workers.
- Shoes.com, a Vancouver-based online footwear retailer, announced that it is expanding to include brick-and-mortar locations. The company will launch its first store in Toronto before expanding to Vancouver and the US.
- Coach House Square, a shopping centre in 100 Mile House, is almost 100% leased. Recent additions include a new BC Liquor Store and Bosley's pet store, which both plan to open in 2016.
- The BC government announced $14.2M for Selkirk College to complete a replacement of the trades training facility at its Silver King Campus in Nelson. The project is expected to create 84 direct and 56 indirect jobs, beginning next spring.
- The Government of BC is providing $1.6M this winter to create nearly 1,200 extreme weather shelter spaces in about 100 communities across the province.
- Starbucks Canada announced that 10% of all new employees in Vancouver will be between the ages of 16 and 24. This change will create more than 330 youth jobs in Vancouver over the next three years.
- Chinese investors may be poised to spend over $1B on projects in Nanaimo over the next five years. Foreign investment interests include hotel and ferry projects, as well as seafood, forestry, and port activities.
- The provincial government approved a $1.5B expansion to Hemlock Resort. The project will expand the resort and is expected to create 1,153 full-time jobs.
- Agropur, a Québec-based milk producer, announced that it will be closing its Chilliwack plant next year. The closure will affect the plant's 42 workers, however the company announced that it will make additional investments at its Burnaby facility.
- The Safeway in Salmon Arm closed its doors on November 5. The majority of the store's 48 employees will be relocating to Safeways in Kamloops, Cranbrook, Vernon, Kelowna, or Langley.
Week of Nov 09 - Nov 13, 2015
- Immigrant Services Society of B.C. has asked the federal government for 100 additional staff members to help settle an estimated 2,700 refugees in the province
- The City of Kelowna anticipates over $1B in capital spending between 2016 and 2030. The updated infrastructure plan includes projects focused on community health and safety, as well as growth and economic development.
- The Nelson and District Community Complex temporarily shut down in September for an 11-month renovation. Demolition work was completed by local contractors, and the facility hopes to hire locals to complete the remainder of the $4.8M project.
- Southern Railway of Vancouver Island plans to rehabilitate the rail lines between Nanaimo and Victoria, as well as Victoria to Courtenay.
- The Government of BC announced over $1.3M in funding for routine capital projects in School District 33. The funding will provide mechanical and heating upgrades for three schools in Chilliwack.
- The BC SPCA unveiled plans to build a new $1.6M animal centre in Campbell River. The new centre is part of the BC SPCA's plans to replace 11 facilities over the next decade.
- Engel & Völkers, a German luxury real estate company, is opening a new location in Vancouver at the end of November. The company plans to open several other offices around the city.
- Homework Lifestyles Ltd. announced that it will be rebuilding its store in Price George,which burned down in May. The home décor retailer is hoping to open again by the fall of 2016.
- The College of New Caledonia announced that it will be suspending its dental hygienist program for a second year. As a result, three instructors for the program and two additional staff may be facing layoffs or reassignment next year.
- Teck Resources recently laid off nine management staff at its Highland Valley Copper mine. The company will also be cutting approximately 6 percent of its workforce by the end of 2016, impacting around 80 workers.
- The Chequered Flag, a restaurant in Langford, has closed its doors. The building has been leased to the owner of Floyd's Diner, who is completing renovations and will be opening a new restaurant in January.
- Greyback Construction recently broke ground on a new $5.7M fire hall in Osoyoos. Construction is expected to take about a year, with the opening of the new facility scheduled for the fall of 2016.
- The City of Kelowna approved plans for Central Green, a new sustainable community covering over 5.3 hectares. The development includes eight buildings with about 500 homes, which will be built as the market demands.
- Construction of a new Canadian Tire store has begun at the former Target location at Hillside Centre in Victoria. The new Canadian Tire is expected to open in March or April 2016.
- Shell Canada recently announced a $150,000 commitment toward the proposed trades training facility at Northern Lights College in Dawson Creek. The project would provide training space for carpentery, millwright, pipe trades, and wind turbine maintenance programs
- A $17.7M upgrade was recenly completed at the Aldergrove border crossing, which features more lanes and expanded commercial facilities.
- The District of Saanich was recognized by Community Living B.C. for its leadership in providing employment for individuals with developmental disabilities
- The Government of BC is hiring up to five temporary staff for the Victoria Youth Custody Centre. The centre was closed more than a year ago, but maintains a small temporary holding unit for youth awaiting transfer.
Week of Nov 02 - Nov 06, 2015
- The Vancouver General Hospital is experiencing a shortage of about 30 operating room nurses. The hospital currently has job postings for 13 nurses and will likely post more once new nurses have been trained.
- Kelowna City Council will be constructing a multi-storey residential tower following the relocation of the local RCMP detachment in 2017. The tower is the first step in a major redevelopment of downtown Kelowna.
- The Prince George RCMP detachment has requested funding for seven additional officers over the next three years. The detachment would like to see an additional three officers in 2016, two in 2017, and two in 2018.
- The District of North Saanich broke ground on its $2.5M municipal hall reconstruction project on November 2. The project will address decay, structural and plumbing issues.
- Yale First Nation recently opened a new office in Hope. The facility will provide a more central location for members of the First Nation to access services.
- The South Okanagan Motorsports Corporation began construction of its new 5km track. The new track, Area 27, is expected to be available by late spring 2016.
- TRUE Construction hired an entirely local crew to build a new school at Alkali Lake. The Esk'etemc School is expected to be complete by September 2016.
- Harvey's Furniture is closing its doors in Vancouver. The store currently has 15 employees and will close once $3.5M in remaining inventory is sold.
- Venture Kamloops released its labour market study of the Kamloops region. The report predicts that the area will add nearly 35,000 new jobs by 2025 and that nearly half will require post-secondary education.
- The inaugural Agassiz/Harrison Area First Nations Business Forum took place in October. The conference aimed to let businesses, developers and investors know that the region's First Nations are open for business.
- Agility Fuel Systems announced that it will be laying off 65 employees in Kelowna over the next six months. The company will retain 25 local employees, but manufacturing will take place in North Carolina.
- Fields is opening a new department store in Osoyoos in November. The new store is hiring one manager, six to eight full-time employees, as well as some part-time staff.
- Yore Movie Store in Osoyoos is closing on November 7.
- The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation expects a stable number of housing starts in BC over the next two years. Home prices are expected to continue rising over this period.
- Vancouver Community College rescinded the 32 layoff notices that it issued to faculty in August. The College has received more than 1,200 applications from students who obtained provincial funding grants to cover tuition.
- The Okanagan Correctional Facility is scheduled to open near Oliver next year, creating more than 100 positions for correctional officers
- TransCanada Corporation received permits from the BC Oil and Gas Commission to build its Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline. The project still requires a federal environmental assessment before construction can begin.
- The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table estimates that 40% of new engineering jobs in BC will be filled by recent immigrants over the next decade. The report also found that 10% of future workers will relocate to BC from other parts of Canada.
- Burnaby City Council supported the rezoning application for a new BC Ambulance Service facility. The facility would consolidate two former stations in Vancouver and New Westminster, accommodating up to 30 staff and 21 ambulances.
- The Tourism White Rock Association will be dissolved at the end of 2015 and a new Tourism Advisory Committee will be formed. The change is expected to reduce administrative costs and provide better transparency.
- Michel's Montreal Smoked Meat recently opened a new restaurant in Kelowna's Stewart Centre.
Week of Oct 26 - Oct 30, 2015
- Jordans Interiors Floor Coverings Ltd. is opening a new 22,000-sq.-ft. Jordans Home store in Richmond. The new location will be the third Jordans Home store, which is aimed at a younger demographic. The new store is scheduled to open in February 2016.
- Canada Post suspended the installation of community mailboxes. The halt is expected save 20 full-time positions in the West Shore area.
- Northern Health developed a five-year strategy to support the growing population of seniors in the region. While the population in the region is expected to increase by 7% over the next 15 years, the number of seniors may rise by 78%.
- Canadian Immigrant is hosting its third annual Career, Education and Settlement Fair in Vancouver on November 16. The event includes career resources and features a number of employers who are currently hiring.
- Onni Corp. presented a conceptual plan for Colwood Corners, a residential and commercial-retail complex in Colwood. The updated plan includes six buildings, three of which will be commercial-only.
- The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology opened its new $1.8M trades training building in Merritt. The new facility accomodates 40 students per year for the Institute's plumbing and piping, residential construction, and electrician programs.
- The BC Salmon Farmers Association released its first sustainability progress report. The Association found that salmon farming in BC generated $1.14B for the BC Economy in 2013,and that the industry generates nearly 2,400 direct and 2,500 indirect jobs.
- Northern Savings Credit Union issued layoff notices to 12 employees in Prince Rupert. The Credit Union reported that the layoffs are the result of selling off a stand-alone technology services company and reducing its mortgage portfolio.
- L.I.F.E. Recovery Society Association, an assisted living centre for women in Abbotsford, recently applied to add three storeys to its facility. The expansion would increase the facility's capacity from 18 to 30 beds.
- LNG Canada and the provincial government announced a new $1M Trades Training Fund. The funding will assist BC employers in training a workforce that meets the needs of the Liquefied Natural Gas industry.
- The City of Maple Ridge has hired more social workers to provide support for homeless individuals
- A new $4M float-plane terminal is under construction in Victoria's Cowichan Bay. The terminal is expected to be complete by March 2016, when the current facility will be demolished.
- The Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce recently held its eighth annual Business Expo. The Expo featured approximately 90 booths, providing local businesses with an opportunity to market their products and services to the community.
- Nyrstar laid off 88 workers at its Myra Falls mine near Campbell River, as it postponed planned upgrades due to low commodity prices. At full operation, the mine employs 356 staff, but after these latest cuts there will be only 56 staff on site.
- Campbell River city council approved a proposed expansion of the New Horizons care facility. The expansion will add 54 beds to the current 93-bed care home. The $9M expansion is expected to open in 2017.
- Building permits this year in Terrace recently passed $50M, more than double the value of permits issued in 2014. A number of developments have been attracted to the area by the prospect of the developing liquefied natural gas industry.
- Steve Nash Fitness Club and UFC Gym is opening a new location in the former Target location at Kelownas Orchard Plaza. The fitness club will occupy one-third of the former Target location and plans for the remaining space have not yet been announced.
- The Great Little Box Company hired 25 new workers since the start of 2015, bringing its total staff in BC up to 270. The lower Canadian dollar has helped the company become more competitive in neighbouring Washington State.
- Open Door Group and WorkBC held the Kamloops Hiring Fall Fair at the end of October. The event featured more than 45 employers from the Kamloops area.
- The Vancouver School Board proposed three new schools in the city, located at Olympic Village, Coal Harbour, and the University Endowment Lands. The board also proposed two expansions to King George Secondary and Sir Wilfred Laurier Annex.
- A total of 278 First Nations people in Nisga'a Lisims and the central and north coast will benefit from $4M in funding to train them to work in the liquefied natural gas sector
- Kelowna General Hospital opened its new $180M Interior Heart and Surgical Centre on September 28. The facility, which has 15 operating rooms, has the only cardiac surgery program outside of Victoria and the Lower Mainland.
Week of Oct 23 - Oct 27, 2015
- The Canadian Federation of Independent Business ranked the Central Okanagan as the second best entrepreneurial community in Canada. The region's score improved 10% from its ranking in 2014.
Week of Oct 19 - Oct 23, 2015
- Lowe's Canada applied for a permit to redevelop the former Target location in Nanaimo. Lowe's announced that when completed, the Nanaimo store will create 120-140 permanent jobs as well as an additional 30-40 seasonal positions.
- An eight to ten-week interruption of service is expected during the rebuild of the Thetis Island Ferry Terminal, starting in January 2017. During this time, water taxis will run on the same schedule as the ferry.
- Penticton Lakeside Resort recently announced the second phase of its $12M hotel addition. Construction is expected to begin in March 2016 and be complete by May 2017.
- The Port Hardy Inn will close for the winter while it undergoes renovations. Following the $3.5M renovation, the hotel will be renamed Kwa'lilas Hotel and will employ more than 40 full-time staff.
- The Nanaimo Regional District is in the process of selecting a company to complete the $15M second phase of the marine outfall replacement project. Once a company is selected, work is expected to begin immediately and be complete by the end of summer 2016.
- The Job Shop recently hosted its 2015 Employment Expo in Comox Valley and Courtenay. More than 20 employers were represented in each city.
- Fruit growers in the Okanagan now have access to funding that will help them replant their orchards with higher quality fruit. The $8.4M program is expected to create 2,600 jobs each year, replanting 1,500 acres of orchards by 2021.
- Baldy Capital Corp, a Calgary-based group of business professionals, has purchased the Mount Baldy ski area. The group plans to open the Oliver-area ski hill this season, which remained closed last year while under receivership.
- School District 67 is considering closing some of its schools due to unused capacity. A number of schools in the Penticton area are currently at 75% capacity, with one school as low as 42%.
- Our Place Society recently opened a new shelter out of the First Metropolitan Church. The shelter will be open seven days per week, until March 31, and will be run by three staff members.
- Vancouver school board trustees recently voted to maintain or increase the current number of school sites in the city, in spite of a special advisor's recommendation that 19 schools should be sold or closed.
- Columbia Basin Trust recently announced its new Impact Investment Fund. The fund, which is administered by Community Futures, has $2M available to support businesses in the Columbia Basin that aren't able to secure conventional financing.
- The $24M Victoria International Marina is expected to open next summer. The 52-slip marina will include a high-end restaurant, coffee shop, and marine services.
- Vancouver's first cat café recently opened, creating six new part-time positions. Catfé will have several adoptable cats provided by the BC SPCA.
- Seaspan was granted building permits for its new 7,800-sq.-m. head office in North Vancouver. The proposed four-storey building will hold 330 employees, up from the current 130.
- The Super Valu grocery store closed its location in Port McNeill on November 5, resulting in job losses for 15 employees. The town's second grocery store, IGA, expects it will hire some of the affected staff as it takes on additional business.
- Vancouver Costal Health laid off 89 staff from Saint Elizabeth and replaced them with volunteers. Saint Elizabeth is a not-for-profit provider of home-care services in Metro Vancouver.
Week of Oct 12 - Oct 16, 2015
- Simons, a Quebec-based clothing retailer, opened a new location in West Vancouver. The store employs 175 workers and is the company's second location outside of Quebec.
- Williams Lake recently hosted a job fair, attracting over 1300 job seekers in the community. The event included more than 40 exhibitors, including employers, training providers, and social service agencies.
- Taseko Mines laid off 34 unionized workers at its Gibraltar Mine, near Williams Lake. The mine also laid off 10 people in management about a month ago. There are currently 660 people working at the mine, 490 are unionized workers.
- Selkirk Family Medicine will close its doors on December 11, which will leave over 1,000 patients without a family doctor
- Community Futures Okanagan Similkameen began offering a series of workshops to assist small businesses in the community. The workshops are aimed at individuals who are starting or expanding a small business.
- The Government of BC began a new project with the Wet'suwet'en First Nation to conduct a labour market study. The three-year study will look at long-term employment opportunities in several First Nation communities in the province.
- ATCO won the $470M contract to construct the workers accommodation for a hydroelectric project near Fort St. John. The project will create 360 engineering, construction, and administrative jobs and is scheduled to be complete in mid-2016.
- Mountain Equipment Co-op announced it will construct a 45,000-sq.-ft. flagship store in Vancouver's Olympic Village. Construction is expected to begin in early 2017, with the store opening in mid-2018.
- Tofino Bus recently took over bus routes on eastern Vancouver Island from Greyhound Canada. The company is planning on adding service from Horseshoe Bay, as well as increasing service between Victoria and Campbell River to three times per day.
- MediaCore, a Victoria-based software firm, was purchased by Workday. The company expects to see an expansion of its 30-person workforce as companies previously acquired by Workday have expanded to teams of over 300 employees.
- Construction of two new hospitals in Comox Valley and Campbell River has provided training opportunities for 81 local apprentices. Roughly three quarters of the employees on the projects are from Vancouver Island.
- Aragon Properties proposed a mixed-use development on the former Trio Ready-Mix site in Victoria. The project would include 385 housing units and would be built in eight phases over eight years. Aragon would like to begin construction before the end of 2016.
- Veresen Inc. recently announced that construction of its $860M Sunrise natural gas processing plant near Dawson Creek has begun. Construction of the plant is expected to create about 1,100 jobs, as well as 90 full-time positions once operational.
- The University of BC currently has 20 building projects under construction at its Point Grey campus. The projects have a total estimated value of $822M and include new learning centres as well as student housing.
- A recent report by BC's independent children's watchdog concluded that the province needs to increase its budget by $20M in order to hire 250 more workers, including 200 front-line social workers
- The City of Vancouver recently announced that it is planning to remove the Georgia and Dunsmuir Street viaducts. The project, which includes several upgrades to alternate route, is expected to cost $200M and would be completed over five years.
- H&H Total Care Services was awarded a contract to create 85 new residential care beds in Vernon. Construction of new facility will begin this year with occupancy expected mid-2017.
- Penticton City Council recently approved a revitalization project for its Main Street valued at $4.3M. The upgrades include underground infrastructure work as well as sidewalk expansions and a raised multi-use area.
- Reliance Properties announced its newest project, a 53-storey residential tower named Burrard Place. The 354-unit building will be the tallest residential-only tower in Western Canada, and the third-tallest building in Vancouver.
- Canadian Real Estate Wealth Magazine updated its list of the top 100 neighbourhoods in Canada. The magazine listed 20 BC neighbourhoods in the top 100, and despite high costs some areas of BC had good value for property investors.
- Larco Investments proposed a new 23-storey rental tower for Vancouver's West End. The tower would include 158 rental units, with retail space on the main floor.
Week of Oct 05 - Oct 09, 2015
- St. Joseph's General Hospital recently opened a four-bed hospice in Comox and plans to open two additional rooms by 2017. Staffing for the hospice is distinct from staffing for long-term care, as staff provide support to people who are dying.
- Abbotsford Regional Hospital recently opened the Abbotsford Breast Health Centre. The centre provides a triple assessment service as well as encouragement, support, and counselling.
- The Fraser Institute reported that BC had the second-highest level of enrolment in independent schools in the country, at 11.6%. It also found that private school enrolment across Canada is up by almost 17%.
- The Community Social Planning Council prepared a housing-gap analysis for the Capital Regional District. The report highlights that 65% of the housing being built is aimed at the high-end or luxury market.
- The Summerland Okanagan Regional Library recently opened its new location which is over twice the size of the previous library. Construction of the $4.5M building began in the spring of 2014.
- The Murray River Coal Project, near Tumbler Ridge, has received its provincial environmental assessment certificate. The project still requires a federal assessment before it can move forward.
- The BC Lottery Corporation is considering adding a second casino closer to downtown Victoria. Six communities have been asked for input in order to determine the ideal location for a new casino.
- A 22,000-sq.-ft. shopping centre has been proposed for a long-vacant piece of land in Kelowna. The project would include five single-storey buildings.
- Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows forecasts that it will require six additional elementary classes and has submitted a request to the Education Ministry for new schools. The school board would like to see new schools in Albion as well as Silver Valley.
- The British Columbia Automobile Association opened a new building in Penticton to provide auto servicing. The new centre, which employs 12 staff, is the second location in BC to provide auto service.
- Yellowhead Mining announced that in light of current conditions in the commodity markets, it is deferring work on its proposed Harper Creek mine. The mine was expected to create up to 600 jobs during construction and 450 once operational.
- The Victoria Cool Aid Society may oversee an $8M building redevelopment project to provide apartments for at least 80 homeless people in the city. This project is in addition to two others currently underway in the city.
- The Kootenay-Columbia school district had 44 more students than anticipated sign up for K-9 education. As a result, two additional teachers have been hired in Fruitvale and Rossland Schools.
- The Single Parent Employment Initiative has been launched in BC. The program will provide single parents with up to 12 months of funded training for in-demand jobs or a paid work-experience placement.
- M.K. Ince and Associates Ltd., a Vancouver-based wind energy development company, has proposed building five wind turbines at Mamette Lake, Mount Guichon, and Mount Mabel. Each of the three projects could power up to 5,000 homes.
- The University of BC approved the Tall Wood Residence, an 18-storey residential tower made out of wood. The $51.5M project is expected to be complete by 2017, and will provide housing for 404 upper year and graduate students.
- Menno Hospital, a 151-bed residential care home in Abbotsford, laid off 60 nurses and plans on contracting out the service. The company reported the change was required to sustain operations.
- FortisBC and Aboriginal Skills 3G launched a new eight-week pre-apprenticeship training program for First Nations individuals. The program will prepare Aboriginal students to complete further training or move directly into entry level jobs.
- A recent report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information found that BC had one of the smallest increases in the number of physicians across Canada. In addition, the average age of physicians in BC is two years older than the national average.
Week of Sep 28 - Oct 02, 2015
- Vicwest, an Ontario-based building products manufacturer, announced it will close its facility in Delta BC at the end of 2015. The company will open a new facility in Edmonton in 2016.
- The BC Alliance for Smart Liquor Retail Choices will ask the government of BC to impose a six-month moratorium on wine sales in grocery stores. The group feels that wine sales in grocery stores will force small BC wineries out of business.
- Bosa Foods, a specialty Italian grocer, will expand its location on Vancouver's Victoria Drive. The store will add a prepared foods section as well as a coffee bar. Bosa has temporarily relocated to Commercial Drive during the renovation.
- Cressey Development Group unveiled its newest development in Vancouver's Kerrisdale neighbourhood. Sterling will be a four-storey building with 37 units, covering a full city block. Sterling is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2017.
- Woodgrove Centre, a shopping centre on Vancouver Island, will undergo a $17M renovation. The renovations, which include common areas, food court, and entrances will begin in the new year. Work should be complete by November 2016.
- Cowell Auto Group recently broke ground on two new dealerships in the Richmond Auto Mall. The new dealerships, Audi and Jaguar Land Rover, are expected to cost approximately $60M. Completion is scheduled for Autumn 2016.
- Lauren Brothers Construction has been selected to build a new $5.88M firefighting facility at the Williams Lake Airport. About two-thirds of the trade contractors for the project will be from the Williams Lake area.
- School District 27 announced that it will create a nature-based Kindergarten, starting in September 2016. The program will be run at the Scout Island Nature Centre and will be part of Marie Sharpe Elementary in Williams Lake.
- Hall Pacific has proposed a new shopping centre along the Trans-Canada Highway called Revelstoke Crossing. The company reported that the development would create 200 short-term as well as 200 long-term jobs, and add $20M to the local economy.
- The Government of BC announced funding for several projects across the province. They announced $10M to help prevent wildfires, $5M to target violent and gang-affiliated offenders, and $75M to help reinvigorate the economies of rural communities.
- The Doig River First Nation recently held the 2015 Northeast BC Aboriginal Business Match in Fort St. John. The event provides aboriginal and non-aboriginal businesses an opportunity to meet and develop business connections in the community.
- TransLink announced that it will scale back its proposed $100M rehabilitation of Vancouver's Pattullo Bridge. The revised project will cost $25M and be completed over five months.
- The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality proposed that local businesses along the Alaska Highway could receive compensation for providing washrooms for motorists. The change would allow the municipality to stop hiring contractors to maintain washrooms.
- Race Rocks 3D, a digital simulation software company in Victoria, has secured a contract with a shipbuilder in Quebec. Race Rocks will add at least four new staff to fulfill the contract.
- Alberni city council approved a new $6M condominium development in the uptown area. The building will include eight commercial spaces on the ground floor, and four floors of condo units.
- A recent outlook from the Conference Board of Canada predicts Vancouver will have the fastest growing metropolitan economy in Canada this year. The city's manufacturing sector is expected to lead the growth.
- Browns Socialhouse will open its third location in Greater Victoria, in the Uptown shopping centre. Construction on the 120-seat restaurant will begin in October and is scheduled to open next spring.
- Berryhill Foods is building a new 35,000-sq.-ft. facility in Chilliwack. The first phase, a cold storage facility, will be complete by next June. The second phase should be operational by 2017. Once complete, the facility will create about 24 new jobs.
- The College of New Caledonia received $90,000 from the Government of BC, which will continue to provide aboriginal support workers in Vanderhoof and Fort St. John. The College also received $136,000 which will create 16 health care assistant spaces at the Lakes District campus.
- AltaGas recently held an open house to discuss its proposed natural gas liquids separation and handling facility near Fort St. John. Construction is expected to begin next year, creating 150 jobs until completion at the end of 2017.
- Glacier Media Group recently announced that three of its newspapers are shutting down. The affected newspapers are the Burnaby NewsLeader, the New Westminster NewsLeader, and Tri-Cities Now.
- Mud Bay Wines, a liquor store in Tsawwassen recently closed its doors. The store reported that the closure was due to a recent decrease in sales.
- Langford Lanes, a bowling alley in Victoria, found new owners and will be re-opening in October. The alley went into receivership this year and closed in June. Langford Lanes expects to hire 40 staff.
Week of Sep 21 - Sep 25, 2015
- Construction of Gellatly Place, a new residential development in Kelowna, will begin in October. The development will include a total of 111 suites in three buildings. Twenty percent of the first phase, which includes 33 units, has already been sold.
- After previously announcing that it would close the Community Counselling Centre in Prince George, the University of Northern BC formed a partnership with Northern Health to keep the centre operational
- The Yale Saloon will open this fall in Vancouver. The restaurant and bar will be in the same location as The Yale Hotel, which closed for renovations in 2012, and went on sale in 2014.
- Two Burnaby schools have received funding to undergo major renovations. Alpha Secondary School will receive $27.2M in seismic mitigation upgrades; while Montecito Elementary will have a $3.8M addition of four new classrooms.
- SuperCare Pharmacy recently opened in Chilliwack
- The Stewart World Port, a $70M commercial wharf, recently opened in northern BC. The Stewart port offers the advantages of being ice-free and having a very deep harbour area. Work has started on a second phase, a $60M traveling bulk shiploader.
- The Nicola Valley Theatre Society was presented with plans for a 550-seat cinema and performing arts centre. The new facility would contain three 100-seat theatres as well as a larger one with 250 seats.
- A month-long ban on raw oysters in Vancouver restaurants was recently lifted. The BC Shellfish Growers Association estimates that the ban will cost oyster growers more than $1.5M.
- Vancouver Startup Week recently held its second annual event. The aim of the event is to contribute to the growth of both companies and ecosystems in Vancouver's innovation and technology communities.
- Meinhardt Fine Foods recently opened a new location in South Granville. The new store is a more convenience-focussed urban market.
- Atrum Coal, an Australia-based mining company, completed a pre-feasibility study and is moving on to a full feasibility assessment for a potential $600M coal mine northwest of Smithers.
- Telus recently held the official opening of its new headquarters in Vancouver, Telus Garden. The $750M development includes a 24-floor office tower as well as a 53-floor residential tower.
- The First Baptist Church proposed a 550-foot residential tower to be built behind its church in downtown Vancouver; the 56-storey tower would include 300 condominiums. A second, eight-storey building with 66 rental units has also been proposed.
- Skeena Sawmills reopened its Terrace mill after a two month hiatus. At full capacity, the mill employs 85 workers in production and 15 in backend roles. Including contractors, the mill generates approximately 150 jobs in the region.
- Construction began on Pretivm Resources' underground gold mine near Stewart. A contract for a 330-person camp has been awarded, and there is a road from the site to Highway 37. Operations are expected to begin in 2017.
- A new frac sand cold-storage and trans-load facility has been given preliminary approval by Dawson Creek city council. The facility would create six direct jobs, as well as create long-term investment in Dawson Creek and additional trucking jobs.
- Riverside Marine, an Australian company, proposed a new ferry service between downtown Vancouver and Victoria Inner Harbour. The foot-passenger service would use two catamaran vessels, with two daily sailings.
- The Richmond School District may be closing some schools due to declining enrolment. Approximately three-quarters of Richmond schools are under-utilized.
Week of Sep 14 - Sep 18, 2015
- Construction of a new $30M Tuscany-inspired winery has begun in West Kelowna. Grizzli Winery will include four tasting rooms, a retail store, and a 150-seat restaurant.
- Baldy Hughes Therapeutic Community and Farm, a treatment facility near Prince George, recently completed a 20-bed expansion, bringing total beds available to 65. The expansion also added three full-time nurses and one new occupational therapist.
- Black Ball Ferry Line is expected to begin construction of its $10M dock project on October 13. Construction will run until May, when it will suspend for the Victoria tourism season, and resume in October 2016.
- Thompson Rivers University will add 32 seats to its health-care assistants program; the program currently has 64 seats
- As a result of drought conditions this summer, Metro Vancouver has begun negotiations with BC Hydro to increase the amount of water it draws from Coquitlam Lake. The city is seeking to increase its usage from 100-billion litres to 250-billion litres annually.
- The Kamloops-Thompson board of education announced it will recall some teachers laid off earlier this year. Approximately 200 more elementary students than expected enrolled for school in the region.
- A recent report, Caregivers in Distress, found that the value of unpaid family caregiver labour in BC could be worth $4.1B in 2015. It also found that the stress rate of family caregivers is one of the highest in the country.
- Canfor Corp announced that it will permanently close its Canal Flats sawmill on November 9. The closure will affect 74 employees. Canfor will attempt to offer transfers to other divisions.
- Maple Ridge city council approved a proposal by Falcon Homes to build five new condo buildings on a formerly derelict site. The $7M project includes buildings between four and six storeys and will be constructed at about one building per year.
- The Bryton Group recently outlined its plans for a large residential development on the former Kanata School site. The development includes up to 270 new units in nine three-storey buildings. The company hopes to start construction this spring.
- The industrial property vacancy rate in Greater Victoria is up to 5.69%, the highest it's been in 15 years. The report by Colliers International attributes the increase to tenants moving to newer, higher quality offices, leaving the old ones vacant.
- Pomeroy Lodging is considering building an executive hotel in Terrace, Thornhill, or Kitimat. The project would likely include a convention centre, hotel and casino, similar to the facility in Fort St. John.
- The District of Sicamous hired a new employee to oversee the creation of an economic development society. The society will examine neighbouring communities to find ways for Sicamous businesses to be more economically sustainable.
- Construction has begun on the new City of Kelowna Police Service building. The $48M project is the largest city development in 2015, and is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2017.
- The College of Pharmacists of BC recently suspended the licences of two Vancouver pharmacists, forcing the pharmacies to close their doors. Downtown Pharmacy closed most recently, and Native Vancouver Pharmacy closed in May.
- McDonalds announced that they will phase in cage-free eggs over the next 10 years. The BC Egg marketing board has reported that the province is prepared to meet the demand, and about 75% of new barns built for BC egg farmers are cage-free.
- A number of post-secondary facilities have seen a significant decrease in adult students, since course fees were introduced this year. Vancouver Community College has given advance layoff notices to 43 instructors.
- Seadrift Fishmarket recently opened a new location in Nanaimo's south end. The new store, Riverside Fresh Food Market sells fresh seafood as well as other groceries and a take-out restaurant.
- Baltic Properties was awarded a contract by Interior Health to construct a new residential-care facility in Kelowna. Construction is expected to begin this fall and be complete in early 2017, providing 100 new beds in the city.
- The Salmon Arm Safeway store in Centenoka Park Mall will close its doors on November 5. The closure will affect 48 employees, some of whom may move to other locations.
- Viking Air, a North Saanich-based aircraft manufacturer, signed a deal to manufacture 10 Twin Otter places for a Russian petroleum company. The agreement also highlights an opportunity for a Twin Otter facility in Russia.
- McKinsey & Co, a global consulting company, is setting up a new location in Vancouver. The new location will function as a hub with expertise in mining and energy.
Week of Sep 07 - Sep 11, 2015
- Metro Vancouver is reviewing the option of drying biosolids to recover energy. The city expects it would need a new wastewater treatment facility to process all of the biosolids currently generated in the region.
- Residential building permits issued in Kamloops have reached 356 at the end of August, up from 276 at the same time last year. However, overall permits values are relatively unchanged, coming in at $136.9M this year and $136M in 2014.
- White Rock city council has awarded B&B Contracting a $297,000 contract for works on the sewer systems near the Peace Arch Hospital expansion. Construction is expected to begin this month.
- A new entrepreneurial incubator has opened in Richmond. Café 1029 operates as a restaurant as well as a place for entrepreneurs and investors can crowdfund new projects.
- The Okanagan Art Gallery recently opened in Osoyoos. The new gallery is part of Oliver Art Gallery, however the new space is twice as large as the location in Oliver.
- Sears recently closed its Hometown Store locations in Trail and Castlegar. Both stores had three employees who were laid off. Sears still has hometown stores in Creston, Nelson, and Grand Forks.
- TD Bank announced that it will close its location in Langley Mall. The outlet will be merged with the bank on Willowbrook Drive. TD is the most recent of a number of banks who have relocated their offices in the Langley Core.
- A new doctor has joined the Chetwynd Primary Care Clinic on a one-year contract. The addition of the new doctor means that the Emergency Room in Chetwynd will be operational for the foreseeable future, after having limited access throughout August.
- The District of Peachland recently closed its compost site. The district determined that if they were to hire full-time staff to monitor the site, annual costs would increase from $50,000 to $350,000.
- Two new secondary schools have opened and are accepting new students this year in School District 62. Belmont and Royal Bay will provide spaces for nearly 1,900 students this year.
- Victoria has become an attractive option to technology companies looking to expand. The Victoria Advanced Technology Council has reported that technology in Greater Victoria has grown into a $4B industry, employing more than 15,000 people.
- Site work has begun on the new Aldergrove Recreation Centre in Langley. A 100-year old elementary school will be taken down and replaced with a new recreation complex including a two-level arenas, a fitness centre, and a large aquatic facility.
- The BC SPCA broke ground on its new $3.4M facility in Nanaimo. The 700-sq.-m. facility will be located on 4.8 hectares of land, which includes walking trails and dog parks. The new building is expected to be open by early to mid-summer next year.
- Beachcombers Academy completed construction of its new addition, Little Oysters Preschool. The preschool will accommodate 16 children from Courtenay, Comox, Cumberland Royston, Denman Island and Fanny Bay.
- Roger Foods announced that it wil build a new flour mill in Chilliwack, which will increase its capacity by 80%. Construction is expected to be complete by the fall of 2017, when nine new jobs will be added to the mill.
- Spinlister, a Santa Monica-based bicycle sharing company, recently expanded into Vancouver. The company allows individuals to rent their bikes, similar to Airbnb or Uber. The company currently has about 50 bicycles registered in Vancouver.
- The office vacancy rate in downtown Vancouver reached 10% as of June 30, its highest level since 2004. Some realtors are predicting that with new office towers opening, the rate could rise as high as 12% by the end of the year.
- Several new schools are being considered in Vancouver in the near future. A new elementary school is scheduled to open downtown in 2017, and the Vancouver School Board is considering two other locations for new elementary schools.
- The province of BC is expected to see the strongest economic performance in the country this year, with a GDP growth at 3%
- Businesses that rely on tourism traffic have been suffering recently in Oliver due to wildfire smoke in the region. Some businesses have reported as much as a 20% drop in traffic due to smoke.
- A new Veterinarian clinic recently opened in Kimberley. North Star Veterinarian Clinic is in the former location of Steeples Veterinary Clinic, which closed in August.
Week of Aug 31 - Sep 04, 2015
- Tesla Motors recently secured a lease on a new 18,500-sq.-ft. location in Vancouver. The new development will be Tesla's first retail and service centre in Western Canada.
- Indigo Spirit will be opening a new location in Vancouver. The new store will replace the recently closed Chapters Books on Robson Street. The store is expected to open in mid-November.
- The City of Penticton is starting a digital advertising campaign this fall to attract virtual workers. The $50,000 advertising campaign will be aimed at tech-savvy virtual workers who may be willing to relocate to Penticton.
- Site work recently began on a new hotel in downtown Kelowna. Construction is expected to begin early next year, with an opening date in March 2018. Approximately 540 jobs will be created during construction, as well as 224 once the hotel opens.
- The Lower Mainland was recently hit by one of the most intense storms in over a decade. Over 100 BC Hydro workers from elsewhere in the province worked with 300 local workers to restore power to the region.
- Construction has begun on Tsawwassen Commons, a new 550,000-sq.-ft. shopping centre located near Tsawwassen Mills. The mall will include approximately 100 outlets, and is currently about 70% preleased.
- The City of Vancouver received 69 applications for compassion clubs and 107 applications for marijuana-related retail businesses. Each applicant will need to comply with zoning requirements, or will have to close within six months.
- The Dawson Creek Medical Clinic will close its doors on July 1, 2016 when its sole physician retires. The clinic had 12 doctors at its peak, but has recently been unable to recruit new doctors to the city.
- Riverside Fly & Tackle, a fishing store in Port Coquitlam, recently closed its doors
- Several new stores will be coming to Salmon Arm's SmartCentre shopping centre. Building permits have been issued for a new Winners and Dollarama, and the third Tim Hortons in the city is scheduled for late 2016.
- Conifex Timber, a BC-based timber company, recently purchased a mothballed sawmill in Arkansas. The company reported that the US has overtaken the interior region of BC as the dominant low-cost lumber supply in North America.
- A recent report by Winston Collective ranked Vancouver's luxury zone as the second-most robust luxury shopping cluster in Canada. The downtown Vancouver district will soon be home to 21 free-standing luxury brand stores.
- The City of Surrey will add a $5.5M expansion to the Newton Recreation Centre. Construction of the expansion, which will add another 4,000-sq.-ft. of fitness space, is expected to begin in November.
- In an effort to alleviate the backlog of scheduled surgeries, Island Health will enter into a contract with Surgical Centres, a private surgical partner. Surgical Centres will open a new surgical facility in Victoria by mid-2016.
- Woodjam Copper recently announced that it will begin exploration at its 40,000-hectare site near Horsefly. The company will begin geophysics work, and expects to begin drilling in 2016.
- The Government of BC anticipates that midwives will attend up to 33% of all births by 2020. Currently, midwives attend approximately 20% of total births. The University of BC currently offers a four-year midwifery program.
- TD Canada Trust is currently renovating its flagship location in Vancouver's Pacific Centre. The 15,000-sq.-ft. expansion, scheduled to be completed in October, will employ 56 people and will feature an environmentally friendly design.
- The Centre of Jewish Life and Learning has broken ground on its new $3M, 10,000-sq.-ft. building. The facility, which is expected to open in 2016, will include a community hall, library, Hebrew school, and daycare.
- Townline will hold a public meeting in Victoria to gauge interest in having a brewpub or brewer in the Hudson district. There is retail space available in the new Hudson Walk development, which will be completed in fall 2016.
- A temporary housing facility in downtown Vancouver, which housed 155 vulnerable residents, was forced to close due to flood damage. The City has split the residents among three alternate locations to make sure they have meals and shelter.
- According to a recent report from RBC Economics, the average price of a two-storey home in Vancouver is $979,600, more than double the Canadian average. However, prices will likely continue to rise given the tightness in the Vancouver market.
- Maple Ridge will open a new 40-bed temporary homeless shelter between October and March
Week of Aug 24 - Aug 28, 2015
- Vancouver's office vacancy rate has reached an 11-year high of 10% and could increase further as several towers near completion. Commercial realtor Avison Young reports that 1.4M square feet of new tower space has yet to secure any tenants.
- The Malahat First Nation and Steelhead LNG are proposing to co-develop a $37.5M floating liquefied natural gas processing facility in Saanich Inlet. The proposal has yet to go through the regulatory approval process.
- The number of Fort St. John residents on Employment Insurance benefits increased 40% to 460 in June 2015 over the same month a year ago. The Peace Region overall has seen a spike in the seasonally adjusted number of claimants due to the oil price slide.
- The BC government is seeking a formal agreement with Alaska on mining regulation. The move is driven by major mine projects on both sides of the border and continued public concern over last year's Mount Polley tailings dam collapse.
- The BC Oil and Gas Commission has confirmed that a 4.4-magnitude earthquake near Fort St. John last August was induced by hydraulic fracturing. The regulator is investigating a similar quake that occurred August 24, 2015 in the same region.
- Central 1 Credit Union expects southern BC will lead BC economic growth into 2016. Although construction will be the key driver, the depreciated Canadian dollar and low interest rates are expected to benefit manufacturing, tourism and the film industry.
- Construction of Gateway Plaza is expected to begin in Fort St. John in September. Gateway Plaza will contain up to eight new businesses, including a Burger King and a gas station, Gateway Fuels.
- The Delta Hospital will begin construction on its $220,000 renovation project in January 2016. The hospital renovation includes two new patient exam rooms, a new office space, and an upgrade to the current surgical daycare waiting room.
- FortisBC is planning to construct a new $20.7M operations centre in Castlegar. The company announced it will vacate its two current offices in South Slocan and move 42 employees to Castlegar, once the building is completed.
- The Ramsay Group recently closed its doors, auctioning off the assets from the 112-year-old business, and selling its building and land to Ralmax Group. Ramsay had approximately 30 staff, who will be offered jobs with Ralmax as work increases.
- Fresh Steps Ability House recently opened in Port Alberni. Fresh Steps aims to empower youth to gain skills and confidence in society as they enter adulthood.
- Central 1 Credit Union recently released its new regional economic forecast for BC. The forecast highlights that low oil prices can have an overall positive impact in BC, despite job losses felt by residents of Thompson-Okanagan and Kootenay regions.
- KF Aerospace recently announced that it will be reducing its workforce by eight per cent at its offices in Kelowna and Hamilton. The reduction will affect approximately 60 staff in Kelowna working in the aircraft maintenance and service centre.
- With the Saanich Peninsula only getting about 40% of the normal precipitation, farmers in Central Saanich are seeing a reduction in crop output while water-related expenses are increasing
- Alloycorp was unsuccessful in financing the re-opening of its Avanti Kitsault molybdenum mine. The company will continue to work on restarting the mine next year but will halt any additional work or recruitment this year.
- Victoria General Hospital received two new pediatrics school graduates, with six more scheduled to be on-site by July 2018. This is the first time that BC's residency training for pediatricians program has been offered outside of Vancouver.
- Hubbub Sandwiches and Salads, a Vancouver-based restaurant, has recently opened its third location in the city. The company, which aims to open five or six restaurants, has leased a fourth location, opening in late 2017 in North Vancouver.
- Horizon North Logistics Inc. has acquired land near Kitimat to construct a 1,000-person camp, as well as the potential for a 2,500-person camp near Prince Rupert in anticipation of an LNG project that could be built at either location
- Coquitlam recently hosted the Canadian Pacific Women's Open. The golf tournament attracted more than 77,000 visitors to the city, and on average has an economic impact for host cities of $7M to $8M.
- The City of Vancouver is encouraging downtown businesses to develop and make their laneways pedestrian-friendly. The plan is an attempt to capitalize on the limited space in the downtown area.
- The Hatch, a new 18-acre vineyard and winery, has recently opened in West Kelowna
- The City of Vancouver recently held an open house to gather public input on the New Brighton Park Shoreline Habitat Restoration Project. The project would restore the link between Hastings Park and New Brighton Park, providing a feeding area for salmon.
- Burnaby's International Sausage House has closed its doors. The closure affects approximately 40 employees.
Week of Aug 17 - Aug 21, 2015
- A new pharmacy recently opened in Vernon. Wiebe's Pharmacy was started by a local pharmacist who had a location in the former Target store.
- A large wildfire in southeastern BC has destroyed 30 homes near Oliver. The projected cost of BC forest fires this year is expected to reach $400M.
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort has announced that it will be adding an 11-acre terrain park for the upcoming ski season
- The Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation launched its Regional Business Training Calendar. The calendar will connect business with organizations that provide training, and cut down on overlap in the training being offered.
- The Northwest BC Resource Benefits Alliance recently had its first full meeting. The alliance consists of 21 municipalities and regional districts, with the goal of collaborating in resource benefit sharing discussions with the province.
- The Legion in 100 Mile House announced that it will be permanently closing its building. The Legion will continue to provide services to veterans in the area, but will no longer operate out of the building, which requires extensive repairs.
- London Bull, a neighbourhood pub with an expanded menu, recently opened its doors in Langley. The pub held a hiring fair in July and hired approximately 65 staff.
- Carbon Engineering will be starting operation of its $8M carbon dioxide reclamation plant in Squamish soon. The plant will employ about 12 workers and process emissions equivalent to 125 cars annually.
- The Newton recreation centre, in Surrey, will begin a $5M expansion in October or November. The expansion will double the fitness space, as well as add several additional rooms. Work is expected to be complete in the fall of 2016.
- The Nanaimo Port Authority added a new $3.5M crane at the Duke Point industrial site. The crane adds 160% lift capacity to the site, which will allow for larger shipping and receiving at the port.
- The province of BC launched the Special Event Server program. Starting on September 15, 2015, every person who sells or serves alcohol in BC will be required to have completed either this program or Serving It Right, the more in-depth program.
- Creston and Princeton were selected to be part of the Community Paramedicine Initiative introduced by Emergency Health Services. The program will expand the role of paramedics, and is expected to create 80 new full-time positions over four years.
- The George Derby Centre, a supportive housing development for low-income seniors in Burnaby, received its final allocation of funding. The project will now move ahead with construction planning and tender to a developer.
- A study by the North Shore Immigrant Inclusion Partnership finds that many highly educated, experienced immigrants are having difficulty finding employment on the North Shore, despite employers reporting a shortage of skilled workers
- Kelowna has seen 730 homes built between January and July this year, an increase of 11% over the same period in 2014. The total number of new development is also higher than Kamloops, Prince George, and Vernon combined, at 670.
- Potloc, a Montreal-based website, recently launched in several other Canadian cities, including Vancouver. The website allows citizens to vote on what stores they would like to see in their neighbourhood.
- Interior Health is planning on restructuring its lab services in anticipation of an upcoming labour crunch. The company proposed an automated core lab at Kelowna General Hospital, with point-of-care machines at local hospitals for urgent tests.
- Walmart posted job openings for its second store in New Westminster, however the company has not yet announced when the new store will be opening
- The BC Ministry of Health recently brought in 14 internationally- trained doctors to assist with a physician shortage across the province. The doctors will work as family physicians in 11 different communities.
- INPEX Corporation, a Japanese oil and gas company, along with Nexen Energy began testing spots in northeast BC for shale gas exploration
Week of Aug 10 - Aug 14, 2015
- Broader Horizons, an adult day care program in Nanaimo, has hired two new staff members. The program had been on a temporary shutdown due to difficulty recruiting staff. It will resume on September 1.
- The City of Prince Rupert has announced a new plan, Re:build Rupert, to fix or replace aging infrastructure in the city. The city is aiming to perform $288M in infrastructure upgrades over 10-20 years, including a $150M water treatment plant.
- The Government of BC has hired Cerner to replace IBM in the development of its Clinical Systems and Transformation Project. Of the 200 contractors and health authority staff working on the project, approximately 70 have been laid off or reassigned.
- The Government of BC has announced over $75M in funding for trades training providers in BC through to March 31, 2016. The funding includes a $3.5M Labour Market Demand Fund, for unanticipated demand in apprenticeship programs.
- The Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce has reported that the number of business licences in the city has dropped from 5,800 to 5,500 in the last year. Although some fluctuation is expected from year to year, a loss of 300 licenses is uncommon.
- Chemo RV, an RV sales and rental company in 150 Mile House, is expanding its operation. The company is constructing a new store in Quesnel, as well as an expansion to its RV storage in 150 Mile House.
- The $40M Cascades Casino opened its doors in Kamloops on August 19. The facility has three restaurants and a lounge, and employs 325 people.
- The Government of BC and the BC Nurses Union have announced $2M to fight violence against nurses at four high-risk hospitals. The funding will provide new distress buttons, increased staffing levels, and mental-health training.
- The Government of BC has begun construction on twinning several sections of highway 97. The $17M project is expected to be complete in fall of 2016.
- The owners of a Murray's Pizza franchise in West Kelowna have purchased Crust Pizza, in Peachland, and will be converting it into a Murray's. The restaurant will be adding additional staff as well as delivery drivers.
- The former Vancouver Remand Centre has completed its $20M conversion into a residential building. The first two floors will be for youth in Bladerunners, a program that teaches life skills; the remaining will be for low-income residents.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada has suspended angling on the Middle Shuswap River until September 30 as a result of drought conditions. Several areas of BC are at drought level 4, the highest level.
- The Double D Inn, in Merritt, will be completing $350,000 in renovations, as well as renaming to the River Inn. The upgrades include three new rooms, new landscaping, siding, doors and windows. The upgrades are expected to be complete by November.
- Microsoft has recently opened its eighth Canadian store, in Vancouver's Pacific Centre. The new store has added an additional 40 Microsoft employees to the city.
- The Sewell family has proposed a 171-unit residential waterfront complex on Horseshoe Bay. The development would include six buildings, ranging from two to nine storeys. The proposal also includes 15,000-sq.-ft. of commercial space.
- Concord Pacific has submitted an application to construct a 29-storey residential tower. The Arc would include 588 residential units as well as commercial space on the ground floor.
- Housing demand is strong in Metro Vancouver, with a 30% increase in the number of sales between July 2014 and July 2015. Over a 10-year average, the housing sales in July are up 33.5%.
- Strellson, a Swiss menswear brand, has announced that it will be opening its third Canadian location, at the base of Vancouver's 745 Thurlow Tower.
- THECloset YVR has recently transitioned from online sales to a physical location in Gastown. Approximately 25% of the boutiques floor space is reserved for consignment.
- Canadian law firm Osler has recently opened a new office in Vancouver
Week of Aug 03 - Aug 07, 2015
- Pretium Resources has received a final operating permit from the province of BC for its Brucejack gold and silver mine near Stewart. The $750M project is expecting to generate 900 construction jobs and 500 operating jobs during its 18-year lifespan.
- The Township of Langley is set to widen Highway One and add a major interchange with a total of $59M in funding. Construction is scheduled to start in early 2016, last for 18 months and create 700 to 800 jobs.
- The Town of Qualicum Beach has locked out 66 municipal workers after the union representing the employees voted on an overtime ban and strike notice. The town stated that the labour disruption will significantly affect municipal operations.
- The Village of Ashcroft has been granted $5.7M towards the construction of an $8.5M Community Water Treatment Plant. The village will also use the funding to construct an upgraded water main pump station.
- The Grand Bhudda Bistro, a new Asian food restaurant, is scheduled to open in Castlegar on August 10, 2015. The restaurant's kitchen also connects to the Fireside Inn banquet room, so the Grand Bhudda Bistro can cater any event held there.
- Jitterbug Diner, a 1950s- and 1960s-friendly diner, has recently opened in Kelowna
- Spa in the Pines, a new spa, recently opened in Nanaimo. The facility offers therapeutic massage in addition to cosmetic services.
- The Government of British Columbia is providing $48M for road and highway improvements in the South Peace region. Most projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2015.
- Christian Dior, the French fashion house, recently opened its first Canadian stand-alone store in Vancouver. The retail location also has a separate Dior Homme menswear boutique next door.
Week of Jul 27 - Jul 31, 2015
- Designer Shoe Warehouse will open its first location in BC on August 20, 2015. The 22,000-sq.-ft. location will create new jobs for 45 workers in Saanich.
- Fibber Magees Station, an Irish pub in Nanaimo, has announced that it will be closing its doors on August 16, 2015
- Paper Excellence has announced that it will be shutting down part of its operations at its Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill. The shutdown will affect approximately one third of the mill's 580 unionized workers on BC's Sunshine Coast.
- The Government of BC has announced $1.4M in cycling infrastructure between Victoria and Port Alberni. The City of Victoria will match $440,000 in funding, and expects the pathways will be completed by the end of 2018.
- Construction has begun on Tsawwassen Mills, a 1.2M-sq.-ft. shopping centre in the Lower Mainland. Once complete, Tsawwassen Mills will employ over 3,000 workers at its 200 stores.
- Campbell River Council has approved a new mixed-use development near the Campbell River Airport. The 2.5-acres project will be built over two phases, and will include commercial office space as well as light industrial areas.
- The Okanagan Nation Alliance has suspended its commercial and recreational sockeye salmon fishery on Osoyoos Lake for the season. The band chose to close the commercial fishery on July 20, followed by the closure of the recreational fishery on July 23.
- The Government of Canada has announced just over $1M for forest-sector training. The money will pay for mobile simulators to train heavy equipment operators.
- The Government of Canada and the Government of BC have committed $95M to complete four-laning of the Trans-Canada Highway from Kamloops to Chase; construction is scheduled to start in 2017.
- The Government of Canada has announced $156.6M for highway improvements, avalanche mitigation, trail rehabilitation, and visitor centre renovations in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks
- Construction of an $85M highway interchange project in Saanich and the $22M Westshore Parkway extension are both expected to start in late 2016, following a recent funding announcement. The projects are scheduled for completion in 2018.
- The Rykerts port of entry facility, south of Creston, is scheduled for replacement as part of a $37.5M commitment to improve infrastructure in BC; construction is expected to start in 2017.
Week of Jul 20 - Jul 24, 2015
- Sopa Square, a new 14-storey development in Kelowna, presold 70% of its units during the first day. The 101-unit building has prices ranging from $282,000 up to $2M. Construction is expected to begin immediately, and be complete by spring 2017.
- Vancouver Running Company recently opened in Kitsilano. The store sells a number of athletic lines, and also offers yoga classes and group runs.
- BC Hydro is building a new operations centre in Victoria, replacing the current 37-year-old building. The new $30M building is expected to have a 75-year lifespan. Construction will begin in September this year.
- The federal government is providing $299,000 in funding for the Employ program at Community Futures in North Okanagan. The program will help 60 youth improve job skills, and gain work experience with local employers.
- A new $35M shopping centre has been proposed on Victoria Airport land. The new development, Sidney Gateway, would include 10 buildings and a grocery store. Construction is expected to take about 14 months.
- Sources, a south Surrey-based food bank, has opened a new location in Langley. Sources is the second food bank operating in Langley, but the only one that is recognized by the provincial and national associations of food banks.
- Imperial Metals has received a conditional permit to reopen its Mount Polley mine. The company expects to immediately recall up to 30 workers, and will bring back up to 220 within another 30 days.
- Chances Salmon Arm, a new gaming centre on Adams Lake band land, is now open for business. The gaming centre recently held a hiring fair to fill 85 positions, which attracted over 500 job seekers.
- The City of Surrey has agreed in principle to issue a permit for a proposed $2M covered soccer pitch. The facility is expected to be complete by late 2016 or early 2017.
- North Cowichan Regional District has approved the Stocking Creek market project. The market will be heavily focused on pedestrian walking areas, and includes 16 commercial spaces,. Once construction begins, the project is expected to take three to six months to complete.
- The federal government has announced $3.34M in funding to provide high-speed internet to several communities in the Columbia Basin. The Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation will coordinate with 12 service providers to complete the upgrades.
- The Columbia Basin trust is accepting applications for its Training Fee Support Program. The program provides up to $800 to residents of the Columbia Basin to pay tuition or course fees for short-term training that helps increase their employability.
- Royal Roads University has moved its Douglass Centre for Entrepreneurial Studies to Fort Tectoria located in downtown Victoria. The move was made to provide an opportunity for collaboration between businesses, students, and entrepreneurs.
- Construction has begun on an affordable housing complex in Langford. Rents in the building will range between $540 and 10% below market value. Construction of the 36-unit building is expected to be complete by February 2016.
- The Government of BC has announced $360,000 in funding aimed at stopping invasive mussels from entering waterways. The funding will allow for three additional mobile inspection and decontamination crews, based in Cranbrook, Valemount, and Nelson.
- Mountain Equipment Co-op is opening a new store in Kelowna, in the former location of Future Shop. The 20,000-sq.-ft. store is expected to open in the spring of 2016, and will create approximately 75 jobs.
- BC Hydro is hosting job fairs in Tumber Ridge, Fort St. John, and Chetwynd to hire for its Site C project. The job fairs, originally scheduled for July, have been postponed until September.
- An advisory committee has recommended that the Regional District of North Okanagan issue a development permit for a new lodge at Keefer Lake Wilderness Resort. The 11-room lodge could provide an economic boost for Cherryville.
- Canadian Pacific Railway is temporarily laying off 600 employees across the country. The job cuts affect train operators and mechanical employees.
- A shortage of physicians on Vancouver Island has resulted in the temporary closure of some walk-in clinics due to a lack of coverage. Victoria currently has three family doctors accepting new patients.
Week of Jul 13 - Jul 17, 2015
- A Victoria-based filmmaker recently hosted an informal casting call for 35 indigenous actors. The eight-part docudrama will depict indigenous life back thousands of years.
- The federal government is investing $748,601 for the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology in Trail. The funding will help establish and operate a centre for Metallurgical Industrial Development Acceleration and Studies.
- The federal government is providing $2.8M in funding for several projects at the military base in Colwood. The funding will be used to repair one of two dry dock caissons, as well as for construction and repairs on military residential units.
- The Ten Spot, a Toronto-based wax and nail bar, recently opened its first Vancouver location
- Habitat for Humanity will open a new ReStore in Victoria in early August. The Uptown store will be about two-thirds the size of its Langford store.
- According to the Burnaby planning and development committee, the city will need an additional 7,400 low- to mid-range housing units by 2021. On average, 1,500 housing units have been added annually in Burnaby over the past decade.
- McArthurGlen recently opened the first phase of its new outlet mall at the Vancouver International Airport. Nearly 600 workers have been hired, with another 400 needed for the second phase that is scheduled for completion at the end of 2016.
- East Van Roasters, a café in downtown Vancouver, will be expanding its current production space, as well as adding a second location. The current location employs about 20 vulnerable women, with the expansion adding another six to eight workers.
- The federal government is providing $6.5M in funding for upgrades and repairs to Vancouver-area military facilities
- The BC SPCA recently took over ownership of the animal care centre in Penticton. The new SPCA Penticton Veterinary Hospital is the SPCA's second full-service facility in the province.
- Civeo Corporation has been awarded a contract with LNG Canada to construct a new accommodations facility in Kitimat. The new 436-room facility, Sitka Lodge, will include private washrooms, recreational facilities, and other amenities.
- The doctors at the Lake Country Health Centre have submitted a proposal for a multi-disciplinary facility to help deal with physician recruitment issues
- Rio Tinto Alcan recently completed work on a $4.8B modernization of its aluminum plant in Kitimat. The upgraded plant will reach full production next year, and will employ approximately 1,000 workers.
- Esquimalt council has approved the development of a new liquor store at the former location of Tudor House Pub, which was destroyed by fire in 2013
- The Government of BC has approved the first phase of construction for the Site C hydroelectric dam on the Peace River. Construction of the $9B project is expected to generate about 10,000 jobs.
- The Government of BC is providing $33.8M in funding to perform seismic upgrades to Georges P. Vanier Secondary School in Comox Valley. Construction will begin in the spring of 2016, and is expected to be complete by August 2019.
- Chevron Canada is retrofitting its facility at Cobble Hill to supply ethanol-blended fuel to Vancouver Island. Chevron is also constructing a Vapour Recovery Unit to recover operating emissions from the facility.
Week of Jul 06 - Jul 10, 2015
- The Northwest Regional Airport in Terrace has recently passed the 180,000 passenger mark for a six-month period. This milestone requires stricter firefighting regulations to be put in place; as a result, all airport staff are being trained.
- Funding has been obtained for a new $6M water treatment plant for Parksville and Nanoose. A referendum on the project is expected to take place in the fall. Construction would not begin until next summer, and would take approximately 18 months.
- Kelowna-based Belvedere Place Contracting Ltd. has been awarded the $2.4M highway improvement project in Lake Country. The project is expected to be complete in the fall of this year.
- The province of BC has recently requested help from other provinces to battle the fires in BC. As July 9, BC has spent $96.6M fighting fires so far, far past the yearly budget of $63M.
- The Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district has closed its print shop. The closure will affect one employee, and will save the school district approximately $60,000.
- The province of BC has recently raised its drought rating on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands to its highest level. They have also suspended fishing on a number of rivers and streams in order to protect fish stocks.
- The Cookie Jar Bakery, in Terrace, has recently closed its doors. The building has been sold to another business, and the bakery's equipment has been donated to the Northwest Community College, for its culinary arts program.
- Zodiac Hurricane Technologies has won a $7.6M contract to construct 27 vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard. The Delta-based company will have the vessels complete by March 2017.
- The Nis Tsed'ilh ż We Are Moving Forward job fair was recently held in Burns Lake. The job fair was hosted by four First Nation's bands in the area to help address the high unemployment rate in the region.
- The Blue Jar Coffee Bar and Bistro will be opening soon in Barriere. The business is currently in the process of obtaining a liquor license.
- Yellowhead Community Services will be adding a full day, multi-age daycare program to its preschool and playschool program in Barriere. The program will have space for up to eight children.
- Communities in the Peace region will receive about $1.5M from the provincial government for programs and services that enhance the quality of life in the region. The funding is part of a $75.2M program across the province.
- Metro Vancouver conducted a transit vote between March 16 and May 29 to determine if residents would support a 0.5% PST increase to fund the 10-year, $7.5B transit plan. More than 60% of residents voted no to the proposal.
- The community of Tofino will be replacing its Barr's Mountain reservoir with a larger, more earthquake resistant, facility. The $1.2M facility will almost quadruple the capacity for storing water on Barr's Mountain.
- School District 91 has announced that it will be closing two schools in Fort St. James and Fort Fraser. Students from Sowchea and Fort Fraser Elementary will move to David Hoy and Mouse Mountain schools.
- Nanaimo has voted to contract its 911 call-answer service to Vancouver-based E-Comm. The contract will affect six unionised positions; however it will cut the cost from $719,900 to only $250,920.
- A recent report by the Research Universities Council of BC has found that BC's research universities are showing the fastest growth in the country. In 2012-13, Universities in BC attracted more than $700M in funding from outside the province.
- Following extensive debate and public consultations, Penticton has approved a plan by Trio Marine Group to construct a new marina and water park
- TransLink plans to spend $77.5M in 2015 on a number of projects. Some of the upgrades include fixing SkyTrain cars and replacing busses, as well as major road and bicycle network upgrades.
- Northern Health has added a new psychiatric liaison nurse position to hospitals in Fort St. John, Prince Rupert, and Prince George. Prince George will also receive a Car 60 program which includes staff experienced in mental health and substance use.
- Fortis BC has made a conditional deal with Hawaiian Electric to provide 700,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year for 15 years. The deal would trigger a $400M expansion at Fortis's plant in Delta, if approved.
- JDS Silver has won a provincial permit to begin building a $50M silver-lead-zinc mine just south of the Yukon border. The mine is expected to create at least 150 jobs for 150 days per year, with a shutdown over the winter.
Week of Jun 29 - Jul 03, 2015
- CanTimber Biotech will be opening at the Port Alberni Port Authority in September. The new manufacturing company will create 25 full-time jobs.
- Lowe's has announced that it will be opening a new location in Kelowna. The company plans to demolish a former Western Star plant, and construct a new 107,000-sq.-ft. building.
- Tilray, a medical-marijuana producer in Nanaimo, will be laying off 61 employees, reducing the total number of staff to 120. The company reported that the layoffs will create a more efficient operating model.
- North Surrey has sent out expressions of interest for a company to build a 5,000-seat spectator arena. The city is also planning on constructing two ice rinks at the new location.
- BeaverTails, a Canadian pastry chain, has recently opened its first location in Victoria
- Under the BC Early Years Strategy, the Government of BC has announced nearly $250,000 to create childcare spaces for 12 infants and 41 older children at the Little Koala Montessori Childcare facility in Abbotsford
- The Township of Langley has approved a new $25M Recreation Centre, which is expected to be complete in May 2018. Construction of the project will begin this summer.
- Chevron has opened a field office in the Houston Industrial Park for the construction season. The office includes eight trailers, and will have 12 employees as well as contractors. The office will be open from July until October or November, and will be a base for field crews on the proposed Pacific Trail Pipeline in the area.
- A new Multi-Material recycling depot has recently opened in Burns Lake
- The Nanaimo school district may shut down up to four schools before September. The schools which are being reviewed include Departure Bay Eco-School, North Cedar Intermediate, Rutherford Elementary and Woodlands Secondary.
- Imperial Metals is ramping up production at its Red Chris copper and gold mine in northwestern BC, following a tailings dam breach last year. The mine is projected to employ 350 workers over the next 30 years.
- The Surrey School District has balanced its budget for the new school year without having to lay off any teachers. The district will add 35 new Education Assistants; however, they will have 13 to 14 fewer multicultural workers this year.
- Interior Health may have to shut down its Broader Horizons adult day program, in Nelson, due to staffing problems. The program currently has two of its four positions sitting vacant.
- Vancouver has approved a new bylaw governing marijuana dispensaries in the city. The new bylaw may result in the closure of up to two-thirds of the estimated 100 dispensaries currently operating in the city.
- Seaspan's Vancouver Shipyards has begun construction on the first of three science vessels for the federal government. Construction of the vessels will cost up to $514M and is expected to create 500 jobs at the Vancouver facility.
Week of Jun 22 - Jun 26, 2015
- The Surrey school board will see an increase of 200 children in the new school year starting in September, bringing the total to 69,500. As a result, the district will be adding eight new positions.
- The Vancouver School Board has decided to close the first of a recommended 19 schools in the new school year. Maquinna Annex, a K-3 school which had only 22 students enrolled at the end of April, will not re-open in the fall.
- The Government of BC has announced that it will provide scholarships of $1,250 per year to 120 students from China, Japan and South Korea to study in BC. The announcement also includes an exchange between BC and Asian teachers.
- Noah's Ark Adventureland, an educational farm in Prince George, will be shutting down at the end of September. The farm, which has been in operation for 20 years, has reported that rising hay costs were the catalyst to the shut down.
- Kwantlen Polytechnic University has partnered with several Surrey high schools to provide students with their first-year carpentry apprenticeships. Approximately 200 students every year gain 16 credits, and complete their first year in the trade.
- Recon Instruments, a Vancouver-based wearable technology company, has been acquired by Intel. The company has stated that they will remain in Vancouver, and continue to grow their team in the city.
- Eight new high-end stores have recently opened in downtown Vancouver's Pacific Centre. The new stores are part of a 44,000 sq.-ft. expansion in the former Sears location.
- Victoria Spirits distillery has been acquired by the Marker Group. In September, Victoria Spirits will move to a larger location in Sidney. The company, which currently has 5 staff, will be hiring an additional distiller.
- Terminal City Iron Works, a block-long site in east Vancouver has been sold for $14.9M. The 100,856 sq.-ft. property will undergo a redevelopment but remain zoned as an industrial property; construction is expected to begin in about 12 months.
- The False Creek dragon boating community has received a $1M donation toward the cost of its new $3.2M paddling centre. The centre has been partially completed, and is expected to finish by December.
- The University of British Columbia will be moving its learning centre headquarters to the former Nelson Daily News building. The building will also host the West Kootenay Teacher Education Program, and Writing from the Ground Up course.
- Metro Liquor is planning on opening a new store in Kelowna. The company currently has three stores in Victora, two in Campbell River, and has a new one scheduled to open in Tsawwassen next year.
- The Mayor of Port Alberni has brought attention to the number of raw logs that are being shipped overseas versus being cut locally. In 2014, the port authority sent 53 vessels with raw logs, and only 13 with locally cut lumber.
- MakerLabs has recently opened its new location in Vancouver's Strathcona area. MakerLabs provides users with a number of tools for do-it-yourself projects. The company is also considering another location in Surrey.
- Harbour Air has entered into a strategic partnership with China's Zongshen Group, to bring seaplane commuter air travel to China. The partnership will also provide Canadian training opportunities to Chinese interns.
- North Saanich's Viking Air has signed an agreement with Reignwood Aviation Group for 50 Twin Otter airplanes over the next 20 years. The agreement will make Reignwood the exclusive representative for the Series 400 Twin Otters in China.
- The Business Immigrant Integration Support program has come to a close. The program, which was run by Success BC, helped immigrant entrepreneurs start 109 businesses and create 612 jobs since it was started in 2012.
- Postmedia Network Canada has offered voluntary buyouts to all staff at the Vancouver Province and Vancouver Sun newspapers. The two papers have undergone a number of changes in the last two years, including buyouts in the summer of 2013.
- After being closed for several years, Vancouver's Odyssey Nightclub is nearly finished its renovations and ready to reopen in its new location
- The new office building, 745 Thurlow, will house Canada's first Brunello Cucinelli as well as Vancouver's first free-standing Versace. The building is currently under construction, expected to open in late 2015 or early 2016.
Week of Jun 15 - Jun 19, 2015
- Western Forest Products has announced that it is investing $30M in its Vancouver Island mills. Duke Point sawmill is receiving the bulk of the investment, with $28M going into upgrades at the Nanaimo mill.
- Adams Road Elementary School, in Surrey, has recently broken ground on a major expansion. The expansion will add 10 classrooms to the school, increasing the number of spaces by 240, up to a total of 530.
- Langley city council has approved a new five-storey condominium complex. The 37-unit development will contribute $335,000 to the city in development cost charges. The building is expected to be complete in approximately 18 months.
- The Sc'ianew First Nation has received a grant of $400,000 to construct an ocean thermal energy facility in Spirit Bay, a new town in Beecher Bay. The facility will heat the first 50 homes in the community, and will expand as the community does.
- Tl'oh Forest Products is closing its finger-joint plant in Ft. St. James at the end of July, laying off 43 employees. Apollo Forest Products, a partner with the facility, will give affected employees first consideration for any job openings.
- The Langley Board of Education has announced that it will be closing Lochiel School on July 1. Students and teachers of the U-Connect program will be moved to Simonds Elementary on September 1.
- Associated Engineering has filed a report with the National Energy Board, which states that the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline would result in a cost increase for municipalities of $93M over 50 years in five lower mainland communities
- The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Sooke has recently closed its doors. The store had 10 employees, and has been in business since 1985. The store reported that the closure was a result of rising operating expenses.
- The Alberni Valley has recently experienced its hottest May on record since 1993. The heat is devastating the Valley's wild salmon stock, which has decreased by two-thirds this season.
- Hopcott Premium Meats, a Pitt Meadows butcher shop, is currently expanding and will provide additional retail and production space. Expected to be opening by November, the butcher will be hiring extra staff once complete.
- Urban Systems recently presented a report to Fort St. John city council, projecting population growth, infrastructure stress and a possible need of $1B in extra municipal spending over the next 50 years. The report predicts that the city could run out of land in six to 14 years.
- Petronas has given conditional approval on the Pacific NorthWest liquefied natural gas terminal near Prince Rupert. The approval means that, pending the federal environmental assessment, the $11.4B terminal could be operational by 2019.
- As a result of a Skytrain shutdown, which affected 19 trains, Translink has announced that it will be hiring more SkyTrain attendance over the summer. The Company will hire 16 attendants on August 1, and 48 more by October.
- Construction of a cargo warehouse is underway at the Prince George Airport. The new warehouse, along with the extended runway and fuel farm will position the airport to start accepting large aircraft.
- A number of tech companies have recently set up shop in the Tri-Cities area, in the Lower Mainland. The companies have reported that by setting up in the area, they don't have to compete for workers, and enjoy a high retention rate.
- ESCO Corporation in Port Coquitlam has announced that it is for sale, and will likely close within the next two to three years. The company currently has 140 employees, and has indicated that there will be no immediate layoffs.
- Tickleberry, a South Okanagan ice cream shop, has recently opened a second location in Penticton
- Kinder Morgan has announced that if its pipeline expansion goes through, the company will invest $100M to cut spill response times in half. The investment includes opening five new bases in BC, and adding 100 new staff.
- Walmart has announced that its location in Dawson Creek will be renovated into a supercentre by early 2016. The store will not have a physical expansion but will be remodeled instead.
- A spring report from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp showed that the rental vacancy rate in Victoria for private purpose-build apartments was 1.2%, the lowest level since 2009. During the same month last year, the vacancy rate was 2.7%.
- Whistler Blackcomb will be installing four low-energy snow-making machines on top of Horstman Glacier in late July. The glacier has been shrinking for several decades, and is at a point that summer operations could be threatened.
- Following the closure of Subeez, a Vancouver restaurant, the Warehouse Group BC has offered all laid off staff interviews at their restaurants. The Company has also offered to compensate any workers who are hired for unpaid time by the former employer.
Week of Jun 08 - Jun 12, 2015
- The University of Northern British Columbia recently ran its fifth annual Healthcare Travelling Roadshow. The event showcases career opportunities to students in Fort St John, Dawson Creek, and Tumbler Ridge.
- The University Hospital of Northern British Columbia, in Prince George, recently completed construction of its new $10.5M Learning and Development Centre. The centre will be used both by students and medical professionals, to upgrade their skills.
- Initiatives Prince George has recently recruited a new business development officer. This new position will focus on helping local businesses to develop programs and create a better business climate in Prince George.
- Penticton-based Peter's Bros. Construction has been awarded an $8.9M contract to repave 43km of highway 6, as well as 32km of Mabel Lake Road
- Four Mile Brewing has opened a new liquor store in Colwood. Four Mile Brewing, which also owns another liquor store, a brew pub and a brewery, now employs 100 people across all operations.
- Dockside Green, a stalled 15-acre project on Victoria's Upper Harbour, has made changes which will facilitate development. Twelve buildings are planned, ranging between 85,000 and 140,000 sq.-ft.
- The Vancouver Island Regional Library has announced that it will be changing the hours of operation across its 39 branches. Affected branches will see some layoffs; however, staff will be offered positions at other locations.
- Following a December outbreak of avian flu in BC, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has declared that 11 affected farms are free of the disease. Approximately 24 countries had restricted the import of birds from BC during the outbreak.
- After successfully getting the Fisheries and Oceans Canada to close a fishery on the central coast in 2015, the Heiltsuk First Nation is calling for a coast-wide closure of herring fisheries in 2016.
- The BC Lottery Corporation has announced several new executive positions, to be filled in Kamloops. With these postings the corporation confirmed that its head office will remain in Kamloops.
- According to a recent ranking by MoneySense magazine, North Vancouver is the 9th best place to live in Canada, and the highest ranked city in BC. The magazine considered unemployment, taxes, and crime rates in its rankings.
- Victoria city council has approved funding of up to $350,000 to support a plan to help the city's homeless community. The plan will increase shelter spaces, designate tent spots, and review the option to build micro-houses.
- Following a tailings pond collapse last summer, Imperial Metals has submitted a request to reopen its Mount Polley mine. If approved, the mine will be able to reopen by the end of June, providing jobs for 370 workers.
- Two new breweries are coming to the Cowichan Valley. Red Arrow Brewing Company has recently opened in Duncan, and Riot Brewing is scheduled to open in Chemainus before the end of the year.
- Paragon Development has increased the budget of its Parq development from $535M to $600M. The development will include two hotels, eight restaurants, as well as convention and special event space.
- Chetwynd has opened its new tourist information centre for the summer. The centre has hired three staff members, including two seasonal students.
- The International Energy Agency has issued a five-year outlook on global demand for natural gas, and has predicted that BC will not have any of its liquefied natural gas projects operational by 2020
- The Government of BC has announced that as part of the BC Air Access Program it will be investing $24M over the next three years to support BC airports. The program is a part of BC on the Move, and may include terminal building expansion or upgrades.
- Cabin 12, a Victoria restaurant which opened in 2009 has closed its doors. The 65-seat restaurant had 12 staff prior to shutting down.
- The Naramata Inn, in the village of Naramata has recently re-opened under new management. The hotel, which closed several months ago, has undergone renovations and repairs prior to re-opening.
- Wespac Midstream has secured a license for a $175M docking facility on Tilbury Island in Delta. The facility would transport up to 120 mid-sized tankers per year along the Fraser River.
- The Fraser River Discovery Centre has begun the first phase of its $2.25M Working River Project. Once the design is complete, construction of the exhibit could begin with phase 2, in 2017.
- A New Balance footwear store has recently opened in Nanaimo
- The Richmond Women's Resource Centre has had to shut down for eight weeks due to a shortage of funds. The Centre has two part-time employees.
- Thompson Creek Metals has placed its Endako molybdenum mine on care and maintenance, terminating 270 employees
- Alberta companies that are being affected by Alberta's energy industry have begun bidding on projects in BC. Alberta-based companies that have placed recent bids include Atco and Petrowest.
Week of Jun 01 - Jun 05, 2015
- The Town of Creston is preparing a tax exemption program for new construction and improvements. The program will provide businesses with a five-year exemption from municipal taxes on renovations over $50,000 or new construction over $150,000. The aim of the program is to encourage additional economic growth in the town.
- In an effort to manage waitlists in the province, the Government of BC is providing 10M in funding to perform 1,000 surgeries at private centres this summer. Priority will be given to patients who have been waiting for more than 10 months for surgery.
- Community Vision, a North Vancouver child care agency for at-risk youth and young adults, has closed its doors.
- A mattress recycling depot in south Vancouver, which was recently destroyed by fire, has reopened in Burnaby. The fire left 45 workers temporarily unemployed.
- A group of local business leaders have launched a new website ThisIsTheCoast.ca, aimed at attracting skilled entrepreneurial young people to the Sunshine Coast. The group is hoping that this demographic will help boost the local economy.
- PricewaterhouseCoopers has updated a 2012 report for the Vancouver School Board, supporting its decision to close 28 classrooms next year. The report also outlines eight additional ways for the school board to improve its finances.
- The North Peace Seniors Housing Society reports that Fort St. John is experiencing a chronic shortage of housing for seniors
- The Cranbrook Boys and Girls Club recently opened the Youth Impact Centre, a meeting place and activity centre for youth. The centre is currently open after school, and will expand its hours in July and August.
- Teck Resources is temporarily shutting down six coal mines, five of which are in BC. The closures will affect approximately 4,400 workers. The shutdowns are expected to last for three weeks.
- The Greater Victoria school board is requesting nearly $5M from the provincial government, in addition to its $206M budget. The additional funding will pay for 49 full-time teachers, and 118 hours per week for educational assistants.
- Canadian Tire is opening a new location in Parksville's Wembley Mall. The location is currently undergoing renovations, and is expected to open in September or October.
- The Government of BC, in partnership with two local companies, are spending $17.4M to upgrade the Belleville Ferry Terminal in Victoria. The improvements will take place over three phases, with the first phase beginning in October.
- The $260M redevelopment of Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster will begin this fall. The first phase is expected to be complete in 2019, and the whole project could take 10 to 15 years.
- Fox Sports recently finished construction of its media headquarters for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Vancouver. Fox Sports will employ 300-400 workers for the duration of the event.
- Vancouver is one of the hosts of the FIFA Women's World Cup this year, which began on June 6. The month-long event is expected to provide a $267M economic boost to Canada, including $52M in BC, and $37M within Vancouver.
- The Government of BC is providing a $305,000 funding to create 60 new shipbuilding training positions at two post-secondary institutions
- A new labour agreement has been signed for the construction of BC Hydro's Site C project. The agreement will allow union, non-union, and independent First Nations' contractors to work on the project.
- Work has begun on the Garrison Landing development, a new residential subdivision in Fort St. John. Western Canadian Properties Group is currently developing lots, and will begin construction of up to 55 single-family homes by September.
- Pod C of the Okanagan Correctional Centre is currently under construction, with completion scheduled for September 30, 2016. Construction has created approximately 500 direct jobs, and once complete, the facility will employ about 300 people.
- A new liquor store, Best Buy Liquor Store, recently opened in Nanaimo.
- Delta Airlines will begin running three flights a day between Seattle and Victoria in April 2016. The Victoria Airport Authority expects that the additional flights will boost tourism and business in the city.
- Pacific Sky Aviation and Viking Air have begun construction on a new Twin Otter training centre, in North Saanich. The facility will create 20 new jobs at the Victoria airport, and will host hundreds of pilots each year.
Week of May 25 - May 29, 2015
- Animal Logic, an Australian animation company, will be opening an office in Vancouver. The company is expected to hire about 300 employees in January 2016, when production on żThe Lego Movie Sequelż begins.
- Following a restructuring announcement in Calgary earlier this year, Shaw Communications is currently recruiting at its Uptown call centre in Victoria. The call centre is expanding from 150 staff to approximately 500 by July.
- Real estate sales in Penticton increased from $78M in the first quarter of 2014 to $104M this year. Residential properties make up over half of the total, with the average home price increasing by an average of $11,000 since last year.
- The Plexus Wood Works shop in Naramata was recently destroyed in a fire. The company, which has been in operation for 20 years, manufactured wood doors, flooring and tables using reclaimed wood.
- The Fish House, a restaurant in Stanley Park, will close its doors at the end of September. The closure will affect approximately 60 employees.
- Following the suspension of Endako's molybdenum mine last December; The College of New Caledonia is launching a new training program for affected miners. The program will help the workers transition into available jobs within their community.
- A Money Mart and a One Stop Love Shop in the City of Langley have recently closed their doors. The city owns the building previously occupied by the two retailers and is planning to redevelop the location.
- Canadian Blood Services has recently announced that it is closing four sites and 16 mobile clinics across the country, including one location in Prince George. Nationwide, more than 40 part-time employees will be laid off as a result of the closures.
- Comox Valley has begun the closure of its landfill, which is expected to be complete by the fall of 2015. Following the closure, the landfill will be replaced by a new engineered landfill, slated for construction in 2017.
- Interior Health has selected Calgary-based Stuart Olson Construction to oversee renovations on the Strathcona Building at Kelowna General Hospital. The $32M construction projected is expected to finish in 2017.
- Independent toy retailer, Granville Island Toy Company, has recently opened its third location in Vancouver. With the new location, the company now has 28 employees.
- Main Sheet Metal Works, a nearly 100-year old sheet-metal fabrication company, has closed its doors. The Vancouver shop has attempted to find someone to buy the company, but with no interest, has decided to auction off its equipment and shut down.
- Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops have recently announced that they will be opening new locations in Abbotsford and Tsawwassen Mills, respectively. The 70,000-sq.-ft. and 145,000-sq.-ft. stores will create a number of jobs in the regions.
- The Surrey RCMP detachment will add 100 police officers within the next 12 months. Besides a contingent of new recruits, others are being promoted or transferred in. With the additional officers, the Surrey detachment will grow to about 800 officers.
- According to a recent report from Enform, up to 185,000 Canadian jobs linked to the oil patch could be affected by the industry downturn. While Alberta will be most affected, up to 20,000 jobs could be lost in British Columbia.
- In an effort to secure a final investment decision from Petronas, the government of BC recently announced that it will lock in royalties, and indemnify the project from tax increases
- To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation, the federal government has announced $150M of infrastructure funding. About $19M is expected to go to projects in BC, up to a maximum of $500,000 per project.
- The mill in Chetwynd resumed production at the beginning of May, after being idled in September 2012. The new owner, Paper Excellence, currently employs 1,230 mill workers across BC, including 136 at the Chetwynd mill.
- After being closed since June 2014, the former 7-Eleven in Trail is scheduled to reopen under the name Town Pantry in June
- Cowork Penticton recently hosted its first annual Micro Business Expo. The event was targeted for individuals and businesses with less than five employees, and it provided attendees with workshops and networking opportunities.
Week of May 18 - May 22, 2015
- The town council in Creston has approved a zoning bylaw amendment, which was required to construct the new Creston Valley Gymnastics Club. Construction on the facility is expected to begin this year.
- The Government of BC recently announced funding of $9M over three years through the Technology@Work program to help support employment opportunities for people with disabilities
- Kid & Company is opening three new child care centres in Surrey, which will provide 237 combined spaces in the city. The first location opened on May 13 and the two other locations are expected to begin operations by the fall.
- Telus is investing $10.5M in the Langley area this year to upgrade the wireless service to 4G LTE as well as deploying its new wireless spectrum. This is part of a $4B investment plan until 2018, developed by telecom companies.
- According to a recent forecast from the Conference Board of Canada, Greater Victoria is expected to see a 2.1% growth in its gross domestic product this year
- Nearly $3M in road work projects in Dawson Creek were recently awarded to Peter Bros. Construction. The projects include repaving a number of streets, as well as a parking lot expansion at the Kenn Borek Aquatic Center.
- The Alaska Government is taking one of its vessels, the Taku, out of service for the summer in order to conduct an overhaul. The removal of the vessel will cut the number of weekly trips between Prince Rupert and Alaska from four to two.
- The Pattison Sign Group has undergone a restructuring, laying off 16 full-time employees at its Penticton office, as well as two remote workers
- The Jade Restaurant in Port Alberni will be shutting down in mid-July. The restaurant was sold to the city, as part of the Dry Creek flood mitigation plan. The city plans to demolish the building and install a culvert underneath the street.
- FortisBC is planning to build a Kootenay Operations Centre in Ootischenia. Construction on the 30,000 sq.-ft. facility is expected to begin next spring. Once complete, the company will close the South Slocan Operations Centre.
- Northern Health has announced that three physicians will staff the new Primary Care Clinic in Chetwynd. A fourth physician plans to join the clinic following successful completion of the Practice Readiness Assessment Program.
- The Government of BC has announced $727,500 in funding for a new Trades Discovery program. The program will provide 326 seats across 12 post-secondary institutions for students to receive 10-12 weeks of hands-on experience in a range of trades.
- McArthurGlen, a new designer outlet at the Vancouver airport, hosted a career fair on May 24 and 25. The company announced that its tenants are looking to hire 600 employees for its 140 stores and services.
- The Neptune Motor Inn, in Prince Rupert, closed its doors at the end of April. Macro Properties, the owner of the hotel, reported that even after establishing a low monthly rate, there were too many vacancies to keep the hotel running.
- The Pembina Institute has recently unveiled a BC Clean Energy jobs map. The interactive map highlights 14,100 jobs and 156 renewable energy projects across the province.
- Nordstrom has begun posting the first of an expected 1,000 jobs at its new Vancouver store. The company is hiring for a variety of positions, including sales, bartenders, stylists, and cleaners.
- The city of Victoria will be cancelling its parking police contract with the Corps of Commissionaires and hiring 20 to 25 parking ambassadors. The ambassadors will still issue tickets, but will also assist tourists and residents in the city.
- Greenrock Liquor Store recently opened in Nanaimo. The 8,700 sq.-ft. location includes room in the basement, which will be used for beer and wine-tasting events.
Week of May 11 - May 15, 2015
- Imperial Metals has laid off 120 workers at its Mount Polley mine near Williams Lake. The layoffs account for more than half of the unionized employees at the mine.
- Canadian Tire has made a deal to purchase 12 former Target Canada leases for $17.7M. Four of the 12 locations will be in BC;, including locations in Courtenay, Cranbrook, Vernon, and Victoria.
- Tourism Victoria recently reported that the city is surpassing its tourism goals for the start of the year. The city has seen an increase in hotel occupancy, revenue per room, ferry traffic and airport passengers compared to the same period last year.
- Aspen Planners has shut down production at its two sites in Merritt, temporarily laying off about 150 employees. The company has reported that its sawmill and planer will be shut down for about two weeks; however, it could extend beyond that.
- The contract for the design and construction of the new $39M Kelowna Police Services building has been awarded to Bird Design-Build Construction. Construction is expected to begin this summer and completed by the spring of 2017.
- Bloom, a 300-person capacity nightclub, will soon open in Nelson's historic Savoy Hotel. The developer also has plans to reopen a hotel and café on the property.
- Prince Rupert has passed a $1.3M budget, with funds focussed on supporting liquefied natural gas developments in the region. The budget includes a sunset clause, which would return staffing levels to normal if the projects do not proceed.
- Telus is investing $7M in Abbotsford to expand its communications infrastructure. The upgrades will increase internet speed in the area, while providing additional services to residents.
- The Northern Supportive Recovery Centre for Women has discontinued efforts to establish a women's recovery centre at a former elementary school in Prince George. The society reported that they may pursue another location in the future.
- Canfor recently announced that it has not laid off as many workers from its Canal Flats mill as previously reported. The company agreed to retirement packages for 15 workers and 10 employees have been transferred to the mill in Radium.
- Walmart has agreed to purchase 13 former Target Canada locations and a distribution centre for $165M. The locations in BC that will be renovated into Walmart stores include Delta, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Maple Ridge.
- Lowe's Canada has agreed to purchase 13 former Target Canada locations as well as a distribution centre. The company has not reported which locations will be included in the purchase. Currently, Lowe's only BC-based store is in New Westminster.
- Vancouver city council is reviewing a proposal to redevelop the historic downtown Sinclair Centre. The redevelopment would increase the seven-storey building to 29 floors, providing office space for federal government employees.
- Prophet River First Nation will receive a permanent school next year. The $4.7M project has been tendered to Fort St. John's Kalmar Construction. The two-classroom school is expected to be completed by next spring.
- Walter Energy, a coal producer in northeast BC, may be facing bankruptcy as a result of weak coal market conditions. The company, which once employed more than 1,000 people, currently has only 18 workers processing coal stockpiles.
- Telus is investing $1.6M to upgrade its cellular coverage in Osoyoos in 2015. The upgrades will increase speed and coverage in the town and along the highway 3 corridor.
- Urban Academy's $14M expansion plan has been rejected by New Westminster city council. The expansion would have allowed the private school to amalgamate its two locations into one and expand to 450 students by 2022.
- A Nanaimo developer has secured a permit for a 45-room boutique hotel near the Old City Quarter. The hotel, which is expected to cost between $4M and $5M, will include a restaurant, meeting rooms and salon/spa.
- The 3,080-passenger Crown Princess cruise ship recently underwent an 11-day retrofit by Victoria Shipyards. The $5M refit required about 350 workers at the Esquimalt Graving Dock.
- The new $30M Centre for Trades Education and Innovation at Camosun College is on track and scheduled to open in September. The 80,000 sq.-ft. facility will house a number of courses, including automotive and marine technology.
Week of May 04 - May 08, 2015
- Two Rivers Lodging Group was recently selected to build the lodging facility for BC Hydro's Site C dam project. Construction is expected to begin this year and will be complete by early 2016.
- A fish hatchery recently constructed by the Okanagan Nation Alliance is preparing to release its first batch of sockeye fry into the Okanagan River. The facility has the capacity to rear up to eight million fry annually.
- As of May 1, Air Canada has started running two daily flights between Vancouver and Comox Valley. The new route will increase access for business and tourism for Comox.
- The Nak'azdli Whut'en Social Development cCentre recently opened in Fort Saint James. The centre will house facilitators in the community and provide a space for workshops.
- The Government of BC is partnering with industry to invest $1.2M in the Pathways to Success program in northwestern BC. The program will train 192 aboriginal participants from six First Nations.
- Maple Ridge city council recently approved the hiring of four street outreach workers for a six-month work term
- The WestStone Group recently announced plans to build Innovation Village, a $250M three-building development for seniors in North Surrey. The development will consist of two six-storey residential buildings and a 12-storey medical building.
- The Wachiay Friendship Centre in Comox Valley has opened a screen printing business in its expanded location. In addition to producing limited edition prints, the company will offer classes for youth and adults who are interested in art and printing.
- A new program at Simon Fraser University, the First Peoples Enterprise Accelerator, will help First Nations entrepreneurs launch their businesses. The program will operate out of RADIUS, a business incubator at the university's school of business.
- The Government of BC and Petronas have offered the Lax Kw-'alaams First Nation a $1.15B benefit package to support a proposed liquefied natural gas project on BC's northwest coast
- China Fiber Optic Network Systems Group has announced that it will open a fibre-optic materials manufacturing facility in Surrey. The facility is expected to be operational by June and will employ 200 workers on 10 production lines.
- Askew's Foods will be opening a new location in Kamloops' Sun Rivers. The grocery store will be between 6,000 and 7,000 sq.-ft. and will have six to seven residences on the second floor.
- Vancouver City Council recently selected TELUS to supply the City's free public Wi-Fi program. The first of 43 city-owned locations is expected to be operational by the fall.
- School District No. 91 has announced a potential reconfiguration, which could result in the closure of schools in Fort St. James or Fort Fraser. In the last five years, the school district has seen enrollment drop by approximately 17%. During the same period, the district has also closed schools in Topley, Burns Lake and Vanderhoof.
- The Prince George Free Press ceased publishing on May 1. The newspaper had 10 full-time employees, as well as part-time drivers and carriers.
- The Martin Street Outreach Centre will soon open in Penticton, through the provinces A GP for Me program. The new centre will build on current services in the city, while providing patients with increased access to physicians and social workers.
- Parkland Fuel has recently opened a new 38,000 sq.-ft. location in Pitt Meadows, creating 20 full-time jobs
- The Myra Falls zinc and copper mine near Campbell River will be closed for approximately six months, while $10M to $15M in improvements are made. Less than a third of the 350 employees at the mine will be retained during the break in operations.
- According to the Community Social Planning Council, the living wage in greater Victoria has risen by more than $1 since last year, to $20.05. The report also notes that 28% of families in the region currently make less than the living wage.
- Video game developer, A Thinking Ape, recently held a pop-up job fair in Vancouver. The event had over 400 job seekers signed up to meet with representatives from 12 gaming companies.
Week of Apr 27 - May 01, 2015
- Downtown Vancouver currently has 2.2M sq.-ft. of office space under construction. Surrounding communities are concerned that the construction will affect their ability to create jobs in other areas of the region.
- The Walmart in Trail has been scheduled for expansion into a Walmart Supercentre. The start date of the project has not been set; however, it is expected to be complete by January 30, 2016. The tire and lube service at the Trail Walmart is also scheduled to be closed.
- The City of Vancouver is developing a website that will allow residents to report vacant homes. The reporting site will help tackle the growing concerns surrounding vacant properties, given current affordability challenges in the city.
- The Province of BC has announced $30M in funding to provide more training opportunities for aboriginals in northern BC. The province aims to add 15,000 job-ready aboriginal people to the workforce over the next decade.
- Okanagan College in Kelowna has received $766,560 from the provincial government for in-demand trades programs. The funding will create 152 new spaces across 6 programs.
- Browns Socialhouse will be opening a new location in Kamloops. The restaurant will occupy the former location of Nando's, with renovations on the space beginning in the fall.
- Holt Renfrew has announced that it will be expanding its Dunsmuir location in Vancouver by nearly 40,000 sq.-ft. The expansion will double the size of the personal shopping area and is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
- The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness recently released a report on the state of the homeless population of Victoria. The report found that at least $7M in additional annual funding is required to support the city's homeless.
- The Nanaimo-Ladysmith school board has voted to reopen Cedar Secondary School, which was closed in June of 2014. The school is expected to reopen in 2016.
- Cruise season has begun in Victoria, with a record 229 ship visits expected throughout the year. Visitors and crew spent an estimated $32M in Victoria last year through tours, shopping, and transportation.
- The Home Building Centre in Osoyoos, which was scheduled to close in November of this year, has had its lease extended until the fall of 2019. The town council agreed to extend the lease in order to maintain the 16 full-time jobs the business provides.
- An 84-unit condo development in downtown Victoria recently broke ground. The development, Escher on Broughton Street, is 25% pre-sold and is expected to be complete within 22 months.
- A career fair for Canal Flats Canfor employees who are being laid off in May has been cancelled due to a lack of interest. Of the 80 employees being laid off in May, only 15 people attended a recent employment-related information session.
- The Government of BC recently announced that it is providing an additional $5M toward the Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative. The funding will assist communities with above-average wildfire risks.
- The Okanagan Skaha School District is opening its fourth French immersion classroom. The sixth grade classroom, which is located in Summerland, has received applications from students in Summerland and Penticton.
- The Kamloops-Thompson school district is expecting a reduction of 14 full-time staff in the new school year due to a funding shortfall. The district is expecting to enroll 286 fewer students in the new year.
- Peter's Your Independent Grocer recently held its grand opening in Kelowna. The new store added 30 new staff positions in the city, bringing its total to 130 employees.
- TransCanada Pipelines recently held an open house in Houston, where they discussed a proposed Coastal GasLink pipeline, from Dawson Creek to Kitimat. The meeting discussed a proposed work camp southwest of Buck Falls, which would operate for two to three years. The work camp could average 300 to 500 people, peaking at 1,000.
- The John Volken Academy has recently opened its new $80M addictions treatment facility in Surrey. The 220,000 sq.-ft. facility offers 24hr treatment and education for a minimum of two years, for up to 150 residents.
- The Vancouver International Airport plans to handle 25M passengers by 2020, or 5M more than what is expected this year. This increase is expected to create between 5K and 7K new jobs in BC, as well as adding $500M to the provincial economy.
- BC farmers are seeing an increase in demand as the low Canadian dollar reduces the number of cross-border shoppers in southern BC. Nearly 50,000 fewer Canadians have passed through the Douglas border crossing in February, compared to the previous year.
Week of Apr 20 - Apr 24, 2015
- The Federal Government recently announced $2M in funding to support construction of the Advanced Resource Clean Technology Innovation Centre in Burnaby
- The City of Victoria has launched a task force for economic development and prosperity. The 17-member group will develop concrete actions to help benefit small businesses in the city.
- Hillside Centre, a psychiatric facility in Kamloops, will soon begin staffing non-uniformed security guards at all hours of operation. Hillside will also be reviewing all other levels of staffing at the facility as well.
- McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, a new discount mall in Vancouver, recently hosted a hiring fair which attracted approximately 2,000 applicants. The company attributes the high turnout to the recent closure of local Target and Future Shop locations.
- The Government of BC recently released a total of $40M under its Small Community Grant program to municipalities with populations under 19,000. The second payment, totalling $75M, is scheduled for June.
- Ralmax Group of Companies recently purchased Chew Excavating, one of Vancouver Island's largest excavating and civil construction firms
- Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island will be distributing $2.25M in funding across 24 organizations on Vancouver Island. The communities set to receive program funding include Victoria, Nanaimo, Comox Valley, and Campbell River.
- Zero Emission Energy will be constructing three new wind farms in Taylor, West Kelowna and Summerland. Construction will take about 18 months, with each project creating 25 to 50 contract jobs.
- Telus will be completing $60M worth of upgrades in Kamloops to install fibre-optic cable to more than 25,000 homes in the city. The upgrades will be completed throughout 2015 and into 2016.
- Pescatores, a restaurant in Victoria which is currently under extensive renovations, has decided to reopen as three separate restaurants. The restaurants are expected to create 60 new staff positions.
- Big Rock Urban in Mount Pleasant recently held its grand opening. The Calgary-based brewer is the seventh brewery to open in the Mount Pleasant/Olympic Village area and Big Rock's first location in BC.
- Disney Interactive has laid off approximately 30 staff from its Club Penguin office in Kelowna. Staff was advised that the reductions were due to a decline in membership.
- Granville Island is currently accepting applications for its first major restructuring in 35 years. With the Emily Carr University of Art and Design moving, it is freeing up more than 200,000 sq.-ft. of space in the area.
- Meridian Meats & Seafood will be opening a new location in Maple Ridge, its sixth location in BC. The new store will operate under the name Meridian Farm Market.
- The Alberni School District has announced that it will be closing Gill Elementary and Eighth Avenue Elementary. There will be some administrative layoffs; however, the school district did not announce the number of staffing cuts.
- As part of CBC/Radio-Canada cutting more than 240 positions across the country, CBC Victoria has laid off two staff members. The employees affected include an associate producer and a position in administration.
- The Burnaby school district may have to cut up to 30 jobs, including 17 teaching positions, as a result of a projected $6.4M shortfall next year
- According to a new report by Vancity, if housing prices in the region continue to rise, while incomes stay stagnant, the only area in Metro Vancouver which will remain affordable by 2030 will be Langley
- Kamloops City Council has sent a letter to the Interior Health Authority against the current plan to contract out laundry services at the Royal Inland Hospital. If the services are contracted out, it will result in a loss of 20 jobs at the hospital.
Week of Apr 13 - Apr 17, 2015
- DeNA, a Japanese mobile game publisher, has laid off a number of employees at its Vancouver and San Francisco offices. The company has not reported the number of employees in Vancouver that lost their jobs.
- The HomeFree Collective, a group of eight non-profit organizations in Kamloops, will receive $684,540 in funding to help local homelessness projects. The funding will run the programs until March 31, 2017.
- Victoria Hippo Tours, an amphibious tour company, is leaving Victoria after three years due to its short tourism season. The company, which currently employs 16 workers, will be moving operations to the Caribbean.
- Providence Health Care has announced that it will be closing St. Paul's Hospital in downtown Vancouver. The company will be opening a new $1.2B facility south of the Downtown Eastside, with an estimated completion date of 2022.
- The Town of Golden has approved a number of variances for the proposed Whitetooth Brewing Company. The brewery will be the first new building in the downtown core in nearly 25 years.
- The Government of BC has placed an order on the City of Nanaimo to fix the Colliery dams. The City has until May 1st to select a remediation option and until October 15th to have substantially completed the work.
- A new $90M performing-arts centre has been proposed in Kamloops. The City will be holding a referendum later this year to decide how to raise the money for the project. If approved, construction would begin in 2018.
- HME Mobility & Accessibility, a Vancouver-based medical equipment rental company, has opened a new location in Victoria
- SCI Logistics, a supply chain services provider, has opened a new transportation centre in Langley. The company has consolidated with Burnaby Moving & Storage in a 35,000 sq.-ft. facility.
- The Richmond Auto Mall has announced a 300,000 sq.-ft. expansion that could create $180M in investment over the next five years. The project will add a number of new brands to the mall, bringing the dealership count to 16.
- Empire Industries Ltd. has been awarded a $243M contract to build the Thirty Metre Telescope destined for Hawaii. The project will create jobs for 130 employees over the next two years in Port Coquitlam.
- The Village of Slocan has authorized work on the development of the Springer Creek micro hydro power project. The $3.4M project is expected to be operational by 2016, generating an annual net revenue of $50,000.
- The Mennonite Central Committee Thrift Shop recently opened in Fort St. John. The thrift shop will give a portion of its profits to local programming in the city.
- Shape Properties has submitted a rezoning application for the third phase of its Brentwood Town Centre development in Burnaby. The 11-hectare project is made up of four phases, with first phase currently under construction.
- Island Health has posted a request for proposals for private clinics to provide up to 4,000 day surgeries and up to 7,000 endoscopic procedures over three to five years. The surgeries are publicly funded and will come from the standard wait-lists.
- GT Hiring Solutions and WorkBC are hosting a job fair for Gateway Casinos on April 24. Gateway is currently hiring for a number of positions at three of its properties in Burnaby, New Westminster, and Langley.
- Following the closure of Target in Saanich's Tillicum Centre, the former pharmacists of the store have opened a new location, called JC Pharmacy
- The City of Prince George is currently hiring for a number of positions, including 15 full-time workers. The positions range from gardeners to police support.
- The Castle at Swan Lake, a resort hotel near Vernon, recently opened its doors. Construction started on the building nearly 10 years ago; however, challenges forced it to sit vacant for a number of years.
Week of Apr 06 - Apr 10, 2015
- Federally-licensed medical marijuana grower Tilray has received approval to quintuple its Nanaimo operation. Since April 2014, Tilray has contributed $48M to the Nanaimo economy and employs more than 140 people.
- Two BC liquefied natural gas export projects face an uncertain future with Royal Dutch Shell's proposed acquisition of BG Group. A key issue is whether the merged company will proceed with the LNG projects or cancel one or both.
- The BC government is unlikely to realize its goal to have three liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants operational by 2020. Most of the 18 proposed LNG projects will be nixed as a result of the oil price decline, according to a new report from Moody's.
- Port Metro Vancouver expansion is spurred by a rise in agriculture exports, particularly canola oil shipments which are expected to increase by at least 25%
- Victoria-based Checkfront, which creates cloud-based reservation tools for tourism operators, has secured $1M in financing to expand its workforce and business. Checkfront employs web designers, programmers, and client support staff.
- BC seafood and agriculture exports rose for the fifth straight year in 2014 to nearly $3B. Although food exports to Asia are increasing, the US accounts for 68% of BC's food exports.
Week of Mar 30 - Apr 03, 2015
- Comark Inc., owner of Ricki's, Bootlegger and Cleo, has filed for bankruptcy protection and will be closing approx. 50 of its stores across Canada. The company is also reviewing current staffing levels at its headquarters, regional offices and distribution centre in Richmond, Winnipeg and Laval.
- Future Shop recently announced that it is closing half of its stores across Canada, laying off about 1,500 employees. In BC, Future Shop had 22 stores and 13 of them will reopen under the Best Buy brand, while nine will permanently close.
- Coastal Community Credit Union will open new branches in Victoria and Langford this year. The Langford location will open in May and the downtown Victoria branch in the fall. The new locations will create 10 new jobs in the area.
- The Government of BC will expand its student loan forgiveness program to include more health and other specialized occupations. Recipients must work 400 hours per year for five years in a designated community to have their student loans forgiven.
- The Open Door Group and the Kamloops Employment Service Network are hosting the Kamloops Hiring Fair on April 14th. The event has over 30 employers and service providers signed up to speak with job seekers in the region.
- Construction of the $450M Brucejack gold mine, located 245 km northwest of Smithers, will begin this summer, with completion by 2017. About 500 jobs will be created during construction and 300 permanent jobs during the mines 16-year life.
- Langley's low-cost food store, the Oasis Outreach Society, recently closed its doors. The store provided discounted grocery items to people with incomes less than $20,000 per year. The store plans on re-opening when it finds a location with lower rent.
- Surrey Community College has reduced its course offerings from nearly 35 courses down to three. The school will now focus on the students between Kindergarten and grade 12, as well as its three post-secondary courses.
- Muninn's Post, a new Viking theme restaurant, recently opened in Kelowna
- Fort St. John is examining how to attract more development in its downtown. Currently, 16% of properties in the downtown area are vacant.
- Skaha Hills has launched its second phase well ahead of schedule. The second phase of the resort-style residential development in Penticton includes 47 home sites. Overall, Skaha Hills will consist of over 600 homes to be built over seven phases.
- Ashley Maids is moving its head office from Saskatoon to Nanaimo. The company currently has two employees in Nanaimo; however, the move will create a need for up to 10 more positions.
Week of Mar 23 - Mar 27, 2015
- The job board for the Victoria Advanced Technology Council has been hovering around 100 available jobs for the last few weeks. Most positions are for software developers and digital talent.
- The city of Fort St. John has announced that it will be selling two plots of land to School District 60 for construction of two new elementary schools. School District 60 is expecting enrollment to increase by 25% by 2023.
- Walmart Canada will be opening a new supercentre in Tsawwassen. The store, along with a new shopping centre, is scheduled to open in May 2016. The shopping centre will have more than 100 retail spaces.
- TransLink has filed a request for proposals to replace 32 out of 44 escalators along Vancouver's Expo Line. The project will take place between 2016 and 2022, at a cost of approximately $12M.
- The start date for construction of New Gold's Blackwater open-pit gold and silver mine project near Burns Lake has been moved from 2015 to 2017. Since 2012, more than 550 employees and contractors have been hired at the project.
- The Regional District of Central Kootenay will be performing $1.2M in upgrades to its Kaslo and Balfour transfer stations. The Kaslo and Balfour stations will be closed respectively May 4-June 22 and June 22-August 23, as they undergo construction.
- The BC Government has announced that the Surrey Provincial Court will undergo a $24.3M expansion. Construction will begin in early 2016 with completion by 2017. The upgrades will include three new courtrooms and two new hearing rooms.
- A No Frills store is expected to move into the former location of MarketPlace IGA in Cloverdale. Loblaw will be spending several million dollars on renovations. An opening date has not been announced. A new No Frills typically employs 70 to 80 people.
- DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, a discount footwear retailer, is opening its first store in BC. The Saanich store will open this fall, in the former Michaels location.
- The Heiltsuk First Nation has declared a tribal ban on commercial sac roe fishing in Area 7, including Spiller Channel, where the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada recently opened a herring fishery
- The Paddle Centre in Kelowna recently opened and will have its grand opening on May 2. The facility offers courses and rentals for paddle enthusiasts.
- Trican Well Services has suspended operations in Fort Nelson, laying off 23 employees. The company also laid off an unknown number of staff in Fort St. John.
- Interfor will be moving five of its eight salaried employees from Nakusp to Castlegar. The Companies goal is to centralize into a single Kootenay division, along with a $50M expansion of the manufacturing facility in Castlegar.
- Two daycares and one preschool in Prince George have recently closed, one at the College of New Caledonia, and the other at the Community Arts Council.
- The Government of BC has announced BC on the Move, a 10-year transportation plan. The plan will cost $2.5B over the first three years and includes the George Massey Tunnel, BC Ferries, and replacing half of BC Transit's fleet.
- Construction on the Nelson Landing project will begin this summer, with occupancy in 2016. The project is a mixed-use village of 200 condos. The first phase includes eight townhomes priced around $400,000.
- Saanich city council has approved a new 40,000-sq.-ft. Whole Foods Market at Uptown shopping centre. The new store is the first Whole Foods on Vancouver Island.
- The Richmond School District is expecting a budget shortfall of $4M due to a decline in enrolment of approximately 500 students. As a result, the school district may see layoffs of up to 20 teachers.
- Target Canada has released its list of stores affected by its second round of closures, including 11 in BC
- The North East Native Advancing Society has begun construction on its 6,000-sq.-ft. building addition in Fort St. John. The $1M expansion will hold the administration, education, youth outreach, and traditional healing space for the society.
- The South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services recently held a job fair in Oliver. Approximately 60 job-seekers attended the event and met with five employers, primarily in tourism and hospitality.
- CBC/Radio-Canada will cut 25 positions in British Columbia as part of a national reduction of 240 jobs across all areas of operation. According to the company, while some affected employees may be reassigned to other positions, there will be job losses.
Week of Mar 16 - Mar 20, 2015
- The Government of BC has announced a new $24.5M program to help single parents improve their education. The program begins on September 1, 2015 and will pay for 12 months of tuition for in-demand occupations to eligible candidates.
- Jawl Properties has two large construction projects planned for downtown Victoria. If approved, construction would likely begin in July or August. The total construction cost for the projects has not been determined.
- The District of Chetwynd will be losing all but one of its doctors this summer, if more are not recruited. Northern Health has a goal of four or five full-time doctors in Chetwynd, to support the nearly 10,000 local residents.
- Alternative Forest Operations Ltd. recently sold off $2M of its logging equipment and will be laying off half of its 50-person workforce. The company reports that logging rates aren't keeping up with contractors' costs.
- The Canvas Cup Coffee Bar in Port Alberni will be reopening under new ownership on May 1, 2015
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has lifted the avian flu quarantine from 10 of 13 farms in BC. The quarantine was placed on a number of farms in early December and is the first time the H5N2 virus has been seen in North America.
- The Crossing at Keremeos, a non-profit drug treatment centre, has closed its doors in Langley on March 5, 2015. The Crossing employed 30 staff, with some being offered work at other locations in Prince George and Vancouver.
- The Malahat Nation will be performing $1.85M worth of construction to revitalize the Mill Bay waterfront. The work is expected to create 56 new jobs from increased tourism and aquaculture business development.
- Target Canada recently announced details on its first wave of store closures. In BC, the stores in Chilliwack and Cranbrook closed on March 22. The remainder of the first 16 stores to close are located in Alberta and Ontario.
- The City of Nanaimo will review its current by-laws covering street vendors in an attempt to make the city more friendly to food trucks
- The government of BC will be phasing in a new licensing system for residential builders over the next 16 months. The new system will require home builders to prove that they have completed recognized courses prior to annual license renewal.
- Contech Enterprises, an animal repellent manufacturer, has begun bankruptcy proceedings. The Victoria-based company has 27 staff in BC and three in New Brunswick.
- The Pat Bay Highway visitor information centre will re-open by May 15, 2015. The centre, which closed in 2013, welcomes visitors to Vancouver Island who arrive on a BC Ferries vessel.
- Construction has completed on Sole, a six-storey mixed-use building in Kelowna. Sixty percent of the building's 40 condos are sold and two commercial spaces are still available.
- The Government of BC is re-launching its Clean Energy Vehicle Incentives program with $10.5M over the next three years. The bulk of the funding will go toward point-of-sale incentives, the remainder toward infrastructure and fleet vehicles.
- Prince Rupert's Fairview Container Terminal will undergo a $200M upgrade, to increase its capacity from 850,000 containers to 1.3M. Construction will begin immediately and should be complete by the middle of 2017.
- Simon Fraser University will be closing its 60-unit Louis Riel House student-family residence at the end of August. There are currently 20 low-income students with families and 40 mature students living in the residence.
- Coldstream Meadows, a retirement community in Coldstream, has proposed a new residential care facility. The new facility, Aberdeen Manor, would provide 85 beds to residents who are not able to afford a private care facility.
- Lake Country is hiring election officials for its rail corridor referendum on April 25. Officials will be provided training and are needed for April 15th-17th, 20th, 21st and 25th.
Week of Mar 09 - Mar 13, 2015
- School district 36 is reviewing its 10-year plan in response to decreasing student enrollment. The school board is exploring several options, including closing Silver Creek Elementary, or reconfiguring grade levels.
- Nine new retailers will be moving into Vancouver's expanded Pacific Centre shopping mall this summer. Pacific Centre has added 44,000 sq.-ft. of retail space, as well as 290,000 sq.-ft of office space on the top four levels.
- Loblaw Companies will be building 50 new stores and renovating 100 others this year, creating more than 5,000 jobs at its corporate and independently-owned stores and 15,000 construction jobs across Canada. The company reported that the $1.2B investment will be in grocery, pharmacy, clothing and banking.
- Nordstrom will soon be opening a new location in downtown Vancouver. The company is expected to hire up to 44 managers, as well as 1,000 sales and support positions by June.
- The College of New Caledonia, in Prince George, is facing a $2.8M deficit. It is estimated that the college will lay off approximately 20 staff as a result.
- The Industry Training Authority has appointed 15 apprenticeship advisors across BC to boost the number of certifications in high-demand areas. The advisors will identify the barriers that apprentices are facing and help them move forward.
- The deadline of 2020 to perform seismic upgrades on BC schools has been postponed to 2030. The high-risk schools outside Vancouver will be complete by 2025; however, Vancouver schools will not see work until 2030.
- TELUS has announced that it will be upgrading its fibre optic internet network in the city of Revelstoke. The company will have the first zone of the upgrade online by the spring of 2016.
- According to a recent survey from Manpower, 13% of employers in Victoria plan to hire more staff between April and June and 83% will maintain current staffing levels
- The Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual Career and Job Fair at the College of the Rockies. The career fair had a record 45 participants at this year's event.
- The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Comox Valley Tech Expo in October. The expo will highlight the growing Comox Valley technology sector, following a round table discussion on tech and innovation last fall.
- The Red Chris mine has been granted a three-month permit, allowing the mine to operate its ore-grinding mill while testing the tailings facility. The company must demonstrate that the tailings facility is holding up before a final permit is granted.
- Beginning April 1, all revenue received by the Government of BC from fishing licences will be transferred to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. The initial transfer will be approximately $10M, which is about $3M more than what the society currently receives.
Week of Mar 02 - Mar 06, 2015
- Thompson Rivers University is now offering a Camp/Prep Cook Training Program. The seven-week program will prepare students for a number of Camp/Prep Cook opportunities that are currently available in the North Thompson area. The program runs from March 16 to May 1, 2015.
- The City of Surrey recently broke ground on its biofuel processing facility, which will convert kitchen and yard waste into natural gas. The project is expected to be complete by 2017, creating 15 long-term full-time jobs.
- Remedi Pharmaceuticals and Iotron Industries are proposing the first medical marijuana production facility in Port Coquitlam. If approved, the facility would create 20 full-time jobs.
- The Government of BC has provided funding to open 14 new BC Early Years Centres across the province. The centres will provide drop-in programs, health clinics and child care for parents of children aged 0-6.
- The Canadian College of Advanced Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy has recently opened in the Comox Valley. The school offers a 220-hour program toward a diploma in clinical hypnotherapy.
- The BC Health Employees' Union has reported that more than 240 aides, nurses, cleaners and dietary workers at Laurel Place care home, in Surrey, will be given layoff notices effective June 1
- Aramark has lost its contract with Vancouver Coastal Health hospitals and extended care facilities, resulting in layoff notices for its 935 staff. The new contract has been awarded to Compass Group, who is committed to retaining as many affected staff as possible.
- The Salvation Army in Langley City will be closing its doors by March 21. Close to 20 employees are affected by the closure.
- IMW, a manufacturer of natural gas compression systems, recently laid off an undisclosed number of employees in Chilliwack. The company reported that the layoffs were a result of cyclical fluctuations and the weakness in the global market.
- Bosa will begin construction on the first of two new residential towers in New Westminster's waterfront in the fall of 2015. The first tower will have 285 units, and is expected to be complete in 2018.
Week of Feb 23 - Feb 27, 2015
- Finning International has recently announced that it is cutting 500 positions in Canada, approximately 9 percent of its workforce. The company did not provide a timeframe for the job cuts.
- The new Primary Health Clinic in Chetwynd, scheduled to open in May 2015, is expected to attract physicians to the area. The clinic will temporarily receive some hospital staff and four physicians when it opens.
- North Island College has created a new position, the Co-ordinator of Work Integrated Education, to connect employers and students in the Comox Valley
- MediaCore, a Victoria-based educational film developer, is planning to hire up to 15 additional staff and expand its cloud-based educational video products following a $4.5M investment
- Michaels Companies, a large craft and art supplies retailer, has hired 60 staff for its new store in Victoria scheduled to open on March 20, 2015
- Douglas College has introduced the Retail Automotive Sales Program at its Coquitlam Campus to produce trained staff for automotive dealerships. Participants must be at least 35 years old and be current or former Employment Insurance recipients.
- Shaw Communications is adding 300 jobs to its call centre operations with a new location in Saanich. Some of the positions may be filled by Shaw employees transferring from locations that are scheduled to close.
- Encana has announced plans to cut $130M in spending for the Montney fields around Dawson Creek in 2015, but the company does not plan to shut down drilling rigs or lay off workers in the area
Week of Feb 16 - Feb 20, 2015
- The Uptown Shopping Centre in Victoria has announced its third and final construction phase, with plans to open in the fall of 2016. Hundreds of workers will be employed during construction and about 150 jobs will be created once the project is complete.
- Interior Health has issued a request for proposals to provide 100 new senior residential care beds in Kelowna and 85 new beds in Vernon. Interior Health expects that the construction will begin in the fall.
- Interior Health is seeking a request for solutions, in a move towards privatizing its laundry services. Interior Health currently employs 175 laundry workers in 11 communities.
- Canfor announced that its sawmill in Canal Flats would be laying off 81 employees, as it reduces from two shifts to one. The reduction will occur on May 4 and affects more than 50% of the employees at the mill.
- A new A&W restaurant recently opened in Surrey
- Pomme, a natural and organic grocery chain, has established a presence in Nanaimo by acquiring Island Natural Markets. The store will be rebranded as a Pomme location later in 2015.
- Ski instructors and lift operators laid off due to poor snow conditions around Vancouver are being hired by other resorts across BC. Whistler Blackcomb is still searching for additional instructors due to the demand for lessons at the resort.
Week of Feb 09 - Feb 13, 2015
- The Truck Loggers Association recently completed its annual convention in Victoria. At the convention, a looming labour shortage was a focus; the association estimates that there will be 4,700 positions available over the next 10 years.
- Artisans Attic and Fudgery Gift Shoppe recently opened in downtown Hope. The store will feature products from 10-15 vendors, with inventory rotating on a regular basis.
- Flight Centre has recently opened a new location in Kelowna. The travel agency will specialize in business travel at its new location.
- A new Save-On-Foods opened in Parksville on February 14. The new location, which replaces an older, smaller store, will create an additional 50 jobs in the area.
- Whole Foods has recently announced that it will be opening a new location in Victoria in 2016. Whole Foods also has two additional BC stores under development, in Burnaby and North Vancouver.
- Shaw Communications has announced that it will be partially closing its Kelowna call centre, affecting 145 employees. The company also reported that it will be expanding its call centres in Vancouver and Victoria.
- The Federal Government has announced $1.75M for the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology in Merrit. The funding will allow the institute to purchase a mobile trailer used to deliver the Bridging to Trades program to Aboriginal communities across BC.
- Horizon North Logistics, an oilfield-assistance company, recently announced that it will be laying off 48 employees in Kamloops
Week of Feb 02 - Feb 06, 2015
- West Marine, a boat and supply store is closing all 10 of its stores in Canada. The Company had 3 locations in Victoria as well as stores in Vancouver and Richmond. The stores will close over the next few years as the leases expire.
- Kennedy Heights printing plant recently shut down, affecting 220 employees. The closure was a result of a decision by Pacific Newspaper Group to outsource its print production to Transcontinental Printing in Delta.
- Blasting has begun for the John Hart Generating Station near Campbell River. Construction on the main tunnel will begin in the spring, with an expected completion date in fall 2018.
- CIBT Education Group has purchased a 17-storey hotel in Vancouver with plans to renovate it and rent out suites to international students. The company plans to open a number of additional rental properties for foreign students.
- TransLink will be performing a $100M upgrade to the Pattullo Bridge in New Westminster. The first of three phases includes a $25M detailed design, expected to be completed by the end of 2016.
- North Lake Ventures will be tearing down two three-storey buildings in Central Lonsdale and building a six-storey building with 107 rental units
- The Port Hardy Primary Health Care Centre has recently completed construction and will begin offering health care services this spring. The $2.6M clinic will be staffed by Port Hardy's three existing physicians, as well as 4 nurses. Three more physicians are expected to be added later this year.
- Code Brew, a coffee shop at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, has opened its second location, at the Millstore Medical Centre
- The 2015 Northwest Growth Conference will be held on March 6 and 7 in Prince Rupert. The conference will help local small and medium businesses to make the most of upcoming opportunities in the region.
Week of Jan 26 - Jan 30, 2015
- Western Forest Products recently reopened its Ladysmith mill. The mill will recall all 85 workers who were previously laid off when the facility closed in December 2014.
- Chapters Indigo will be shutting down its flagship store in Vancouver on June 30. The company reported that the closure is due to a significant rent increase, but a new downtown location will be sought.
- Carecorp will be terminating its agreement with Inglewood Care Centre, affecting more than 230 staff at the Vancouver nursing home. A representative of the Hospital Employees' Union reported that 75-80% of the employees may be rehired.
- According to the Canadian Border Services Agency, the number of Canadians who travelled into the US from the five crossings from Tsawwassen to Abbotsford was 19.6% lower in December 2014 compared to the same time last year
- Fortinet, a security software developer in Vancouver, is hiring over 76 new employees as a result of the low Canadian dollar
- The Vancouver Port Authority has recently given licenses to 68 trucking companies, reducing the number of authorized port truckers from approximately 2,000 to 1,450. The port reported that the decision was made to prevent persistent undercutting.
- The Home Depot has more than 370 career events scheduled across Canada, with plans to hire more than 5,500 associates, including 650 in British Columbia
- The Cloverdale MarketPlace IGA in Surrey will be closing its doors at the end of February. The closure will affect 35 employees.
- Tolko will soon begin construction on its pellet plant at its Lavington mill. The plant is expected to be operational by September and will create 30 permanent jobs at the mill.
- A new walk-in clinic recently opened in Fort St. John. The clinic will be staffed by existing physicians in the community on a rotational basis; however, efforts to recruit new physicians are ongoing.
Week of Jan 19 - Jan 23, 2015
- The Centre at Naramata, a United Church conference and retreat centre, is closing permanently effective January 21, 2015, after 70 years of operation
- The Broadbent Institute, an Ottawa-based group, recently released a report that found BC experienced the worst income growth of any province in Canada between 2006 and 2012
- Gibraltar Mines, near Williams Lake, is reducing its workforce by nearly 50 employees and an additional 20 contractors, effective January 19, 2015. The company attributed the layoffs to declining copper prices.
- Construction is set to begin on the $400M Meikle Wind Energy Project in Tumbler Ridge. The construction phase of the project is expected to generate 175 jobs and nine permanent employees will be required on completion in 2016.
- Sears Canada is offering job opportunities for displaced Target employees at both the retail and head-office level. Sears is holding special events and career fairs for the former Target employees.
Week of Jan 12 - Jan 16, 2015
- The Government of BC has introduced a new, faster, immigration stream. Applicants may be eligible under the categories of Skilled Workers, Health Care Professionals, International Graduates, and International Post Graduates.
- Kelowna city council has approved the construction of a $7.6M, 2km road, linking Mission and Southeast Kelowna. The road will allow for future development, including a shopping centre and middle school in the area.
- Victoria Shipyard is attracting international clients to modernize aging navy vessels. A contract is currently being finalized for work on two New Zealand frigates between 2016 and 2018, which will each create 100 jobs for six months.
- The Government of BC recently held its 12th annual Premier's Natural Resources Forum in Prince George. The forum, which covers energy, mining, liquefied natural gas, First Nations, and forestry issues, attracted approximately 600 delegates.
- Pacific Coastal Airlines has begun offering non-stop service, six days a week, between Prince George and Victoria
- Blue Fuel Energy is in the process of obtaining permits for its $2B refining facility in Chetwynd. The Company has expressed concerns regarding availability of labourers, on the prediction that they will require 1,000-2,000 workers over three years.
- Initiatives Prince George hosted its third annual market expansion forum in Prince George on January 20, 2015. The forum allowed local businesses to connect with contacts for major projects in northern BC.
- Construction has begun on a new bridge over the Okanagan River Channel in Penticton. The new five-lane bridge will provide access to 150 acres of Penticton Indian Band land for future development.
- Pomme Natural Market, a Victoria-based grocer, has recently opened a new location in Vancouver's west end. The Company has stated that they would like to expand to have 10 stores in 10 years throughout the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
- Exxon and Imperial Oil revealed details of their Prince Rupert LNG project recently, when they filed for environmental assessment. The project will need between 1,000 and 6,000 construction workers and between 250 to 300 operations employees.
- Nanaimo's Terminal Park Save-on-Foods location will close its doors on February 5, affecting 68 unionized employees. The company is reviewing options with the affected employees, including moving them to another location.
- Cube Climbing gym recently opened in Nelson. Cube Climbing is the only indoor climbing gym in the West Kootenays.
- Simon Fraser University will begin offering a part-time Craft Beer and Brewing Essentials Certificate in October 2015. The program is in response to Vancouver's growing demand for quality craft beer.
Week of Jan 05 - Jan 09, 2015
- The BC 2022 Labour Market Outlook was recently released, forecasting nearly one million job openings in the next seven years. The report predicts that 80% of jobs in BC will require some form of post-secondary education by 2022.
- The Government of BC recently announced that it is extending the BC Training Tax Credit program until the end of 2017. The program provides up to $6,500 for apprentices and up to $13,500 for employers.
- Pepper Lunch, a popular Asian restaurant, will be opening its first North American restaurant in Richmond this winter. Pepper Lunch plans on also opening a second location in Vancouver.
- Home values in northern BC have seen significant increases as a result of liquefied natural gas prospects in the region. Between 2013 and 2014, house assessments have increased 39% in Kitimat, 30% in Terrace and 17% in Prince Rupert.
- Compliance Energy will be submitting an application to the BC Environmental Assessment Office early this year for a coal mine near Qualicum Beach. If approved, Compliance expects to hire 200 workers during construction and up to 350 afterwards.
- Construction has begun on a 92-room Comfort Inn located in Terrace. Development of the $12M hotel is expected to be complete by spring 2016. This project is one of four hotels announced in the Terrace and Thornhill area in the last two years.
- AirCare stations in BC shut down at the end of 2014, ending the vehicle pollution testing program that began in 1992 and impacting around 100 employees
- Winners, a discounted clothing retailer, recently began construction of its new location at Prosperity Ridge in Williams Lake. The store is expected to open in summer 2015.
- Molson Coors has announced that it is closing its bottling line in Vancouver at the end of March and will lay off an undisclosed number of staff. The company reports that the decision is due to changing trends in consumer demand.
- A recent survey has found that Richmond may be facing a shortage of family doctors in the near future. The Richmond Division of Family Practice will be presenting a proposal to address gaps in Richmond's primary care system.
- A recent review of construction workers on the North Island Hospitals Project has found that approximately 50% of workers are local residents. Organizers have contacted local agencies to determine how to increase the number of locals involved in the project.
Week of Dec 15 - Dec 19, 2014
- The Ikea store in Richmond recently announced that it will be hiring an additional 60 workers. The announcement comes after the end of a 17-month labour strike at the store The Richmond Ikea currently has 260 employees.
- The BC Salmon Farmers Association is beginning a five-year series of research projects on the interactions between wild and farm-raised salmon. The $1.5M project will look at pathogens, migration, and environmental management.
- The Walmart in Terrace recently opened a new grocery section in its store. The store hired an additional 40 employees to manage the expanded product line, raising its total number of employees to 160.
- Esquimalt Drydock has won a $12M contract to complete the mid-life upgrade on the Queen of Capilano. The contract will employ 75 to 150 workers between January and May 2015.
- The Thompson Creek Metals Company has temporarily suspended operations at its Endako mine. About half of the mine's salaried employees were laid off, while the hourly employees will be temporarily suspended until operations resume.
- The Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria is beginning a $5M renovation on its south and east towers. The renovations are scheduled to pause in April in order to limit the impact on the tourist season, with a re-start of the project in September 2015.
- Otter Co-op recently opened its newest location in Chilliwack, with additional plans to construct a gas bar in February. Otter Co-op expects the new location to add sales of over $10M per year, which benefits members of the co-op.
- As a result of decreasing oil prices, BC Ferries will be removing its 3.4% fuel surcharge. The surcharge took effect in January 2014.
- Tesla Motors has opened its second Supercharger location in BC. The supercharger is located in Hope, as Tesla is quickly building its network between Vancouver and Calgary.
- Surrey city council has approved its 2015 budget, which creates jobs for 100 new Mounties in the city. The budget also includes $205M in projects, which will increase property taxes by an average of $162 per year.
- The GoodLife Fitness Autism Family Hub recently broke ground on its $33M facility in Richmond. The facility is slated for completion in 2016, with plans for up to eight spoke centres throughout BC, providing support to families with autism.
Week of Dec 08 - Dec 12, 2014
- Southern BC, up to Prince George, has been placed under a control zone to limit the spread of avian flu. Although some countries have placed bans on BC poultry, only seven percent of Canada's chickens are exported.
- Residents of Shirley, BC, attended a community meeting recently, expressing opposition to a proposed composting facility near Sandcut Beach. The facility would create five to 10 new jobs; however, residents are concerned with increased traffic and odours.
- Vancouver Community College has handed 70 layoff notices to staff, after the province announced it is discontinuing funds for English and academic upgrading for adults in BC. The Vancouver School Board has said it is also anticipating job reductions.
- Ramsay Machine Works on the Saanich Peninsula has completed the first three of 13 grain conveyor towers being manufactured for Richard International. Work on the towers began in July and will last until February, creating jobs for 30 employees.
- Fraser Health recently announced that it will be creating two Assertive Community Treatments teams. The teams will serve Abbotsford, Mission, Surrey, and North Delta, providing support for mental health and substance use.
- Flightcraft, an aviation company in Kelowna, has been selected by Westjet to perform upgrades on 100 aircrafts. The company stated that they have immediately begun hiring 30 aircraft maintenance engineers.
- The Tim-Br Mart in Lake Country will be closing its doors at the end of 2014. The store currently employs 16 staff, who will be laid off on December 31st.
- In response to $8B in federal shipbuilding contracts in the province, the BC Institute of Technology has launched a żMarine Fitter' Program. The four-level program will prepare apprentices to work in shipyard production.
- Avenir Retirement could break ground on a new 83-bed dementia care facility in north Nanaimo next year. Construction is slated to begin in March. Once complete, the facility will create 50 to 60 full-time jobs.
- Western Forest Products has shut down its sawmill in Ladysmith as a result of a weakened lumber market, and lower demand from China. The mill employed 75 workers, as well as 15 contractors.
- Habitat for Humanity will be opening a new ReStore location in Kelowna, their second in the Central Okanagan. Construction of the store will be completed by volunteer tradespeople using new materials purchased through fundraising.
Week of Dec 01 - Dec 05, 2014
- Victoria's Royal Jubilee Hospital has recently opened the first fully automated microbiology laboratory in a North American hospital. The automated lab will help address a looming shortage of laboratory technologists.
- Mastermind Toys has recently opened new stores in Abbotsford and Coquitlam. The Toronto-based toy retailer is looking for a number of employees at both locations.
- Under BC's A GP For Me program, John Barsby Secondary School in Nanaimo will be establishing a new medical centre in 2015
- The Federal Government has announced that the Point Roberts border crossing, in Tsawwassen, will receive $12M in upgrades. The upgrades are part of a $5.8B series of investments by Infrastructure Canada.
- Lakeland Mills has started operations at its rebuilt lumber mill in Prince George. The replacement facility has created employment for 110 workers, or 50 fewer than the previous mill.
- The Iron Horse Youth Safe House, in Maple Ridge, will be closing its doors by the end of the year. The closure affects approximately 20 part-time and casual staff.
- The Insurance Corp. of BC has announced that it is laying off 10 senior managers and two vice-presidents. The layoffs will save the company approximately $2.2M in operating expenses annually.
- A zoning amendment has been approved for a gold recovery facility in 100 Mile House. The new facility will create up to six jobs, recovering fine gold, silver and platinum from former placer mines.
- The BC Fruit Growers Association has reported that a new seven-year $8.4M replant program will revitalize the tree fruit industry. It is estimated that the program will help replant 1,500 acres, creating 2,600 jobs each year between 2015 and 2021.
- Tilray, a medical marijuana producer in Nanaimo, is planning a major expansion by adding a second building, which will more than double the size of its current facility. Once complete, the company will substantially increase its number of employees.
- In addition to its $1B John Hart Generating Station Replacement Project, BC Hydro has announced the John Hart Dam Safety Upgrade Project, to begin in 2018. The two projects are expected to create hundreds of jobs over several decades in Campbell River.
- The New Westminster school district will be adding nine educational assistants and 15 teachers to its staff. The increase follows a round of layoffs in April, when the district cut 28 positions to meet its budget for 2014-15.
- The Ishtar Transition Housing Society is closing its 10-bed Libra House in Langley on January 31. The closure will affect 10 full-time, 11 part-time, and 14 casual staff.
Week of Nov 24 - Nov 28, 2014
- Real Estate Webmasters, a Nanaimo-based business, plans to expand from 100 to 1,000 employees after receiving $2M in funding
- A new gallery, 2nd Ave Art Gallery, has opened in Trail. The gallery currently has sculptures from Paper Face Studio and prints by local artist Shawna Erback. The Gallery hopes to take on additional works by local artists.
- Marten Brewpub has begun construction and is expected to open in early 2015. The Vernon brewpub plans to use as many ingredients from the Okanagan as possible. They will start with four beers and expand to eight once fully operational.
- A new taxi service has recently opened up in Trail. Trail Taxi, under the same ownership as taxis in Creston and Castlegar, employs drivers for two vehicles.
- Northwest, a mixed-use development on Vancouver's Westside, will include 349 homes in two towers, as well as ground floor retail. The development began unit sales on November 22, and is slated for occupancy in the spring of 2017.
- Presentation House Gallery has received a $4M donation toward its new 19,000 sq.-ft. art gallery. The gallery is scheduled to open on North Vancouver's waterfront in 2017.
- Chinese e-commerce company, Alibaba, is considering opening a new campus in Vancouver, but the company has concerns that Vancouver's tech industry is facing a talent crunch
- The Fairmont Empress Hotel, a 106-year-old historic hotel in Victoria, is scheduled for more than $30M in upgrades. Upgrades include improvements to windows, air conditioning, guest rooms, and public areas.
- Seaspan has recently completed a $170M modernization to its Vancouver and Victoria Shipyards. The upgrades allow Seaspan to build vessels under the federal shipbuilding contract, which is expected to create 5,000 direct and indirect jobs in BC over the next 20 years.
- As a result of rising ocean acidity in 2013, Island Scallops lost 95% of their crop of pacific scallops. As such, the company recently laid off 21 employees, which accounted for half of its workforce.
- The Government of BC has announced $7M in funding for 32 child-care providers across the province. The funding will add 1,006 new child care spaces across 28 communities.
Week of Nov 17 - Nov 21, 2014
- Venture Kamloops is conducting a five-year forecast and labour market survey for Kamloops. The Government of BC has provided $100,000 for the survey, which Venture Kamloops will use to recruit a team of economists.
- Dageraad Brewing, a brewery in Burnaby with three full-time employees, recently opened a tasting room
- The North Vancouver council has approved a new coach house policy, capping the houses at 968 sq.-ft. The district expects between five and 25 applications for coach houses every year.
- The Government of BC has launched a new website to connect BC businesses with Liquefied Natural Gas producers. The website allows businesses to advertise the products and services that they are able to provide.
- Organizers recently hosted a launch event for ThriveNorth, an initiative to empower young Northwest business people. The program provides funding and mentorship to people ages 18 to 39 who want to start their own business.
- A new McDonalds in Langley recently held its grand opening celebration. The new location employs 81 full and part-time workers and is open 24-hours a day.
- The Northwest Growth Conference is taking place on March 6th-7th in Prince Rupert. The conference is open to small and medium-sized businesses, investors, industry representatives and entrepreneurs.
- The Industry Training Authority and WorkBC have launched a new online tool, Apprentice Job Match. The tool will connect apprentices with employers in Victoria and the West Shore.
- Slack, a Vancouver-born start-up, has announced that it will begin aggressively hiring in Vancouver, once its renovations are complete. The company is headquarter in San Francisco, but intends to keep a number of its employees in Vancouver.
- A study by the Cariboo Regional District has found that recent cuts to BC Ferries service levels have resulted in a drop of $3.9M in tourism revenues. In addition, the study found that this drop equates to $870,000 in lost tax revenues.
Week of Nov 10 - Nov 14, 2014
- Double Negative, a visual effects firm, will be hiring up to 150 people when they expand to a new office in Vancouver's Mount Pleasant area next spring. In the long-term, the company anticipates employing a workforce of over 450 people in city.
- Imperial Metals Corp recently announced 36 layoffs at its Mount Polley Mine near Williams Lake. The mine has been shut down for environmental reasons since August 4th, but is planning to restart once its concerns are addressed.
- The Province of BC is planning to hire 200 new child welfare workers by 2016 in a bid to strengthen front-line services for at-risk kids in BC
- Nanaimo will keep its two ferry terminals, following a proposal to consolidate the two due to higher costs and lower ridership compared to the Tswwassen-Swartz Bay run
- The Strengthening Families Program in Prince George will receive $2.5M in federal funding over the next five years to operate a new family skills training program aimed at vulnerable youth in the region
Week of Nov 03 - Nov 07, 2014
- British Gas has reported that it will delay completion of its Prince Rupert liquefied natural project until after 2020. The Company reports that the delay is due to increased supply of natural gas from the US and elsewhere.
- Royal York Estates, Armstrong's first gated community, recently had its ribbon cutting ceremony. The community consists of 45 lots, with 15 custom-built homes. Construction has begun on one townhouse and two more will break ground shortly.
- Okanagan College has partnered with Taylor Pro Training to offer class one driver training. The full-time program is in response to the Provincial Government's Labour Market Outlook 2022, which found that BC will require 18,000 drivers by 2022.
- BC Ferries may shut down its route between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo as an alternative to $200M in upgrades to the Horseshoe Bay terminal. If the upgrades proceed, construction will begin by 2018 and end in 2024.
- The Vancouver Economic Commission presented a case for the City of Vancouver to become the first Chinese renminbi currency hub in the Americas. The currency hub could save companies money and reduce supply chain costs by purchasing renminbi directly.
- Direct service between Vancouver and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will begin in March 2015. The new service will add 248 jobs and $8.8M in wages to BC.
- Construction has begun on the Okanagan Centre for Innovation. The six-storey building will create about 500 construction jobs and is expected to be complete by early 2016.
- Sephora, a French cosmetics retailer, has opened its largest Canadian location on Vancouver's Robson Street
Week of Oct 27 - Oct 31, 2014
- Fraser Cedar Products recently had most of its main building in Maple Ridge destroyed in a fire, which could put up to 65 employees out of work
- Cannery Brewing, a craft brewery, has broken ground on their new location in downtown Penticton. The brewery will be offering a more robust food menu and hopes to help with the revitalization of the downtown area.
- Sherwood Mountain Brewery is opening Terrace's first brewery. The Company is expecting to produce 80,000 litres in its first year, expanding to 200,000 litres per year.
- Mountain Equipment Co-op has relocated its Vancouver headquarters to a new building in East Vancouver. The 112,000-sq.-ft. next generation green building is estimated to be 70% more energy efficient than conventional office buildings.
- Okanagan College hosted its 33rd annual career fair in its Kelowna campus on Nov 2. The event is the longest running of its kind in the Okanagan Valley.
- Seaspan Marine has begun work on an $11M contract for two non-combat ships for the federal government. There are currently 50 employees working on the project, with the workforce expected to grow to 350 by 2015.
- Versace has opened its first comprehensive home store in Vancouver's Gastown area. The 2,000 sq.-ft. location is the second free-standing Versace store in Canada.
- BC businesses can now apply for training through the Canada Job Grant for their future workforce needs. The program is expected to help up to 900 BC residents within a year and about 3,500 by 2017.
Week of Oct 20 - Oct 24, 2014
- Blue Moon Winery, a farm and winery in Courtenay, recently opened a cooking school. The farm-to-table experience will offer a number of classes, but is limited to 12 participants.
- The Queens Printer will be shutting down its printing operations for the Government of BC by the summer of 2015. The shutdown will affect 31 unionized staff in Victoria.
- With 18 proposals for liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants in BC awaiting final investment decisions, the Government of BC recently unveiled a tax system for LNG producers
- Office vacancy rates in Vancouver have reached a 10-year high, at 9.6%. Vacancy rates are expected to continue to increase next year, as 700,000 sq.-ft. of new office inventory will be constructed by the end of 2014.
- Burger King Canada is planning to expand across BC. The company has identified 49 potential markets for expansion over the next five years.
- The department of Western Economic Diversification has announced $249,000 in funding for the North Peace Airport Society. The funds will be used for water infrastructure upgrades to the Airport.
- The Richmond Ikea has reached a 10-year deal with its workers, ending a 17-month strike
Week of Oct 13 - Oct 17, 2014
- Teck Resources and Linde LLC are undergoing maintenance to their plants in Trail. The process is expected to take about six weeks and will employ approximately 900 contractors, the majority of which will be hired locally.
- Revelution, an indoor fitness facility, has opened in Revelstoke. The facility offers indoor cycling, suspension training, Pilates, and yoga.
- Nelson Commons, a 54-unit condominium development, has met its pre-sale requirement of 34 units. Construction on the residential and retail project is expected to begin early in 2015, with occupancy in late spring of 2016.
- Endurance Wind Power Inc. has opened a new manufacturing facility in Surrey. Endurance has created 80 new jobs in 2014, 40 of which are in the Lower Mainland.
- T&T Supermarket, an Asian grocery store chain, has opened a new location in Richmond. The 38,000 sq.-ft. store caters to an emerging high-density neighbourhood around the Richmond Olympic Oval.
- Victoria's Westshore has seen two new stores open in October. Gap Outlet store opened in Westshore Town Centre and Moksha Yoga has a new studio in the city.
- The Government of BC has granted an environmental assessment certificate to BC Hydro's Site C hydroelectric dam project. Site C is located near Fort St John and will cost an estimated $7.9B, with completion expected by 2024.
- TOPSHOP has opened its second location in the Lower Mainland, located in Richmond Centre. The new 14,000 sq.-ft. location is the 10th store in Canada for the UK fashion retailer.
- Boston Pizza is opening two locations in downtown Vancouver. The move is part of a larger expansion plan, which involves the company opening 15 locations this year, including four in BC.
- The University of BC's Okanagan campus has received $3.8M in funding to establish a Survive and Thrive Applied Research facility. The facility will help develop technology for human protection and survivability in extreme conditions.
- A number of Asian tech firms are expanding their operations in Vancouver. FunPlus Games is seeking a new facility in the city, which will allow them to expand from 12 to 30 employees.
- As a result of the recent drought in California, British Columbians may see an increase of $30 to $60 in their monthly grocery bill. More than 66% of BC's imported vegetables and 44% of imported fruits come from the United States.
Week of Oct 06 - Oct 10, 2014
- Western Forest Products will be closing its Nanaimo sawmill, but will be offering affected workers employment at the company's other mills. The company recently completed a $10M modernization at its Duke Point Sawmill, which is also located in Nanaimo.
- Pomellato, an Italian jewelry store, has opened its first Canadian location in Vancouver's Pacific Centre
- The City of Vancouver has designated a location to build the city's first Technology and Social Innovation Centre. The Centre will be run in partnership with the Vancouver Economic Commission and the Vancity Community Foundation.
- HMV is opening a new 3,000 sq.-ft. location on Robson Street later this fall. HMV previously closed a 30,000 sq.-ft. downtown location in early 2012.
- The Federal Government has announced over $247,000 in funding towards the Fort Nelson Community Trail to improve access for strollers and for people with mobility issues
- Maple Ridge council recently approved an Employment Land Investment Incentive program. The program is based on a similar one that was launched for the downtown area in 2010; however, this year the incentive will be aimed at the industrial areas.
- Destination Toyota has begun construction on a new 90,000 sq.-ft. dealership in Burnaby. The new location will include a service shop and auto body shop, while making it one of the largest Toyota dealerships in Canada.
- Macdonald Realty is opening a second location in Parksville. The real estate company, which currently employs nine agents in Qualicum Beach, will be able to hire additional agents once renovations on the new location are complete.
Week of Sep 29 - Oct 03, 2014
- The Northwest Growth Conference will take place from November 21-22 in Prince Rupert. The conference will help show small scale businesses how to benefit from the anticipated economic upturn coming to the region.
- The BC Government will be creating a new rural advisory council. The council will have representation from throughout rural BC, while providing input towards policy decisions that will support rural communities.
- Langley's Economic Development Department will be hosting its yearly Economic Forum at the end of October. This year, the forum will focus on the future of the transportation infrastructure in the area.
- The University of British Columbia is constructing a new mixed-use student housing tower, which will be the world's tallest wooden building of its kind. The $30M project will include academic space and up to 400 beds.
- L'Occitane en Provence has opened a new flagship store in Vancouver. The body, face and home products retailer currently has 29 free-standing stores across Canada.
- The Canada Lands Company has agreed to sell the last two pieces of federal land in Vancouver, to become residential neighbourhoods. The $307M deal includes 31.5 hectares of land, primarily consisting of the Jericho Garrison.
- Celebrity chef Kaila Klassen has recently opened two new restaurants in the Okanagan. Krafty Kitchen+Bar opened last month in Kelowna, while Corx+Brix Bistro recently opened at Bonitas Winery in Summerland.
- Marriott International will be building a $150M Autograph Collection hotel at Surrey's 3 Civic Plaza project. The 21-storey hotel will include 144 luxury suites and is scheduled to open by Christmas 2016.
Week of Sep 22 - Sep 26, 2014
- Kanata Energy Group Ltd is planning to build a new gas plant in northeastern BC. Construction is expected to begin during the summer, with completion by the end of 2015.
- The federal Western Economic Diversification department has announced over $400,000 in funding for six infrastructure improvement projects in the Kootenay and Thompson Okanagan regions
- The federal Western Economic Diversification department has announced over $233,000 in funding for three infrastructure improvement projects in Nechako, one in the North Coast and one in the Cariboo region
- The first part of the Ridley Island Road, Rail, and Utility Corridor project is nearly complete. The project began in March 2013 and consists of three inbound and two outbound tracks for coal, potash and other developments.
- The Save-On-Foods in Penticton is currently undergoing significant renovations. Once complete, the store's workforce is expected to grow by approximately 70 employees.
- The government of BC has launched a feasibility study for the construction of a bridge to Gabriola Island, replacing the ferry, which currently serves the 4,000 residents of the island
- Victoriażs Art Gallery will begin a $14M expansion and renovation in March 2016. Currently, only 5% of the Gallery's collection can be displayed.
- The city of Vancouver has hired additional staff to help process a backlog of permit approvals. Vancouver homebuilders have reported that the current delays are causing some layoffs in the industry.
- Cottage Grove, a new $6.6M development being built in Saanich, will provide 45 suites to homeless seniors in the area. The four-storey, 19,000 sq.-ft. building will include a common kitchen and outdoor space for residents.
Week of Sep 15 - Sep 19, 2014
- The Neil Squire Society is hosting a job fair for persons living with a disability in Burnaby on October 23
- Kin's Farm Market, a Richmond-based produce store, is opening new locations in Kerrisdale, Coquitlam, and Vancouver's West End
- As part of the tentative agreement with the BC Teachers' Federation, a proposed $400M over six years will be used to hire additional teachers in BC. This will result in approximately 850 additional teaching positions across the province.
- The Prince Rupert Airport has completed its airfield improvements, with remaining work on the terminal expected to be complete by summer 2015. The airport has hired only local contractors for the $10M project.
- Boys' Co, an upscale menswear retailer, has opened a new 1,300 sq.-ft. store in Surrey. This is the fifth Boys'Co location, four of which are located in Vancouver.
- Following a chairlift accident in March, Crystal Mountain Ski Resort has announced that it will not be opening for the 2014-2015 season, but will reopen in 2015-2016
- Molson Coors Canada has laid off 15 employees at its Vancouver brewery. The layoffs included employees on the bottle line, label operators and mechanics.
Week of Sep 08 - Sep 12, 2014
- The latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey suggests that 17% of employers in Victoria are planning to hire additional employees between October and December, while only 3% are expecting layoffs
- The New Westminster Downtown Business Improvement Association has launched a program to provide grants to downtown businesses to improve the appearance of their buildings
- After providing daily flights between Vancouver and London for the last two years, Virgin Atlantic will be cancelling its service to Vancouver on October 11. The Vancouver route was the only Canadian city that Virgin Atlantic serviced.
- The Victoria Youth Custody Centre has laid off its last group of 20 employees. Affected employees are being offered a choice as to whether they would like to receive severance, take vacant positions, or move to other jobs where they have seniority.
- The Government of BC has put a hold on coal exploration permits in the Mount Klappan area, located in the Northwest region of the province. The hold affects existing coal tenures, while the government works with the local First Nation on a plan for development of the land.
- The Aberdeen Canadian Tire in Kamloops has begun a $2M renovation to expand the store size by one-third
- A recent economic impact study by the Victoria Advanced Technology Council found that the technology sector has a total impact of $4B on the local economy. The sector directly employs an estimated 15,000 people, as well as 3,000 consultants and advisors.
Week of Sep 01 - Sep 05, 2014
- Vancouver's Pacific National Exhibition has completed its 104th year. The 15-day event saw an increase in attendance from last year, with 769,242 visitors.
- Holt Renfrew is expanding its Vancouver store by 40,000 sq.-ft. The expansion, which should be complete by the end of 2017, will come on the heels of Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue entering the Vancouver market next year.
- South Surrey brokerage firm, 8th Avenue Elite Realty Ltd, has had its licence suspended. The suspension affects approximately 70 real estate agents and does not have a specified end date at this point.
- Delivery company, UPS, has opened a package centre in Kamloops. The centre will create 23 new jobs and will service from Tobiano to Salmon Arm and to Sun Peaks. UPS will be opening two more package centres in BC later this year.
- Surrey school district has announced that they will be building a new secondary school and making additions to three elementary schools. The new $55M secondary school will be complete by early 2017.
- Suzhou Youth Travel Services, a China-based tourism company, broke ground on its $50M hotel in Nanaimo in August. The company expects to bring 70,000 tourists a year to Nanaimo, to fill its 240-room hotel.
- The benchmark home price in Metro Vancouver has risen 5% to $631,600 in August, compared to the same time last year. In addition, sales rose by 10.2% across the region during the same timeframe.
- Canada Post has opened a new 700,000 sq.-ft. processing plant in Richmond. The facility replaces two old plants and employs over 1,000 workers.
Week of Aug 25 - Aug 29, 2014
- Hootsuite, a social media company, hosted a job fair in Vancouver in an effort to hire 100 new full-time employees. The Company hosted a similar event last year, which attracted more than 1,200 job seekers.
- Lululemon, a Vancouver-based clothing retailer, has opened its new flagship store on Vancouver's Robson Street. The company will be closing its existing Robson Street store, replacing it with the new 4,400 sq.-ft. location.
- Following a two-year review, Port Metro Vancouver has approved a direct coal transfer facility at Fraser Surrey Docks. The $15M project will create 25 direct jobs and 25 spinoff jobs.
- St George's School, a private primary and secondary school in Vancouver, has submitted a rezoning application to perform a $40M expansion. The expansion involves three phases and includes expanded dorms and academic spaces.
- Free People, a clothing retailer, is opening two stores in the Lower Mainland. The first store opened at the end of August in West Vancouver, with the second opening in downtown Vancouver on October 10, 2014.
- Bella Gelateria, a gelato store in Vancouver, is partnering with Carpigiani Gelato University (CGU), a prestigious Italian gelato university. Potential students must first complete all the courses at CGU in Italy, with a select few being offered internships at the new Vancouver branch.
- Ric's Mediterranean Grill closed its Kamloops location. A number of Ric's Grill locations have recently closed across BC and Alberta, including in Kelowna and Victoria.
Week of Aug 18 - Aug 22, 2014
- In a recent survey, 26% of employers in BC reported that they plan to hire additional employees in the second half of the year. In addition, two thirds of employers plan to keep the same number of workers.
- Following a tailings breach at Mount Polley mine, 42 mill operators have been given layoff notices. The company that owns the mine, Imperial Metals, is working to move employees to other locations, as well as on remedial work on the mine.
- The Terrace Northwest Regional Airport is beginning its $15M expansion, with construction expected to be complete in 2016. The airport is financing the upgrade with an airport improvement fee, and expects it to be paid off within 10 years.
- InsideOut Home and Floral, a retail truck, recently opened in Abbotsford. The boutique store is run out of a converted cube truck and its locations are posted on social media.
- Victoria Harbour Ferry has launched the Lynda Mae 2, a new 40-passenger shuttle service. The Lynda Mae 2 will sail every hour, providing direct service between Steamship Terminal, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ogden Point.
- White Spot is planning to open a new 8,200 sq.-ft. flagship restaurant in a Vancouver heritage building on August 21, 2014
- Following two years of studies, Port Metro Vancouver has approved a direct coal transfer facility at Fraser Surrey Docks. Construction is set to begin in the fall of 2015.
- US department store Marshalls has opened a store in Kelowna. The new location will be Marshalls' 33rd location in Canada.
Week of Aug 11 - Aug 15, 2014
- Christopher's Spring Water Inc. has submitted a rezoning proposal to construct a water bottling plant in Harrison Mills
- The North East Native Advancing Society, located in Fort St. John, has purchased a heavy equipment/mining simulator tractor trailer with a $1.4M grant from Western Diversification Canada
Week of Aug 04 - Aug 08, 2014
- The B.C. Institute of Technology expects to add 272 seats in trades programs after receiving $1.35M in new funding to help equip students for work in the liquefied natural gas industry
- The recruitment efforts of the Northern Health show a need for 15 specialist physicians to fill empty positions in Prince George, which include neurologists, anaesthesiologists, geriatricians, and dermatologists
- Seabridge Gold received an environmental assessment certificate from the Government of BC for its $5.3M gold and copper Kerr-Sulphurets-Mitchell mine in northern British Colombia
- A number of new small businesses have recently opened in Victoria, including Westshore Gold and Silver, Reloving Furniture and Tres Chic. In addition, Dads Homemade Soups and Sangy's have opened a second location.
- The Prince Rupert Airport has seen a 5.9% increase in passengers during the first 6 months of the year, compared to the same period last year. The increase is driven by developments in the liquefied natural gas industry within the region.
- Teck Trail Operations has completed construction of its new $148M No. 1 Acid Plant. The plant will reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by up to 15% from its lead and zinc smelting operations.
- Construction has begun on Aqua Residences, a new six-storey condominium complex in downtown Nanaimo. The project will include 20 units, a parkade and a street-level café.
- Construction on the new Timms community centre in Langley is expected to begin at the end of August. A Surrey-based construction company has been awarded the $12.85M contract, which will include a weight room, gymnasium and indoor track.
- Santa Fe Minerals will resume drilling on its Sully Project near Fort Steele. Drilling was halted in June to refine interpretation of new geological information.
- Wings Tap and Grill is opening a new location in Vernon. The Surrey-based restaurant has expanded to 11 locations in the Lower Mainland and recently opened a new location in Kelowna as well.
- Versace will be opening its first Versace Home store in Vancouver, located in the Gastown district, by late September 2014
- Nordstrom will be opening a new 230,000 sq.-ft. store in Vancouver by September 2015. The new store will occupy the former Sears location and will be the largest Nordstrom's in Canada.
Week of Jul 28 - Aug 01, 2014
- The Lark Group started construction at the end of July on the first phase of the $17.7M redevelopment of the Aldergrove border crossing for the Canada Border Services Agency
- The Government of BC offered $100M in energy conservation subsidies over the next three years to benefit seven thermo-mechanical pulp mills across the province in projects that reduce their power consumption
- Langley-based Tybo Contracting Ltd. expects to start construction of the new four-lane Malakwa Bridge project on the Trans-Canada Highway in August, with a completion date scheduled for the summer of 2016
- The Government of BC and Service Employees' Union recently started construction of the new three-storey headquarters building for its members in Prince George and surrounding areas
Week of Jul 21 - Jul 25, 2014
- E-Comm, a call center that provides 911 services, is undergoing a $60M upgrade to its radio system. The company is also expanding its services to include northern Vancouver Island and interior BC.
- Construction has begun on two hospitals in Comox Valley and in Campbell River. The work will run until 2017, creating about 1,900 jobs during the construction period.
- Canpar Courier recently announced that they are laying off 37 employees across BC. Canpar will close six of its offices in BC by August 5, with the existing contracts being taken over by Loomis.
- Mount Baldy has been put up for sale after its owners failed to raise enough money during the last ski season. The Osoyoos-based ski hill is under foreclosure action and hopes to find a buyer before the ski season begins.
- West Kelowna council held its third annual Breakfast with Business on May 20, with 92 attendees who discussed the city's future business needs
- Kelowna city council gave approval for a $35M Okanagan Centre for Innovation. The building will begin construction once financing is secured and should be complete by early 2016.
- BC was the only province in Canada which experienced a retail sales decrease between April and May 2014. The slight decrease of 0.1% came after a 1.6% increase from March to April. Canada-wide, retail sales grew by 0.7%.
- Vancouver has approved a $900,000 plan to attract venture capital funds to the city. By bringing venture capitalists to the city, it will encourage investment in local start-up companies.
- Crypto Think Tank has launched the first Bitcoin ATM in Surrey. The nearby city of Vancouver currently has six Bitcoin ATM's.
Week of Jul 14 - Jul 18, 2014
- An industrial development cost survey of 18 municipalities in BC found that Burnaby and Maple Ridge collected the lowest amount of development fees in 2013. The low fees indicate that these communities are welcoming of new business.
- A White Spot restaurant is opening in the former IKEA location in Richmond
- Ericsson, a communications technology company, is hiring 90 additional employees at its Burnaby research and development centre. The positions include software, hardware, and firmware developers.
- A new candy store, Sticky's, has opened in Kelowna. The Chilliwack-based company started three years ago and has expanded to 13 locations, with two more planned for Vancouver.
- M3 Steel & Fabrication will be closing its doors at the end of August, resulting in 14 layoffs. The closure of the Kamloops-based company is due to a lack of projects.
- Hardy Capital Corp has purchased Seattle-based OnlineShoes.com and Vancouver-based ShoeMe.ca. Hardy will be consolidating the two companies, as well as hiring an additional 50 employees in Vancouver.
- BC's Truck Loggers Association has reported that by 2022, BC's forestry industry will need 4,700 workers. The study reported that the average age of tree fallers is 55 and nearly half of the current workforce will need to be replaced.
- Construction has begun on Civic Plaza in Prince George. The $1M project is expected to be complete by the end of October, in time for the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
- Tesla Motors has opened its first Canadian Supercharger station in Squamish. The company plans to open three more stations in BC by the end of 2015.
Week of Jul 07 - Jul 11, 2014
- A new restaurant, Pizza Fabrika, recently opened in Vancouver's West End
- The Government of BC recently published an outlook of high demand jobs in the province over the next 10 years. The forecast also reports that the province will experience labour shortages as early as 2016.
- Construction began on July 7 on SunMine, a $5.3M solar field near Kimberley. The project is the largest solar field in Western Canada and is located on an old mine site.
- The Vernon Jubilee Hospital has donated over 3,000 sq.-ft. of space to the University of BC's Medical Program. The space is currently under construction and will provide new learning opportunities for students and existing physicians.
- The $100M Monaco high-rise development in Abbotsford is slated to begin construction in September with completion in 2017
- Steelhead LNG Corp recently applied to the National Energy Board for an export licence to ship up to 30M tonnes of LNG a year for 25 years. The company is proposing to build an LNG export terminal in Port Alberni.
- Quality Foods has opened a new location in Langford, creating between 75 and 100 jobs. Quality Foods also announced that it plans to open two more stores in Victoria over the next year.
- Miracle Ear, a hearing-aid company, recently opened two new locations in Guilford and South Surrey
- The BC health ministry has announced an additional $60M in funding over the next two years in the Fraser Health region. The money is expected to help improve the quality and safety of patient care.
Week of Jun 30 - Jul 04, 2014
- Abbotsford will be hosting the Fraser Valley Economic Summit in September. The summit will build on the 2012 Economic Symposium and focus on the economic opportunities that are unique to small and medium-sized businesses.
- Wally's Burgers will operate the concession stand at Westminster Pier Park. This will be the second location for Wally's Burgers, which also operates at River Market.
- A new restaurant, Twisted Dishes Café, recently opened in Comox
- A Taiwanese trade delegation met with the Langley Chamber of Commerce and local businesses on June 26. Taiwanese representatives were in Langley promoting Taiwan as a bridge to the Chinese market.
- TimberWest is proposing a $60M wood pellet plant near Nanaimo. The plant would be the first of its scale on Vancouver Island and would supply carbon-neutral fuel to industrial customers around the world.
- The BC Association of Farmers Markets has launched a campaign to raise awareness of farmers markets. The program, It Feels Better, will run through the month of July, benefiting more than 125 farmers markets across BC.
- The BC government recently changed liquor laws, allowing bars and restaurants to change drink prices over the course of a day. Many restaurants expect that the change will encourage more after-work parties, resulting in a need for more staff.
- As a result of a province-wide teachers' strike, a number of municipalities have cancelled summer classes
Week of Jun 23 - Jun 27, 2014
- Castlegar has established new rules for the city's food trucks. Specifically, yearly fees for food trucks will climb from $100 to $250, while also limiting the overall number of operating licences.
- For Real Food Mart recently hired 300 staff for its new 80,000 sq.-ft. Asian supermarket, located in Richmond
- White Whale Public House, a pub-style restaurant, will open on July 1, 2014 in Comox Valley
- A new Holiday Inn Express, that will include 93 rooms, is being developed in Lower Thornhill. This project is one of numerous hotels in construction or being planned in Terrace.
- BigSteelBox, a Kelowna-based modular building provider, will open new locations in Prince Rupert and Kitimat. The expansion is being driven by the liquefied natural gas developments along the North Coast.
- The 7-Eleven store in Trail closed its doors on June 20, taking with it the only gas station in the downtown area
- South Surrey's Zellers at Semiahmoo Shopping Centre will close at the end of August. A new tenant for the location has not been announced.
- The Vancouver Aquarium has opened its $45M expansion. The 5,100 square-metre expansion is the first of three phases of revitalization of the facility.
- Rogers Communications will spend $450M to upgrade its wireless network across BC over the next three-years. Rogers plans to expand its wireless coverage to communities that currently do not have service, including Fort Nelson and Rogers Pass.
- A new Shoppers Drug Mart has opened in Langley. This is the fourth new Shoppers Drug Mart to open in the area, following new stores in Murrayville, Willoughby, and Brookswood.
Week of Jun 09 - Jun 13, 2014
- Calgary-based Xortx Pharma Corp, a biotech company focused on hypertension and diabetes, is relocating to Vancouver. The company is hoping to fund clinical trials by raising $6-9M through a reverse takeover.
- Sixty workers at the Victoria Youth Custody Centre have received layoff notices after plans were announced to close the facility. The youth who are currently at the Victoria-based centre will be transferred to a facility in Burnaby.
- EcoDairy, an interactive agriculture project, has reopened in partnership with Science World. The Abbotsford-based facility is aiming to promote education in agriculture science and technology.
- Stickyżs Candy, a new candy and ice cream store, recently opened in South Surrey
- Pacific Future Energy, a Vancouver-based consortium, is proposing a $10B refinery in BC that could create up to 3,000 permanent jobs
- The Walmart in Terrace is being upgraded to a supercentre, selling groceries, bakery goods and deli products. The footprint of the store is not being expanded; however, the interior will be remodelled.
- Several yoga studios in the Lower Mainland have recently shut down, including locations in North Vancouver, downtown Vancouver and Burnaby. However, YYoga, a corporately owned studio, has announced a new location in West Vancouver.
- The City of Vancouver has opened its new $100M water treatment plant. The plant uses ultraviolet filtration on 370M litres of water per day, which represents one-third of the water used in the city.
- Over 70 English second language (ESL) teachers at Vancouver Community College are expecting to be laid off in December 2014 when the college reduces its ESL program
Week of Jun 02 - Jun 06, 2014
- Sony Pictures Imageworks is relocating its head office from California to Vancouver. Their current Vancouver-based workforce of 150 staff is expected to grow over the next two years.
- OPUS Hotel Corporation, a Yaletown boutique hotel, is opening a new location in Richmond. The development will include three towers, two as office space, and the third housing a 110-room hotel.
- The Government of BC has announced $3M in funding for GeoscienceBC to conduct aerial geological surveys. These surveys will assist in finding potential mineral deposits, which can help create new mining projects in the province.
- The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists reported that 14 schools in Richmond are at high risk of serious damage during an earthquake. As a result, the BC Ministry of Education has applied for funding to conduct repairs.
- NOVA Gas Transmission, along with Chevron Canada Ltd. and Apache Canada Ltd., are awaiting regulatory approval on their $1.9B Merrick Mainline Pipeline Project in northern BC. If approved, the project would move 1.9B cubic feet per day of natural gas.
- Kootenay Co-op is constructing a new $25M condo and retail development in downtown Nelson. The development will have 30,000 sq.-ft. of commercial space and 54-apartment-style condo units above.
- Altus Group, an appraisal firm, has reported that the average price for a house in Vancouver's West End has gone from $835,101 in 2004, to $2.48M in 2014. If this trend continues, they predict that the average cost will be more than $7M in 2024.
- Fortress Paper in Vancouver has announced that it will be laying off 16% of its salaried staff. The layoffs will be in the dissolving pulp segment of the company and will save approximately $2.2M per year.
Week of May 26 - May 30, 2014
- Kamloops has recently seen several new stores opening in its shopping centres. The city will see a new David's Tea, a Gap Factory Store, and a Carlton Cards.
- North Vancouver has received an application from Pacific Gate Investments to build two new residential towers. The buildings would be 23 and 19 stories tall, containing between 262 and 280 units.
- Burnaby city council has given approval for the Metrotown towers. The towers are two new highrises, 38 and 48 stories, above a lowrise commercial podium.
- A number of Victoria businesses are reporting that they will have increased hiring during this summer. The Victoria Advanced Technology Council currently lists 79 available jobs, and a hospitality site has 104 positions available.
- Kelowna's Focus College is now offering new programs, between 90 days and two years, to prepare people for jobs in the oil and gas industry
- Pizza Fabrika is a new restaurant opening in Vancouver in June. The Robson street restaurant will have seating for 25 diners.
- The Coal Alliance has released a report detailing its effects on the economy of British Columbia. The alliance reports that BC's coal industry employs 26,000 people at mines, terminals and transportation.
- Revy Outdoors, an outdoor apparel store, recently opened in Revelstoke
- Highbanks Resources is going ahead with its Swamp Point North Aggregate Project. The project, 125 km north of Prince Rupert, will be in commercial production by August.
- The Boys & Girls Clubs of South Coast BC and WorkBC Employment Services Centre are hosting Job Seeker Workshops. The workshops will be hosted on Mondays, from May 26 to August 18.
Week of May 19 - May 23, 2014
- Craftsman Collision, a Vancouver-based auto body repair shop, has opened its 30th location in BC. The new Vernon location is 13,000 sq.-ft. and opens on June 2, 2014.
- Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation and Air Water Plant & Engineering Inc. have established a new joint venture based in Vancouver. The $2.2M project will manufacture containers for transporting Liquefied Natural Gas and related products.
- Following an announcement earlier this year that Petcetera was filing for creditor protection, the company has announced that it will be closing 9 of its locations and selling the remaining nine.
- Kelowna-based company BigSteelBox, a provider of steel modular homes, is planning to expand into northern BC in response to the anticipated population boom in the region, which is being driven by development of the liquefied natural gas industry
- A career fair is being held in Agassiz on May 31, 2014 in an effort to fill 40-60 positions which are needed to build a construction camp at Harrison Lake. The project will take about two years to complete.
- The Royal City Centre, in New Westminster, started preparations for the new Walmart Supercentre scheduled to open in the fall of 2015
Week of May 12 - May 16, 2014
- Victoriażs Camosun College has announced that they have balanced their budget without any program cuts. However, there may still be approximately a dozen layoffs among faculty and other staff.
- The Vancouver Canucks hosted a job fair on May 12-13 to fill 1,000 food and beverage service positions at Rogers Arena in Vancouver
- Canfor Corp. will be spending $30M upgrading its Polar sawmill near Prince George. The chairman of the Steelworkers union reported that the upgrades might eliminate some jobs, but the remaining ones will be more secure.
- The City of North Vancouver is finalizing an agreement to construct the Harbourside project. The $400M project is a 18-building, 800-home revitalization of 12 acres of vacant space along the waterfront.
- Westjet Encore, a subsidiary of Westjet, is now offering direct flights between Vancouver and Fort McMurray, as well as Kelowna to Fort McMurray
- Value Village is opening a new store this month in New Westminster. This location will be the 10th Value Village in the Greater Vancouver area.
- The owner of Boomtown Sports Emporium is re-opening The Royal, as a family restaurant. The Royal, a popular music venue in Nelson, had announced in April that it would be closing its doors.
- Fatburger and Buffalożs Express will be opening in Mission in May. The new location will employ approximately 25 people in the city.
- The Coast Discovery Inn in Campbell River reopened on May 12, 2014. The Inn is planning a job fair on May 16, 2014 to fill 25 positions.
- School District 43 in Coquitlam is laying off 630 teachers in June due to a budget shortfall. Most of the effected employees are expected to be recalled in the fall; however, up to 100 will not.
- School district 67 in Penticton is eliminating the equivalent of 10 full-time positions in the 2014-2015 school year
Week of May 05 - May 09, 2014
- Telus has reported that it will spend $1.2B in BC through 2014 to improve infrastructure and internet connectivity across the province. In addition, Telus is expanding its medical records program, and constructing a new tower in downtown Vancouver.
- Microsoft will be opening a new training centre in Vancouver in 2015. The centre will create 400 new jobs in the city, which will more than double its current workforce.
- J. Balfour and Sons, a plumbing and heating shop in Trail, has closed its doors. The company reported that the closure is due to difficulty keeping apprentices.
- Domino's Pizza will open in Terrace this summer, becoming the city's fifth pizza parlour
- The Okanagan Home Center has opened in Kelowna. The new store sells barbecues, hot tubs, and fireplaces.
- Cultive Frozen Yogurt recently opened its doors in South Surrey. Cultive is a San Francisco-based company, with Surrey being its first international franchise.
- Galloway's Specialty Foods is closing its location in Burnaby. The company plans to keep its Richmond store open.
- The Port Edward Power and Water Company is proposing to generate electricity from three dams located in the District of Port Edward. The process is expected to take approximately two years before it is generating electricity.
- Northwest Community College is asking Prince Rupert Chamber of Commerce members to identify what types of workers they require, so the school can customized its training programs
- Surrey's Rialto Theatre has closed its doors. The Theatre had 11 employees, and reported the closure was a result of declining demand for 35-mm film.
- The City of Vancouver has finished selling the residential units in the Olympic Village. The entire $630M debt for the village has been repaid, and the city has recovered an additional $70M on the properties.
- CEFA-Willowbrook, a new all-day kindergarten in Langley, has opened its doors. The franchise has 14 locations across the Lower Mainland. The Langley school can accommodate up to 112 students.
- Surrey hosted its Pacific Community Resources Society Youth Job and Volunteer Fair on May 7. The job fair, exclusively for youth, attracted a number of companies and volunteer organizations to educate youth about opportunities around the city.
- Chapters is closing its Richmond location at the end of May
- Jacob Inc., a women's clothing retailer, has filed for bankruptcy, and will be closing its stores. The company has 92 stores across Canada, nine of which are in BC.
Week of Apr 28 - May 02, 2014
- Canadian Pet food retailer Petcetera is closing six stores in Canada, including one store in Penticton, by May 31, 2014
Week of Apr 21 - Apr 25, 2014
- Teck Resources, a Vancouver-based mining company, is laying off 600 employees worldwide, with about 80 employees affected in BC. The cuts, which affect approximately 5% of the total workforce, are a result of weak markets for coal, copper, and zinc.
- Shaw Communications announced 400 layoffs across Canada, including 25 employees from Global News in Burnaby. The majority of the cuts are in the graphics department, which is being transferred to Toronto.
- Terrace is experiencing its busiest residential construction season in nearly 10 years. A large portion of the boom is in multiple-unit buildings, which have been rare in the city. In March and April, over $3M in permits have been granted.
- Fjällräven Kĺnken, a Scandinavian outdoor brand, will open its first Canadian retail location in Vancouver. The 3,000 sq.-ft. store opens on April 25 on West Broadway.
- North Vancouver is reviewing several plans to implement bike lanes in the city, ranging in cost from $9M to $20M. The city previously established a plan in 2012 to install 15 km of bicycle lanes.
- This year's Terrace Business Expo is reflective of the planned Liquefied Natural Gas project at Kitimat. Sponsors and exhibitors include Shell Canada, TransCanada, and the BC Oil and Gas Commission. The expo is nearly sold out with 87 booths.
- The Terrace Northwest Regional Airport has seen an increase of 41% in the number of passengers between this fiscal year and the previous one. As a result, the airport will be expanding its long-term parking to include a total of 800 spots.
- Regional Recycling, a Vancouver-based recycling centre, has opened a new location in Surrey. The Company currently operates eight public recycling centres in the Lower Mainland and Nanaimo.
- British Columbiażs Industry Training Authority has introduced regional apprenticeship advisors. These advisors will provide support and guidance to local apprentices and employers.
- The Vancouver Police Department is hiring police officers. The department is hosting a meeting on April 25 to provide information to prospective candidates.
- The Esther Short Building is undergoing renovations. Five local firms and a community foundation will take joint ownership of the property, bringing 60 jobs to downtown Vancouver.
Week of Apr 14 - Apr 18, 2014
- The Greater Victoria Development Agency has received $1.6M in funding to increase global exports from Greater Victoria businesses. The three-year project will assist 45 small and medium sized businesses that export products.
- Capital Iron, a Victoria-based general store, has opened its third location in Greater Victoria, in West Shore. Capital Irons' other locations are in downtown Victoria and in Sidney.
- Victoria currently has 19 video game studios, and more than two thirds of which plan to hire staff within the next year. Victoria's video game sector creates an estimated $24M in spending.
- Walter Energy has temporarily closed two mines in Northern BC, issuing temporary layoffs to 700 employees. Wolverine Mine employed 415 workers, and Brazion mine 280. One union stated that they expect a lengthy shutdown.
- Mountain Equipment Co-operative has opened a new, 860 sq.-ft., outpost in the University of BC's bookstore in Vancouver
- In order to compete with new buildings in downtown Vancouver, existing office towers have dropped their lease rates. The cost in the first quarter of 2014 dipped to $26.44, compared to $27.81 in 2013. The same trend was seen in the Broadway corridor, where lease prices dropped from $22.85 to $21.95.
- A Vancouver entrepreneur has launched a crowd-funding campaign to open Vancouver's first cat café. The café will serve food and drinks on one side, with the other side serving as a lounge and cat foster home.
- Statistics Canada reports that when the natural resources sector is developed, it will create more jobs in services than primary industry. As a result, an employment boost in this sector would likely create as many new jobs in the Lower Mainland as in the rest of BC.
- The Vancouver School Board is facing a budget shortfall of more than $13M. As a result, the board is considering options such as cutting elementary music, sports coordinators, school counsellors, psychologists, and language pathologists.
- Wexford Creek, a nursing home in Nanaimo, has laid off 162 employees due to insufficient funding. Among the affected staff are 122 full or part-time positions, and the remaining are casual employees.
- Kitimat Clean is submitting an environmental assessment application to construct a $13B refinery near Kitimat BC. If approved, the project could result in 6,000 construction jobs in BC.
Week of Apr 07 - Apr 11, 2014
- As a result of rising operating costs and little revenue growth, the BC Lottery Corporation has announced 67 job cuts. Twenty nine of the cuts will be in Kamloops, the head office, and 33 will be in Vancouver; the remaining will be seen across field staff.
- Kootenay Country Craft Distillery has recently opened near Winlaw. The distillery is hoping that their use of local ingredients and water from the Kootenays will set them apart from their competitors.
- The Okanagan Indian Band and Okanagan College have recently expanded their pre-employment program to address community needs. The program now includes skills training, employability certification, and adult education.
- Dogtown Coffee Co., an Okanagan Falls coffee shop, has opened its second location in Penticton. The shop is located in the former Smith & Co. building in downtown Penticton.
- As a result of dangerously high dust levels in nearly half of the sawmills across the province, WorkSafeBC has doubled the size of its inspection team
- Victoria's planned sewage treatment plant was shut down by Esquimalt council. The council also suggested an amendment to ban any sewage treatment plant from being built on the waterfront site.
- Vancouver School Board will close the Roberts Education Centre, an adult education program. The space, located inside Lord Roberts Elementary School, will be used for kindergarten classes, as there are currently 70 parents on waiting lists in the area.
- Never E'nuff Clothes, a clothing store in Peninsula Village, will be closing at the end of April
- The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is starting a 40-passenger water-shuttle service. The Shuttle will transport cruise-ship passengers from Ogden Point to the Inner Harbour, allowing them to avoid taking a bus ride through the city.
- Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria opened a new location in South Surrey on March 25
- McDonald's Canada hosted a one-day hiring event across the country on April 10. The restaurant is aiming to hire more than 6,000 crew, and 150 managers.
- The province of BC has provided $1M in funding to the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada's Pacific Division. The funding is part of a five-year $5M commitment, intended to help improve collaboration among BC aerospace firms.
- Scrubbi, residential cleaning company, is expanding to the Semiahmoo Peninsula. The Surrey-based company started up eight months ago and is planning to be in 20 markets across Canada by the end of 2015.
- Bella Clothing Boutique has opened a second location in Kelowna. The new store, Bella Plus Clothing Boutique, is located in Tutt Street Square.
- The Nanaimo Regional General Hospital will be adding two new operating rooms, at a cost of $3M. Island Health is hoping that the additional rooms will help alleviate the current backlog for surgery.
- CBC/Radio-Canada has announced $130M in budget cuts this year. As a result, 657 jobs will be eliminated over the next two years.
Week of Mar 31 - Apr 04, 2014
- MOSAIC is hosting a job fair on April 8, 2014 to connect new immigrants with employment opportunities. The job fair takes place at the Croatian Cultural Center in Burnaby, admission is free and attendees are advised to bring resumes.
- A job fair being held at the Quesnel Seniors' Centre on April 3, 2014 is open to the general public. Over 40 employers, as well as training and education providers, will be in attendance.
- The BC Government has signed on for a federal training program that will prepare young people for future job openings while also educating them on local labour market conditions
- Declining enrollment at the Western Academy of Photography has led to a funding shortfall, causing the school to close down on March 31, 2014
- The Peninsula Club is hoping to open a 160,000 sq.-ft. private sports and recreation club in South Surrey. If approved, the club would require approximately 900 man-years of construction and up to 300 full-time jobs once operational.
- Downtown Victoria will get a new flea market this year. Located in Market Square, the flea market will run every Sunday from May 4th until September. Organizers are hoping that the new flea market will also help invigorate surrounding businesses.
- Marshalls, a US retail chain, recently opened in Victoriażs Hillside Centre. The 29,400 sq.-ft. store has created jobs for 60 residents of Victoria. Eleven more Marshalls stores are scheduled to open across Canada this year.
- Bill 4, the Park Amendment Act, was recently passed. This bill makes it easier for the film industry to work in parks, and also allows for feasibility studies for further work on roads, highways, pipelines and transmission lines.
- The city of Terrace has agreed to sell 2.03 hectares of land to Onstein Bros. Holdings for just over $1M. Onstein currently owns several automobile-related businesses and plans to move its Toyota dealership to the new location.
- British Columbia currently has 47 projects on the books, worth a total of $500M. These projects are expected to create a million jobs in construction and operation by 2020, a significant portion of which are within the next three years.
- According to a recent survey by Manpower, 17% of employers in Delta and Richmond are expecting to hire more employees between April and June. No employers reported that they expected to lay off staff.
Week of Mar 24 - Mar 28, 2014
- Kinder-Morgan's Trans-Mountain pipeline has received approval from the Whispering Pines Indian Band. The band will receive between $5M and $10M in exchange for right of way through Westsyde and Lac Du Bois park.
- Several businesses in downtown Penticton have moved to reduced hours of operation until construction is completed on the streets. Repairs to Westminster Avenue are expected to last two to three more weeks, when crews will then move to Martin Street.
- Richmond-based Mantra Energy Alternatives and Lafarge Canada are working together to pilot a new process which converts carbon dioxide into useful chemicals. The technology will be tested at Lafarge's No. 9 Road cement plant in Richmond.
- Spectra Energy's Westcoast Connector Transmission project, two pipelines with a total capacity of 8.4B cubic feet per day, have entered its screening stage. If accepted, the project will enter the application review stage.
- Steelhead LNG has reported that they are looking at several different locations along BC's west coast to develop its liquefied natural gas plant. Once a location is determined, it would take up to five years to complete the required permits.
- Darcy's Pub will be opening on April 22 in Langford. The pub will be hiring upwards of 70 employees for a mix of full and part-time positions.
- Tink International Real Estate is opening a new office in Kelowna. Tink is a Canadian-based company that has locations on several continents.
- Silver City skate park will not be built this year in Trail. The city had previously committed half of the $550,000 price tag; however, the park committee has only been able to raise $61,000. The City may revisit the skate park plan in 2015.
- Renovations to Rossland's école des Sept-Sommets are complete. The new, larger facility has allowed enrollment to increase by 20%.
- PR Associates has opened an office in Terrace. The Vancouver-based public relations firm has had clients in the northwest for a number of years, and felt that it was time to open a local office.
- A new 16,000 sq.-ft. Shoppers Drug Mart celebrated its grand opening in Langley on March 22
- The federal Pacific Pilotage Authority is concerned that there are not enough experienced marine pilots on the BC coast and has decided to add a second pilot exam this year; there are currently 103 coastal pilots
- As a result of the backlog at the Port Metro Vancouver, the Port of Nanaimo has seen an increase of approximately 25%. The increase is expected to be short lived, but will help pay for waterfront improvements.
- Vancouver's Ho Sun Hing Printers shut down on March 23, after more than 100 years in business. The company has occupied a large two-floor space on East Georgia Street since 1961.
- Aside from False Creek Flats, a 209-unit condominium development, the City of Vancouver is keeping the focus of the False Creek area on jobs. There is currently no permission for further residential development in the primarily, warehouse and distribution area of the city. Additional projects in the area include Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and Mountain Equipment Coop's headquarters.
- BC has seen a significant increase in buying local produce in the last five years. Greenhouses in BC have grown from 675 acres in 2009 up to 775 acres. Growers have also seen an increase in the percentage of their products that are purchased in Canada, 41% in 2009 versus 47% in 2013.
- Air Canada will begin daily flights on its Rouge subsidiary between Vancouver and Las Vegas at the end of April. Air Canada hopes to lower costs by filling planes with more passengers
- Sun Peaks Resort will be adding more than 200 hectares of ski terrain this summer, giving it one of the largest skiable areas in Canada. The resort also announced that it will not renew its franchise with Delta Hotels, and will manage its own hotel.
- Construction will begin this spring on Kamloops Royal Inland Hospital's new clinical-services building. The project is estimated to cost $79.8M and will take about two years to complete.
- Kamloops city council has made a number of budget decisions for 2014 at its recent meeting. Some of them include annexing New Gold's New Afton mine, funding the Westsyde water park, and freezing the heavy-industry tax rate.
- The National Energy Board has approved four export licences for liquefied natural gas in BC. The projects that were approved are Woodfibre LNG, Pacific NorthWest LNG, WWC LNG, and Prince Rupert LNG.
- After more than 100 years in business, Pappas Furs will shut down on April 15. The company reported that its 24,000 sq.-ft. building, located on Hamilton Street, is under construction and will be rented out to other companies.
Week of Mar 17 - Mar 21, 2014
- Aspen Planers, a lumber mill in Merrit, has temporarily laid off 142 workers as a result of the port strike in Vancouver
- According to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, more than 20% of Victoria businesses are expecting to hire more workers over the next three months. During the same period, approximately 7% anticipate layoffs.
- At the most recent job fair hosted by GT Hiring Solutions, 118 out of the 1,100 total attendees were over 55. The company also reported that nearly 30% of job seekers were already employed and looking for higher pay.
- Signature Oil & Vinegar, a new shop which sells olive oils and various vinegars, has opened in Comox Valley
- Industrial Light & Magic is hiring 70 new employees in their Vancouver office. The Gastown studio will be working on a significant portion of the new Star Wars movie, and as a result, will increase its current staff from 130 to 200.
- Richmond-based pet supply store, Petcetera, has filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in five years. Petcetera has more than 300 staff across six provinces, including 8 stores in BC.
- Aquilini Investment Group, owners of the Vancouver Canucks, have recently purchased Toptable Group, including five high-end restaurants in Vancouver and Whistler
- St. Augustine's Elementary School in Vancouver has begun construction of its new $10.4M building. Construction is expected to take 15 months; once complete, the school will be able to admit 290 students, eventually expanding to two classes in each grade.
- Construction of a dry-dock has been proposed in Prince Rupert, which would allow repairs to large vessels to be done on the North Coast. If approved the dock would require 30 to 50 skilled workers.
- The Lillooet Friendship Centre has issued 17 layoff notices until further funding is approved. Friendship Centres across BC employ more than 1,000 workers with 25 agencies.
- The Adams Lake Indian Band has received approval to operate a new gaming centre near Salmon Arm. The 26,000-sq.-ft. facility will include 100 slot machines, as well as banquet and conference areas.
- Approximately 50 residents of Churchill have signed a petition against a proposed work camp near Thornhill. The camp, being planned by PTI Group, would be on a 93-acre parcel south of Terrace.
- Steelhead LNG, a Vancouver-based liquefied natural gas company (LNG), has filed a licence application to the National Energy Board. If approved, they will be BC's 14th entrant in the LNG field.
- M&M Ventures wants to purchase two parcels of land in Terrace and Thornhill to develop up to 180 single-family residential lots. Development of the property would be phased in with 30 lots per year until 2020.
- Dine Out Vancouver, an annual festival encouraging people to visit new restaurants, had a record breaking year. The festival had more than 80,000 participants at 263 restaurants, and contributed an estimated $3.9M to the local economy.
- Target has opened its second store in Victoria, located at the Hillside Centre. The new store is larger than Victoria's first Target, coming in at 122,000-sq.-ft.
- Nine unionized employees who were laid off from the Victoria Salvation Army recycling centre in February have been reinstated following a grievance. The union reports, however, that the company is working to follow proper layoff procedures and the employees may still be out of work.
Week of Mar 10 - Mar 14, 2014
- A new Whole Foods is scheduled to open in early 2018 in North Vancouver. The store is part of a mixed-use development by The Omni Group; also included is an 80 ft. office building and two condo towers.
- In order to help alleviate the housing shortage in Kitimat, Rio Tinto Alcan has contracted the Silja Festival, a 170m Estonian cruise ship, as a floating hotel. The ship is capable of housing 600 workers as well as its crew of 100.
- Enbridge Western Access Inc. purchased 64 hectares of land on Dec. 19, 2013 at Grassy Point, adjacent to larger parcels of land where Australiażs Woodside and China-owned Nexen have inked purchase agreements with the B.C. government for the Crown land.
- Flavelle Sawmill, located in Port Moody, will be returning to full operation. The mill is adding 20 employees to fulfill orders for cedar products, bringing the total staff up to 155.
- The Government of BC has launched two programs to generate employment in the province: Project-Based Labour Market Training will help employees who have been laid off; and Research and Innovation will encourage new methods of delivering programs.
- North Island College hosted its fourth annual Career Fair on March 12. The Fair connects job seekers with potential employees, and provides an opportunity for professions to answer questions about a particular industry.
- PacificSport, and Abbotsford-based sports organization, has opened a second location in Langley. The company provides its service to 11 communities, and the additional location will ensure a better use of staff and resources.
- Aramark, a food service provider, has ended its contract with Canucks Sports and Entertainment. As a result, nearly 1,000 employees who work at Vancouver's Rogers Arena have been issued layoff notices.
- Canadian National Railway is in talks with the government of BC regarding a crossing agreement at Exstew. The crossing leads to one of the largest waterfalls in the province, an 11-slip campground, and other recreational activities.
- Rumpus Room, a restaurant in Mount Pleasant, is closing at the end of March. A condo development will be built at the location.
- The province of BC has signed on to the Canada Job Grant. The agreement will help train British Columbians with required skills for job openings over the next decade.
- Following a façade failure in February, repairs on the Ladner Leisure Centre in Delta will take place throughout the summer. The facility is focussed on internal repairs in order to minimize the impact to users of the building.
- Vancouver city council is ready to debate a 30-year, $1B plan to reform the low-income downtown eastside without increasing density or pushing out residents
- According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, British Columbia has a job vacancy rate of 2.6%, or 39,000 unfilled jobs. The provincial rate is slightly higher than the national average of 2.5%.
- Metro Vancouver conducted its annual homelessness count on March 11. The event, which relies on around 900 volunteers, allows the regional steering committee on homelessness to better understand the issues facing the city.
- According to the Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index, house prices in Vancouver have grown by 0.9% in January, the 10th consecutive month of increases. Victoria increased by the same percentage; ending four months of consecutive declines.
- As a result of an ongoing strike at the Port of Vancouver, lumber mills across northern BC have had to stop sending products to the lower mainland. Many companies are shipping through the Port of Prince Rupert or storing their lumber.
Week of Mar 03 - Mar 07, 2014
- Telus Health has purchased Med Access, an electronic medical records company based in Kelowna. Med Access provides medical record services to 2,000 practitioners across Canada; the acquisition will increase Telus Health's client base to more than 12,500.
- The City of Kamloops has ended its concession contract with KTW Compass Group Canada in Riverside Park. The City has put out a request for proposals to find a new vendor, which closes on March 17.
- In January, $627M in construction permits were issued in the Vancouver-area; an increase of 19.8% from the previous year. The City had one of the largest permit gains in the country, along with Toronto and Edmonton.
- A decision regarding the Kelowna-Vernon rail line, which has been closed since July, could be reached by the end of March. Canadian National Railway Company is in talks with representatives interested in restarting freight hauling along the line.
- Kelowna's new $48M RCMP office will be ready to open in late 2017. The 90,000 sq.-ft. building is more than twice the size of the current detachment and will accommodate growth over the next 10 years.
- Crystal Mountain, a ski hill near Kelowna, will remain closed indefinitely following an accident with its chairlift. The safety authority has suspended the resort's operating license pending an investigation.
- Nineteen undeveloped Langford properties, totalling 113 acres, have been sold to private interests. Development potential is limited for many of the properties due to zoning rules and rights-of-way.
- Rio Tinto's $3.3B aluminum smelter modernization project in Kitimat has been pushed off schedule and over budget due to a lack of skilled labourers. The project, which had an expected completion date of late 2014, is being reassessed and may not enter production until early 2015.
- Thrifty Foods has expressed interest in building a new location on the Belmont Secondary School property, when the school is replaced in 2015. Thrifty Foods currently does not have any locations in the West Shore.
- Ktown Medical Growers is expanding to an industrial-scale medical marijuana growing operation. The new facility will create 80 jobs in the village of Topley.
- Tilray, a new medical marijuana grower, recently had more than 400 applicants for the 60 positions available at its Nanaimo facility. The 53,000 sq.-ft. plant will be operational by April 1.
- Drilling for the Port Mann Water Supply Tunnel under the Fraser River has begun. Tunneling between Coquitlam and Surrey is scheduled to finish this summer, and the project will be complete in mid-2015.
Week of Feb 24 - Feb 28, 2014
- Logan Lake, a town of about 2,000 residents north of Kamloops, has lost its only doctor. The town's nurse practitioner is extending her hours, however, the emergency department will be closed as a result.
- A proposed development in Kelowna could see a 24-storey tower as well as a dozen low and medium-rise buildings in the South Pandosy neighbourhood
- BuildForce Canada has predicted that construction employment in BC will reach an all-time high in 2017. They have reported that about 24% of the province's skilled workforce will retire in the next 10 years.
- Victoria's St. Mary's Hospital is starting construction on new heliport gates. The helipad has been closed since 2010, resulting in patients requiring an airlift to be transported to Wilson Creek airport.
- The Northwest Stave River hydroelectric facility has begun commercial operation. The 17.5 megawatt plant, located near Mission BC, will generate enough electricity to power more than 5,500 BC homes.
- Revelstoke's Community Housing Society has proposed a 12-unit affordable rental housing plan to city council. The project would include 4 one-bedroom and 8 two-bedroom units.
- BONE Structure, a Quebec-based building construction company is expanding into British Columbia. The company will be adding three manufacturing plants in BC in the next year.
- Hollyburn Gardens, a 49-unit rental development proposed for West Vancouver, would provide an alternative to the large single-family homes in the area. If approved, construction could begin in mid to late 2015.
- Due to rising acidity in the ocean, BC business are expecting continued layoffs as shellfish are dying prior to harvesting. Island Scallops has had to lay off one-third of its workforce due to the lack of shellfish.
- If BC school districts are required to follow the recent BC Supreme Court ruling, the Langley School District will need to hire 228 full-time teachers. In addition, Maple Ridge would require 36 classroom teachers and 22 non-enrolling teachers.
- Seaspan has been awarded the $15M contract to construct a new 78.5m cable ferry; to run between Buckley Bay and Denman Island. Construction will begin in June and complete in early 2015.
- According to Statistics Canada, employees in BC earned an average of $895 per week. This is 4% less than the national average, and 22% less than Alberta, the highest earners in the country.
- During 2013, nine new craft breweries opened in BC; in 2014, nineteen more will open their doors. This will increase the total number of craft breweries in the province to 82.
Week of Feb 17 - Feb 21, 2014
- Overwaitea has agreed to buy 12 Sobeys stores across BC
- The Joseph and Rosalie Segal Family Health Centre has received $1.5M in funding from Taseko Mines Ltd. Construction on the $84.5M centre is expected to begin in October and will be completed by May 2017.
- Vancouver city council is in favor of a $1.5B development plan for Oakridge Centre mall. The plan would turn the mall into a mini-city, with 40 storeys and 2,900 apartments, as well as a library, daycare, and artificial lake.
- Cellar Jazz Club, Vancouverżs only full-time jazz club, is closing its doors. The club, which has been included on Downbeat Magazineżs list of the top jazz clubs in the world, is considering re-opening in a new downtown location.
- Sunridge Place has sold its residential care home in Duncan to Park Place Seniors Living. As a result of the change in ownership, 264 unionized employees have received layoff notices including nurses, aides, and activity workers.
- As part of a nationwide layoff, United Airlines is cutting 84 positions in Vancouver. The airline reported that the cuts are to facilitate a more efficient and financially sustainable business.
Week of Feb 10 - Feb 14, 2014
- The BC government has provided the United Flower Grower Cooperative Association with $62,500 to promote British Columbians to purchase local BC flowers this Valentines Day
- Interfor, a Vancouver-based lumber company, recently purchased two sawmills and a remanufacturing plant in the United States. The $180M deal makes Interfor the fifth largest lumber company in North America; increasing their product line and their profile in the industry.
- Eleven PriceSmart grocery stores in BC will be converting to Save-On-Foods. Both brands are owned by Overwaitea; however, the change is expected to strengthen the Save-On-Foods brand.
- Vancouver's Save On Meats diner and butcher shop has reopened after being closed since September 2013. The Diner has finalized a long-term training project with Vancouver Community College and the City of Vancouver.
- Mount Washington, a ski resort on Vancouver Island, is reopening after receiving a significant snowfall. The resort was forced to close after only 14 days of operation in January due to a lack of snow.
Week of Feb 03 - Feb 07, 2014
- Gener8 Digital Media Corp, a Vancouver-based company that converts movies from 2D to 3D has doubled its number of staff, from 100 to 200, since October 2013. The company expects to hire 40 to 50 additional employees by the end of March.
- Construction for a gaming centre near Salmon Arm, which was originally scheduled to begin in October 2013, has been delayed until April 2014
- Salmon farmers in BC will receive $21,000 in federal funding, which will help the fish farmers improve confidence in their products, and increase exports
- BC Ferries will be cutting $19M through service reductions. Some of the changes may include eliminating mid-day sailings, as well as reductions to major routes. BC Ferries will also phase out free fares for seniors.
- TELUS has opened its $75M data centre in Kamloops. The centre has created 25 permanent jobs in Kamloops and an additional 50 positions in other locations.
Week of Jan 27 - Jan 31, 2014
- BuildDirect plans to hire 300 new staff and expand its building and home improvement categories with a recent $30M investment
- The City of Prince George has announced its residential road work plans for 2014 and is now accepting bids for various projects
- Target Canada is expected to open its new store at Hillside Centre in Victoria on March 11, 2014
Week of Jan 20 - Jan 24, 2014
- New home construction in British Columbia dropped 8% between October and November. The decline was primarily the result of a drop in new apartment construction, which decreased by 10.4% from the previous month. On a year-over-year basis, home construction in BC was down 1% in November and 8.2% Canada-wide.
- Sony Pictures Imageworks will be moving a number of staff from its Los Angeles office to its Vancouver studio. The affected staff are primarily in software development occupations.
- Canadian Freightways, Canadażs largest freight carrier, has closed its operations in Prince George, Smithers, Terrace, and Prince Rupert. In the Prince George office, four employees will be laid off.
- BuildDirect, a Vancouver-based online building supply store, has received a $30M investment. The money will be used to hire 300 employees throughout 2014.
- After two years of construction, a 99-megawatt wind energy project on Vancouver Island has started feeding power into BC. The project will generate more than 290 gigawatt-hours per year with its 55 turbines.
- Starting in February, FedEx Canada will be sending a daily flight to Nanaimo. The addition will benefit business and online shoppers on Vancouver Island with options for next-day and express shipping.
- As a result of a nationwide shutdown by Big Lots, Liquidation World in Kamloops will be closing at the end of February. The closure will affect between 20 and 30 employees.
Week of Jan 13 - Jan 17, 2014
- Hoban Equipment Ltd., a Vernon-based heavy construction and road-building company, has opened an office and shop complex in Prince George
- Port Boat House and Enex Fuels are partnering to construct a new building in Port Alberni
- TNG Canada is closing its Richmond plant effective April 1, 2014, resulting in the loss of 66 full-time and 117 part-time jobs
- Air Canada rouge is recruiting flight attendants for flights starting in the spring of 2014 out of Vancouver and Calgary
- The Regional District of Nanaimo is allotting nearly $23M from the federal Gas Tax Fund transfer to eight infrastructure projects across the area
- A $10M dredging program of waterways around Ladner and Steveston, by Vancouver Pile and Dredge, and Fraser River Pile and Dredge, is scheduled to begin before the end of January 2014
Week of Jan 06 - Jan 10, 2014
- After being on hold for years, the Killarney seniors center has recently been approved for 33% of the $7.5M cost. Before construction can begin, the centre requires an additional $1.2M of funding.
- The Nanaimo Airport's traffic in 2013 was 20% higher than in the previous year. Part of the reason for the increase was the addition of direct flights to Calgary. The airport further plans to add direct flights to Seattle in 2014, as well as hire a full-time fire department in the next two to three years.
- New Horizons, a senior-care facility in Campbell River, has issued layoff notices to more than 100 workers. The layoffs will take effect in April, and the positions will be contracted out to an experienced service provider.
- The Kamloops Daily News will be shutting down operations after 80 years in business. Employees of the newspaper, the majority of whom are unionized, will lose their jobs within 60 days of the layoff notice.
- Shark Club restaurant is hosting a one-week hiring blitz for its Kamloops location. The restaurant would like to recruit 15-20 employees in management, and 30 servers and bartenders.
Week of Dec 30 - Jan 03, 2013
- New Horizons Community of Care, a seniors-care facility in Campbell River, issued layoff notices to 30 workers. The company stated that the layoffs are necessary to manage costs at the facility.
- There are several construction projects planned for Kamloops in 2014. The largest project is the expansion to the Royal Inland Hospital, a development that was scheduled for construction in 2013 but delayed.
- Kitimat has seen the largest increase across BC in the assessment value of single-family homes, up 26.7% from the previous year. The town has a list of buyers looking for houses, due in part, to Rio Tinto Alcanżs smelter modernization, and the planning of three liquefied natural gas plants.
- Trucks Plus, an Edmonton-based truck-parts store, has opened a location in West Kelowna
Week of Dec 23 - Dec 27, 2013
- The Burrard Gateway project, a half-block redevelopment in downtown Vancouver, has been approved by the city. The plan includes two condo towers, an office building, and a mixed-use space.
- TELUS has recently completed $2.5M in upgrades to its wireless coverage along Highway 16, between Prince George and McBride. The upgrades are part of a 10-year contract with the province to expand the wireless network along 1,700 km of highway in BC.
- A new 60-unit residential/commercial building has been approved near Uptown shopping centre in Victoria. The development will also include 12,000 sq.-ft. of ground-floor commercial space, as well as 71 parking spaces.
- A new Hard Rock Casino has opened in Coquitlam. The Casino has city approval to build a hotel as well, however, it is waiting to observe the popularity of the casino before it moves ahead.
Week of Dec 16 - Dec 20, 2013
- Shape Properties Corporation is planning a major redevelopment of the Lougheed Town Centre in Burnaby. The site development would also incorporate surrounding properties and offer a range of housing and commercial development.
- The Province of B.C. is supporting seven more recommendations for liquor reform, largely benefiting restaurants and pubs. The reforms come as a result of a province-wide review on liquor regulations.
- The City of Kamloops has approved expansion of the Orchards Walk subdivision by an additional 219-units on the eastern edge of the city
- The North District Operational Communications Centre in Prince George is holding an information session for prospective dispatchers on January 11, 2014
- The City of Revelstoke has approved funding for upgrades to the Revelstoke Airport, which will extend the runway and add airplane turning space
Week of Dec 09 - Dec 13, 2013
- Versant Ventures has invested $10M to start a biotech company in Vancouver called Inception 4. The new biotech company will employ a team of scientists and support staff to develop a drug that will treat eye disease.
- Nippon Airways will begin a daily, non-stop flight service between Japan and Vancouver starting on March 30, 2014. The new flights are expected to generate about 350 jobs at Vancouverżs airport, hotels, and restaurants.
- As a result of recent cuts to English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, several post-secondary institutions may see layoffs. Camosun College and Vancouver Community College have the largest number of full-time ESL students in the province. Camosun reports that they could see 10 to 15 faculty members losing their jobs.
- Light-Based Technologies, a company in Vancouver that specializes in LED lighting, is shutting down. The number of staff affected by the layoffs are unknown; however, the company employed 15 people in 2010.
- The Housing Market Outlook for 2014 is predicting an increase in housing sales and values over the next year. Recently, British Columbia has experienced an increase in home sales, led by the Lower Mainland, Kelowna, and Victoria.
- Ts'i'ts'uwatul Lelum, a new 50-unit assisted living development, has opened in Duncan
- The BC Institute of Technologyżs Burnaby campus recently completed a $2.7M renovation
- The Bank of China has consolidated its Canadian trade finance services in Vancouver
- Thanks to a new incentive program, there are nine new doctors in rural BC. There are 17 regions eligible for a one-time payment of $100,000 when doctors commit to a three-year service in the community.
Week of Dec 02 - Dec 06, 2013
- Samsung Electronics has opened its first research and development centre in Canada, located in Vancouver. Samsung employs about 60 staff at the centre, who are working on security features and providing technical support.
- A local non-profit group, Loco BC, is attempting to persuade British Columbians to do their holiday shopping locally. The Group reports that if one percent of people shop locally, it would create 3,100 jobs for BC businesses.
- Public servants in BC have agreed on a five-year collective agreement. The agreement will provide workers with wage increases for 4 of the 5 years, as well as additional increases when the provincial GDP growth is higher than projected.
- FortisBC is moving ahead with its $400M liquid natural gas facility expansion in Delta, creating 300 person-years of construction jobs. The expansion, which will be in service by mid-2016, includes a second tank as well as a new liquefier.
- The Province of B.C. has awarded a new forest license to the Westbank First Nation in part of their traditional territory north of Big White. The license is a 15-year replaceable forest license, worth up to $2.56M depending on lumber quality and prevailing prices.
- Microsoft has closed its Victoria game design studio, which had been open for less than two years, resulting in job loss for at least 30 employees. The company is centralizing development at its Vancouver studios.
- A proposed $9M Best Western Hotel next to Exhibition Park in Prince George has been cancelled by the development group. The City of Prince George has also cancelled infrastructure work that was tied-in to the hotel proposal.
Week of Nov 25 - Nov 29, 2013
- British Columbia's public health system currently has 24 vacant positions for dermatologists
- The Vancouver Airport is attempting to create a customs-free stopover zone for connecting international flights. If approved, the airport expansion could increase tourism and create hundreds of jobs for Vancouver.
- Jawl Properties has announced plans to construct a new 3,600 sq.-ft. physiotherapy clinic at Mattickżs Farm. The company expects construction to occur between July 2014 and January 2015.
- British Columbians will see a 15% increase in electricity costs over the next two years, and an additional 10.5% increase in the following three years
- As part of 800 nationwide job cuts, Sears Canada will be laying off 79 employees from its service centre in Vancouver. Following the layoffs, the service centre will remain open in Vancouver with about 25 employees.
- British Columbia may see a new ultra-low cost airline. Canada Jetlines is currently raising money and has applied for an airline licence. Canada Jetlines plans to launch with two Airbus planes in the fall of 2014, expanding to 16 by 2017.
- Business confidence in British Columbia is at its highest level since mid-2011. A recent study found that 21% of businesses in BC are planning to hire staff and only 7% are expecting layoffs.
- BC Hydro plans to close Burrard Thermal, an old electricity plant in Port Moody. The plant has not been run at full capacity due to high pollution and low efficiency. BC Hydro reported that it will save $14M per year by shutting down the plant.
Week of Nov 18 - Nov 22, 2013
- Construction is underway on a $100M mixed-use development across from Victoria General Hospital
- Vancouver saw a year-over-year increase of 37% in residential home sales in October 2013
- Northern Health is proceeding with demolition of the old hospital in Fort St. John. Mierau Contractors is in charge of the project, which is expected to be complete in February 2014. NAPP Enterprises, from Prince George, will handle the demolition.
- Dawson Creek-based Hegge Construction has been awarded a $2.7M contract for work on the basement of The Calvin Kruk Centre for the Arts. Dawson Creek City Council anticipates that work on the centre will be completed by the summer of 2014.
- Richmond City Council has approved a $150M outdoor shopping centre development by SmartCentres, to be anchored by a Wal-Mart Supercentre. The development, which is scheduled for opening in 2016, is estimated to provide 1,000 retail jobs.
- The City of Prince George will be losing it's only dermatologist when the physician closes his practice on December 31, 2013. With the current province wide shortage of dermatologists, the nearest service to Prince George will be in Kelowna.
- City council approved a new community plan for Vancouverżs West End, anticipating 10,000 new residents in the area over the next 30 years, including limited future residential development to rental housing, and a 20% social housing requirement.
- British Columbia has had the largest year-over-year drilling increase across Western Canada. In the Province, well release is up 15% compared to a year ago, and 20% more metres have been drilled.
Week of Nov 11 - Nov 15, 2013
- The BC Government and Service Employees Union is reviewing the possibility of continuing the AirCare program, which tests car emissions. The AirCare approval process, scheduled to end in 2014, could lead to layoffs for 110 Union members.
- Delta council has approved a $50M, 950-home project in southeast Tsawwassen. The project must now pass a vote with the Metro Vancouver board.
- Whistler Blackcomb is opening on November 16, which is about 13 days earlier than usual
- The South Surrey Park and Rideżs $4.5M expansion is now open. The lot now has a total of 840 stalls, which should increase ridership.
- The Vancouver Police Department will be laying off nine civilians and one officer due to rising salary and benefit costs
- According to an RBC survey, people in BC reported the biggest drop across Canada in what they plan to spend on holiday shopping this year. Compared to 2012, BC is expected to see an 18% decrease in holiday spending.
- Nexen ULC paid $12M for a sole proponent agreement toward a future Liquefied Natural Gas development near Prince Rupert, BC
Week of Nov 04 - Nov 08, 2013
- The BC Technology Industries Association will be hosting a virtual Tech Jobs Career Expo on November 26. The event will connect companies with talent across Canada and globally.
- Vancouverżs Gener8 Media Corp. will be hiring 80 new technology and studio employees by January 2014, as a result of an agreement with a Chinese production firm. Gener8 specializes in 3D stereophonic conversion for film and television.
- Cascade Aerospace in Abbotsford has signed its first international military contract with Mexicożs Air Force. The company, which employs 600 people locally, will be providing support and training for two Mexican Air Force C-130K Hercules aircrafts.
- German software firm SAP is seeking six people with autism to work as software testers in Vancouver by early 2014. SAP is being assisted by Denmark firm Specialisterne, whose focus is finding jobs for autistic people and training employees and managers on how to interact with autistic colleagues.
- The Federal Review Panel has concluded the proposed New Prosperity copper-gold mine would have significant adverse environmental effects. Approval or rejection of the mine will be decided by the federal Ministry of Environment.
- Approximately 400 people pre-registered for a job fair in Victoria on November 7. More than 40 employers were seeking entry-level and semi-skilled workers. A similar fair attracted 1,000 job-seekers last year.
- A lack of jobs is a top concern of people surveyed in Penticton. Half of the respondents to the Vital Signs survey were from Penticton and the rest were from outlying areas and municipalities within the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.
Week of Oct 28 - Nov 01, 2013
- The BC government is providing $1.8M for targeted trades training at 10 provincial post-secondary institutions in 2013-14. Priority trades include, but are not limited to, carpentry, automotive refinish technician, millwright and heavy-duty mechanic.
- The Northern Skills Training Pilot has been extended to February 28 2014. The project provides essential skills and apprenticeship preparation to 850 United Steelworker union members working in northern BC.
- The federal government is offering interest-free loans to small and medium-sized technology businesses in Western Canada, to help bring new products to the market
- BCżs wine industry contributes $2B to the BC economy, attracts 800,000 tourists (annually) and employs 10,000 people, according to the Canadian Vintners Association
- Retail giant Cabelażs Canada plans to open a 50,000-sq.-ft. store in Nanaimo next fall that will employ 150 full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.
- Canfor Corporationżs Quesnel sawmill will be permanently closed in March 2014, resulting in 209 layoffs. The millżs viable lumber supply has been eroded by the mountain pine beetle epidemic.
- West Fraserżs Houston sawmill will be permanently closed by June 2014, resulting in 255 layoffs. The decision is driven by the lack of available timber following the mountain pine beetle infestation.
- Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops will receive close to $381,000 in one-time provincial funding for 96 foundation seats in targeted trades training courses during 2013-14
- The Westbank project, that includes a 52-storey residential tower, a 10-storey retail/residential podium, and several six-storey retail/office buildings has been approved
- The proposed Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project in Delta would generate an estimated 2,500 direct construction jobs from 2017 until 2020, and another 9,200 direct port jobs once the terminal is fully operational
- Sears Canada is selling the lease on its Richmond Centre Mall department store and vacating the premises by February 28, 2015. The store employs more than 100 people.
- Prince Rupert's Northwest Community College campus is receiving $130,560 from the provincial government to fund electrical and millwright training
Week of Oct 21 - Oct 25, 2013
- BC and Ontario geoscience regulators have signed a labour mobility agreement that will allow registered professionals to perform short-term assignments in each otherżs provinces, starting January 1, 2014.
- Kelowna-based Flair Air plans on boosting employee numbers as a result of a new 10-year contract with Shell Canada Energy Ltd. to provide exclusive charter services. Flair currently employs 90 people in Kelowna, Calgary and Eastern Canada.
- Amazon currently has 90 Vancouver-based job openings, mainly for software developers. The company employs approximately 200 people locally and may be expanding its Vancouver operations over the next couple of years. To view the jobs, visit http://www.amazon.com/gp/jobs
- BC exports increased 6% in the first eight months of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012. Industries with the highest gains include lumber exports, mainly for the US housing market, and raw mineral shipments. Despite increased momentum in international trade, continued uncertainty over the US debt ceiling limit could stall growth in the fourth quarter.
- Initiatives Prince George is hosting an online job fair on November 19, 2013 to connect Prince George employers with skilled new Canadians living in Vancouver who are underemployed or unemployed.
- The Central Interior Loggers Association says forestry companies are eager to hire lumberjacks in and around Prince George. The Association says the work pays $30 to $35 an hour.
Week of Oct 17 - Oct 21, 2013
- Gener8, one of four 3D film conversion companies in the world, plans to recruit 80 new employees from BC colleges and universities by January 2014. The Vancouver company currently has 150 staff and has worked on blockbusters such as Ironman 3, The Amazing Spiderman, and Harry Potter.
Week of Oct 14 - Oct 18, 2013
- Industry demand for mobile applications developers is high, according to the chief technology officer at Conquer Mobile in Vancouver. The field demands strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a passion for learning. For a list of mobile app companies in Vancouver, visit www.techvibes.com/company-directory/vancouver/tag/mobile
- BCżs only government-owned fertility clinic in Vancouver has been closed and clinic staff have been issued layoff notices. The Provincial Health Services Authority based its decision on the availability of private clinics.
- In fiscal year 2012/2013, Atira Property Management hired 105 Downtown Eastside (DTES) residents who were either underemployed, on government assistance, and/or lived in a single room occupancy building. Accounting firm Ernst and Young has since measured the economic benefit and found that for every dollar spent to employ a DTES resident, the economy benefited by $3.32.
- A reorganization at Victoriażs Royal Jubilee and General hospitals will replace more than 122 registered nursing and licensed practical nursing positions with unlicensed care aides, according to the BC Nurses Union. The Island Health Authority claims the new approach will be more cost-effective and that the affected registered and licensed nurses will be reassigned to other duties.
- BCżs $32M sardine fishery, whose season runs from July to November, has collapsed due to an absence of sardines. Trawlers have pulled the plug this season, having returned to port without a single catch. Marine scientists attribute the lack of sardines in BC waters to changes in ocean conditions, not overfishing.
- BC Tree Fruits and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union are close to ratifying a seven-year agreement covering 400 Okanagan packing-house employees
- Inclement weather caused $18M in damages to BCżs tree fruit industry this year. The amount of damage is more than two times whatżs normal for fruit growers. About 80% of the crop damage was caused by hailstorms in the Okanagan Valley this summer.
Week of Oct 07 - Oct 11, 2013
- The partial shutdown of the US government that began October 1 is having a limited impact on BC manufacturers. Although goods continue moving smoothly through the border, the cessation of some US infrastructure projects is affecting BC suppliers. The US government is a significant consumer of BC-made products, according to the BC chapter of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
- Surrey-based Black Press Media Group has launched a jobs and resume website located at www.LocalWork.ca. Black Press owns 190 newspapers in BC, Alberta, the Yukon, and several US states.
- New hospital developments in Campbell River and Comox will generate an estimated 1,900 direct construction jobs from 2014 until 2017, according to the Vancouver Island Health Authority. The $600M North Island Hospitals Project is currently in the site preparation phase.
- Early site preparation and other building work supporting BC Hydrożs John Hart Station Replacement Project has created 100 construction-related jobs in Campbell River
- Vancouver-based Seaspan has been awarded a $3.3B contract to build 10 Canadian Coast Guard ships. This combined with the $8B federal shipbuilding contract Seaspan won in 2011 will create several thousand stable, well-paying jobs.
- Vancouver software developer Hootsuite held a hiring fair on October 8 to fill 100 positions in a variety of occupations. The company currently employs 370 people.
- The Vancouver Coastal Health Authority is reported to have issued 17 layoff notices covering positions that include professional nutritionists and therapists who serve East Vancouver residents
- A tentative four-year contract has been reached between the BC Hospital Employees Union and US-based Aramark, which employs nearly 1,300 cleaning staff in Lower Mainland hospitals and extended care facilities. The agreement includes significant improvements in benefits and a modest wage increase.
- Disney-owned Pixar has closed its Pixar Canada animation studio in Vancouver and laid off about 100 employees. The company will be consolidating production work in California to save costs.
- The Vancouver School Board is considering layoffs as a means to afford contractual pay raises. An estimated 40 full-time-equivalent jobs could be affected.
- Taseko Mines has hired 150 additional workers for its Gibraltar Mine near Williams Lake. The hiring followed completion of a $325M milling facility and brings the copper mineżs workforce to 700, one of the largest in the Cariboo Region.
- Skeena Sawmill in Terrace recently celebrated its first full year in operation since 2007. The mill, owned by Roc Holdings since 2011, produces export-ready lumber and woodchips and provides direct employment for 100 people.
- The BC government is funding a $650,000 study to examine the potential impacts of major industrial developments on the Kitimat airshed. The final report is expected by March 31, 2014. Data from the study will be used to guide regulatory decisions.
Week of Sep 30 - Oct 04, 2013
- BCżs economy will remain sluggish this year and see modest gains in 2014, according to Central 1 Credit Union. The province continues to see an outflow of working-age residents to other provinces where employment prospects are better.
- Glacier Media will be laying off 20 advertising production employees on December 13 and outsourcing the work to the Philippines. Five of the affected composers/graphic artists are in Kamloops and 15 are in the Lower Mainland.
- Servantage has issued layoff notices to 150 unionized building cleaners who service two Cadillac Fairview properties in Vancouver. The layoffs are to occur at the end of October 2013. Servantage has advised the workers that its cleaning contract with Cadillac Fairview is not being renewed because labour costs are too high. The cleaners are paid $12.65 an hour.
- Paragon Gaming Corp. is proposing to build a $535M hotel and conference centre in downtown Vancouver. The 675,000-sq.-ft. development would create an estimated 4,500 jobs during construction and 2,000 permanent jobs when complete.
- Quebec-based clothing retailer La Maison Simons plans to open a 100,000-sq.-ft. store in North Vancouverżs Park Royal Mall in the fall of 2015. The 173-year-old firm currently employs over 2,500 people and operates eight stores, mainly in Quebec.
- The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver will be permanently closing its Griffins Restaurant in November 2013, as part of a $12M renovation. The hotel hopes to re-employ Griffins' 25 workers elsewhere in hotel.
- Niche outwear manufacturer Arc'teryx is opening its first retail outlet on October 12 on Vancouverżs west side. The North Vancouver-based company currently employs 500 people, mainly at its Burnaby manufacturing facility.
- Nanaimo's Harmac Mill is celebrating its fifth year as an employee-owned and operated company. The mill was nearly bankrupt in 2008 when 225 employees decided to buy it. Today, Harmac is considerably more diversified and turning a profit.
- A modular home-building project will create 275 full-time, year-long jobs in Agassiz and Penticton. The $100M contract was awarded to Langley-based Britco by Devon Energy Corporation in Alberta.
- Pinnacle Renewable Energy is applying to build a $40M wood-pellet manufacturing plant in the town of Chase. If approved, the facility would directly employ 25 people and create another 15 indirect wood transport jobs.
- Prince Rupert forestry companies, Coast Tsimshian Resources LP and Quickload, are seeing significant economic improvements as a result of the growing demand for lumber
- The Coast Tsimshian Fish Plant, owned and operated by Lax Kw'alaams First Nations, provides employment and sustainable income for 225 people
- The Northwest Regional Airport, serving Terrace and Kitimat, is seeing record passenger numbers due to projects at Rio Tinto Alcan and Northwest, and northern BC mine developments
Week of Sep 23 - Sep 27, 2013
- A new report from PriceWaterhouseCoopers shows nearly half of all BC agriculture jobs are generated by the province's 1,100 dairy, poultry and egg producers. Between 2007 and 2011, these farmers added 3,350 new jobs, almost more than forestry, mining and oil and gas combined over the same period.
- The union representing 27,000 BC education support staff has reached a tentative deal with the BC government, narrowly averting a strike that would have closed K-12 public schools. The new agreementżs term ends on June 30, 2014.
- Fraser Health is planning to lay off six part-time nurses, and hire one full-time nurse as part of an amalgamation of health units in Delta
- Site preparation is underway for a new $30M hotel and condominium project in downtown Prince George. An announcement will be made in the upcoming days providing more details on the project.
Week of Sep 16 - Sep 20, 2013
- Robust economic growth is not expected in BC until 2014. Although some exports are up and there are signs the housing market may be recovering, job growth remains flat, consumer spending is lower, and overall industrial expansion is żspottyż.
- Western Canada coal exports are expected to double over the next ten years and BC is the regionżs top producer, with nine operating mines that generated 29 tonnes worth $5B last year. Wood Mackenzie forecasts annual global demand will rise from under 300 million tonnes in 2012 to 350 million tonnes by 2016, with three quarters of the growth coming from India and China.
- Vancouver software developer QuickMobile reports it has created the equivalent of 145 full-time jobs over the past five years and is one of the city's fastest growing tech companies
- A job search program for BC residents in or near Nanaimo who are 55 years of age and older is being offered through the Employment Services Centre, GT Hiring Solutions in Brooks Landing
- Construction of a marine container inspection facility on Tsawwassen First Nation land will generate construction jobs lasting a year, and permanent jobs once it opens in 2015. The start date of construction is not yet known.
- Approximately 1,500 workers employed by Canfor in northern BC have voted 97% in favour of strike action over stalled wage negotiations. The strike vote was conducted by United Steelworkers Local 1-424.
- The Penticton Indian Band has numerous developments underway and several in the planning stages that bode well for the Bandżs economic future
- Conifex Timber Inc. has secured $100M for its stalled bioenergy project in Mackenzie. The project would transform an idled newsprint mill into an energy plant fed by wood waste.
Week of Sep 09 - Sep 13, 2013
- Young workers are leaving BC for provinces that offer a lower cost of living and, in some cases, better wages and work opportunities, according to the BC Business Council. Of the more than 8,600 people who departed in 2012, nearly 60% moved to Alberta.
- The Northern Development Initiative Trust has launched an on-line procurement database to help companies find industrial partners for major projects in northern BC. The database is expected to facilitate job creation.
- BC's Industry Training Authority is undergoing a review by the province to ensure trades training targets are being met. The government predicts more than 40% of new jobs created over the next ten years will be in trades or technical occupations.
- BC labour leaders support the provincial governmentżs plan to train BC workers for future Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) employment opportunities. The government expects tens of thousands of skilled trades jobs will be created by LNG projects. Details of the training strategy will be available by the end of September 2013.
- The unionized Kennedy Heights Printing Plant in Surrey is being sold by Postmedia Network, and operations will end sometime in 2015. Postmedia will either outsource newspaper printing to Montréal-based Transcontinental, or form a new lower-cost company in partnership with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada. It is not yet known how many workers may be affected.
- Kamloops processed $80M worth of building permits in the first half of 2013, a 20% decline over the same period last year. Although residential building has increased, commercial, industrial and institutional projects have declined significantly.
- Nanaimożs Harmac Pulp Mill has created a major secondary revenue source by supplying BC Hydro power from its new $45M electrical generation plant. The revenue will ensure the mill is secure during periods of lower pulp prices.
- Although Victoria's industrial vacancy rate has edged up because of business closures and lower demand, the trend is expected to reverse over the next two years due to multiple construction projects and high-tech expansion
- Vancouver Island construction activity and related employment is expected to increase starting in 2014, according to the Vancouver Island Construction Association
- The expansion of Kelownażs RapidBus public transit route will create more than 240 jobs during the construction period, beginning September 11 and ending in the summer of 2014
- Shell's Saturn 1 liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant near Dawson Creek was recently unveiled during a commissioning tour. The LNG plant will produce 200 million cubic feet of gas per day at its capacity.
- A new Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters store has opened in Prince George. The retailer is located in a new 34,000 sq.-foot building in the downtown core.
Week of Sep 02 - Sep 06, 2013
- The Vancouver International Airport and its emergency response, customer care and runway maintenance employees have reached a tentative four-year agreement. The unionized workers are represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada.
- Icelandair will begin operating from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in May 2014. Although job numbers arenżt specified, every airline at YVR inevitably generates some employment. YVR employs 26,000 people in a wide variety of occupations.
- Wilson's Transportation has won a five-year contract to provide shuttle-bus service between the Victoria Airport and downtown Victoria hotels. The contract starts November 1 and will boost opportunities for Wilson's existing employees.
- Construction on Fortune Minerals NICO mine, near Tumbler Ridge, is set to begin in 2014
Week of Aug 26 - Aug 30, 2013
- Pavac Industries expects to grow its high-tech workforce to between 100 and 200 over the next two or three years. The developer of hybrid electron beam technology has tripled its Richmond headcount to 60 since 2005.
- Beecher Bay First Nations is planning to build a $400M residential development near Sooke, on Vancouver Island. Land will be cleared beginning this September and marketing will begin in October. Depending on sales, the first 30 homes could be ready by June 2014.
- The BC Seniors Games, held August 20-24, attracted 3,700 competitors and injected an estimated $2M into the Kamloops economy
- Mediated talks between FortisBC and the electrical workers union have broken off, as a lockout of employees heads into a third month. IBEW 213 represents some workers from FortisBC, which supplies electric power and gas.
- Veresen Inc. is planning to build a gas-fired power plant in Terrace. The plant is expected to create 300 construction jobs and 10-12 permanent jobs.
Week of Aug 19 - Aug 23, 2013
- A $22M Sea to Sky gondola being built near Squamish will create 60 to 70 full-time tourism sector jobs starting in May 2014. Building the gondola has generated 60 to 80 person-years of construction employment since March 2013.
- Poland-based Techland has opened its first Canadian animation studio in Burnaby. The new Digital Scapes Studios, staffed with former Radical Entertainment employees, will produce elements for a zombie survival game called Dying Light that is slated for launch in 2014.
- Gener8, a 2010 startup animation company in Vancouver now employs 100 software developers and artists and has openings for more. The company specializes in 3D animation for blockbuster films like Prometheus and The Amazing Spider-Man and says opportunities are increasing.
- Big Fish Games is closing its six-person Vancouver animation studio to save overhead costs. The laid-off employees have been offered jobs in Seattle where the firm is based.
- Boeing in Seattle will be providing paid internships for three Vancouver Island engineering and technical university students next summer. If the internships are successful, the aerospace company may expand the program. Boeing is forecasting the production of at least 30,000 new planes over the next 20 years and needs to expand its workforce.
- Canadian Pacific Railway has laid off four of its seven specialized safety inspectors in the Cranbrook rail yard. The company says the layoffs are in response to the business climate.
- The District of Fort St. James is receiving $250,000 to develop a multi-purpose community centre
- Wholesale Sports Outfitters will be opening a new store in downtown Prince George in September. More than 90% of employees have been hired locally.
- The Coastal Business Centre, a new resource centre for Prince Rupert businesses, is scheduled to open in September
- Construction has begun on the Roman Coal Mine near Tumbler Ridge. Mine construction will generate 100 jobs until 2014. Once built, the mine will employ 450 people.
Week of Aug 12 - Aug 16, 2013
- Delta-based Avcorp Industries has signed a contract with Boeing to make driveshaft tunnel cover assemblies for CH-47 Chinook helicopters. Avcorp employs 400 people, mainly in the BC Lower Mainland.
- Construction of a $200M office tower in downtown Vancouver will create up to 400 jobs beginning in October 2013 and lasting approximately three years. When complete in 2017, the 31-storey structure will accommodate 1,700 workers.
- Thompson Creek will begin production at its Mount Milligan copper-gold mine, 155 km northwest of Prince George. The mine, which has been under construction for two years, will employ nearly 400 people and has an estimated life span of 22 years.
- Anglo Americanżs $200M expansion of its Tumbler Ridge Trend coal mine will create 100 construction jobs and secure 420 mining positions. First phase construction begins mid-August 2013. Although the worldwide market for metallurgical coal is in an oversupply situation, the company is confident the quality of the coal and the ease of transport to Asia will generate additional contracts.
- Vancouver-based TTM Resources has withdrawn its Chu Molybdenum Mine Project in north-central BC from provincial and federal environmental review processes, due to weak financial markets and the depressed price of molybdenum
- Teck Resources is delaying reopening the Quintette coal mine near Tumbler Ridge until metallurgical coal prices recover. The mine, which recently received provincial government approval to reopen, has the potential to employ 500 people.
- Three hundred unionized Vancouver International Airport workers could be on strike as early as Labour Day. Contentious issues include job security and two-tier wages.
- Job opportunities appear to be plentiful in Kamloops where the unemployment rate is relatively low and numerous employers are reported to be hiring
- Kelowna animation studio Yeti Farm Creative will be hiring 30 new employees as a result of a three-year contract signed with Atomic Cartoons in Vancouver
- Sockeye returns lowest in decades, other salmon plentiful along North Coast
- Petronus plans to build two liquefied natural gas trains for its LNG export project near Prince Rupert. The $20B investment should be ready by 2019 at the latest.
Week of Aug 05 - Aug 09, 2013
- Approximately 750 retail and food service jobs will be created when the newly expanded Guildford Town Centre mall opens on August 28, 2013. The $280M expansion also generated more than 4,000 construction jobs.
- Japan's Namco Bandai Studios has opened an animation studio in Vancouver, employing 30 people
- Quantum Murray, the company contracted to clean up the Lemon Creek fuel spill, is holding a day-long hiring fair on August 7 in the Castlegar Sandman Hotel
- The Kootenay Food Co-op is planning to build a $23M mixed residential-commercial development in Nelson
- The Kootenay Region Skills Training Plan has been launched to help local residents and businesses understand which occupations will be most in demand over the next ten years
- TransCanada is applying to build a 305-km extension to its Groundbirch pipeline across northern BC. The $1.5B project would generate jobs for equipment operators, welders, mechanics, truck drivers, and labourers.
- On September 1, 2013, the First Nations Training and Development Centre in Prince Rupert will have a new name - Coastal Training Centre - and will focus on skilled trades training, in order to better meet North Coast workplace needs
- Phase 1 construction of the $100M Eagle Creek Village, a mixed-used development in the City of Victoria, is expected to begin mid-September 2013
- A recent fire in Smithers gutted two local businesses, a furniture store and a law firm
Week of Jul 29 - Aug 02, 2013
- Employment in BCżs shipbuilding industry is expected to rise by 33% over the next seven years, adding over 1,000 new long-term, well-paying jobs. By 2020, provincial shipyards expect to employ over 4,200 people. Trades most in demand include welder, marine fitter, electrician, pipefitter, machine fitter and marine engine mechanic.
- The Fantastic Four movie franchise is moving production from Vancouver to Louisiana. The company, which has filmed those movies in Vancouver since 2004, cites tax incentives as the reason for the move.
- Nerd Corps Entertainment, a Vancouver-based animation company, has hired 135 people so far this year and expects to hire another 80 or 90 before the end of 2013
- RaceRocks 3D, a visual effects company in Langford, could triple its workforce to 60 by next year. The company is developing simulation training applications for defense and aerospace companies.
- Construction of the new Haida Gwaii hospital is expected to generate 189 direct jobs and 143 indirect jobs from July 2013 until the fall of 2015, when the development is complete
- Lighthouse Brewing, a Victoria-based microbrewery, currently employs 21 people but plans to add new staff as it expands its market territory
- FortisBC Electric workers have entered their fifth week of a lockout. Of the 240 affected employees, 12 are reported to have resigned their positions. The lockout extends from Princeton to Creston and up through the Okanagan Valley to Winfield.
Week of Jul 22 - Jul 26, 2013
- The BC government has released a report outlining the job growth that may occur should a number of LNG projects materialize over the next ten years
- BC continues to lead the country in wood products manufacturing. In the 12 months leading to May, sales of BC wood products rose 23%; this was mainly driven by a rebound in the US housing market.
- The doubling of China Eastern Airlines flights to Vancouver, starting July 20, is expected to create 470 full-time-equivalent jobs at Vancouver International Airport and in the local hospitality industry
- The Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) is expanding paramedic training at its Chilliwack campus for September. JIBC trains over 1,200 students at four BC campuses annually.
- Sunshine Group Daycare will be hiring 26 people for a new daycare it plans to open in September 2013 in Langford. The facility will be located in the Glen Lake Inn, which is being transformed from a hotel into a commercial space.
- Reconstruction work has begun on the Prince George Lakeland Mills sawmill that burned down in April 2012. The mill will employ 100 people when it reopens in September 2014. Prior to the fire, the mill employed 150 people.
- Mercer International plans to lay off 85 employees at the Celgar pulp mill in Castlegar over the next five years. The reduction is intended to improve its competitiveness with other pulp producers. Celgar will employ 370 people by 2017.
- An increasing number of Aboriginals are entering training programs to prepare for work in the mining industry
- A new report from the BC Construction Association predicts more than 50,000 new construction jobs will be created by 2021
Week of Jul 15 - Jul 19, 2013
- Although BC exports remain resilient, its overall economy has been held back by a subdued job market, weak retail sales, and declining housing market activity this year
- The North Coast and Nechako regions will be key drivers of BCżs economic growth over the next decade, according to the latest forecast from Central 1
- BCżs 800 blueberry growers expect to repeat last yearżs bumper crop. The harvest normally begins in mid-July and continues until October but this year farmers have gotten an earlier start due to favourable weather.
- On June 30, US-based paper and packaging manufacturer RockTenn closed its New Westminster corrugated cardboard manufacturing and laid off approximately 100 long-term unionized workers
- The BC Wine Grape Council, representing 317 growers and 139 wineries in the Okanagan-Similkameen, expects a bountiful grape harvest this year despite inclement June weather
- Construction will begin July 18, 2013 on a salmon hatchery on Penticton Indian Band (PIB) lands. The $24M hatchery is a joint project of the Okanagan Nation Alliance, the State of Washington and the PIB.
- Construction on the independent McKay Creek hydroelectric power project south of Revelstoke is scheduled to start in August
- Rossland-based Fulcrum Management Solutions has created eight new positions in sales, software development and customer support, as a result of rapid growth of its Thoughtstream software
- The Vancouver Island Health Authorityżs decision to reduce hours at three laboratories and end home visits will affect 3.5 full-time equivalent workers. The VIHA says the affected workers can be placed elsewhere.
- Nanaimożs low unemployment rate takes into account residents who commute out of town and out of province for employment, months at a time. Many work in resource extraction jobs in northern BC and Alberta.
- The BC Seniors Games, taking place this August, is expected to generate over $2M in economic benefits for the community of Kamloops
- Skeena River commercial and recreational sockeye salmon fisheries have been closed due to near record-low fish numbers. Only 453,000 sockeye are expected, compared to approximately 2.4M in 2012.
- The Prince Rupert Port Authority and Ridley Terminals are contributing a combined $250,000 to help North Coast workers train to fill skilled trade jobs that are expected as a result of rapid industrial growth
- Pinnacle Renewable Energy will begin advertising in August to hire 24 people for a new $42M wood pellet export terminal in Prince Rupert. Pinnacle currently supports 350 manufacturing jobs in six BC communities.
Week of Jul 08 - Jul 12, 2013
- The BC government is spending $4M this year to support trades training for women. The decision is driven by the increasing need in BC for workers, particularly in oil and gas, shipbuilding and mining industries.
- Seventy unionized jet fuelers at Vancouver International Airport have voted 100% in favour of striking this summer, if their disputes with GlobeGround Fuel Services and the Vancouver Airport Authority are not resolved. The workers will be in a legal strike position on July 28, 2013.
- Solefood, an urban farming company, has opened an urban fruit and herb orchard in downtown Vancouver. The company provides jobs and agricultural training to people with multiple barriers to employment.
- The new Edmonds Community Centre in Burnaby has created 53 full-time-equivalent positions
- Minter Gardensż 32-acre show garden in Chilliwack is closing in October due to lower tourist numbers. The closure will put three full-time employees out of work. The Minter Country Garden Store will remain open.
- Vancouver-based Steamworks Brewing Company is opening a 30,000 square-foot brewery in Burnaby later this summer. The manufacturing facility will feature offices, packaging, canning, kegging lines, and a tasting room.
- Victoria-based Viking Air is forging close ties with Vietnam that is expected to have far-reaching benefits for future trade. The company, which is training Vietnamese pilots on Vikingżs Twin Otter planes, employs 575 people in Western Canada, a 400% increase over three years ago. About 450 workers work in Victoria and the remainder work in Calgary.
- Kelowna Flightcraft has been awarded a 2-year, $15M contract to maintain Royal Canadian Air Force Fixed Wing Search and Rescue aircraft. The contract supports 54 full-time jobs.
- Vernon-based Kelowna Pacific Railway went into receivership on July 5, 2013. The company, which employed 40 to 50 people, attributed the bankruptcy to a drop in lumber shipments.
- Structurlam, a structural wood products manufacturer, has added a $7M facility to its Okanagan Falls operation that provides work for 15 people and will soon employ more. Structurlam employs 150 people in Okanagan Falls, Penticton and Oliver.
- The City of Kimberley, Teck Resources and the EcoSmart Foundation are collaborating to develop SunMine, the first industrial grid-connected solar energy plant in BC
- The Department of Fisheries and Oceans has closed the Dungeness fishery on the North Coast due to inconclusive crab population testing. Approximately 150 fishermen and shore-workers will be affected by the closure.
- Malaysian Petronas has applied to Canada's National Energy Board for an LNG export license
- Pacific Northwest LNG has submitted an application for an LNG export permit to Canada's National Energy Board
- Avanti Mining has signed a letter of understanding with the Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs concerning its proposed Kitsault Mine Project
- The BC government is investing $4M through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement to help 675 women access mentorship opportunities and trades training programs
Week of Jul 01 - Jul 05, 2013
- The BC government has downgraded its provincial economic and employment forecasts for 2013
- Rona, a home and garden retailer, will be closing three unprofitable BC stores in October 2013 and laying off 189, mostly part-time, workers. The affected stores are in North Cowichan, Kamloops and Abbotsford. Rona will also be eliminating an undisclosed number of administrative positions in Vancouver.
- BC farmers markets contributed over $170M in economic benefits in 2012 and sales have increased 146% since 2006. The rise in popularity is due to heightened consumer interest in locally grown food.
- Phase 2 construction of the golf villa residential community at Oliver's Canyon Desert Resort has begun and is expected to be complete in 2014
- To save costs, BC Tree Fruits will be closing its 70-year old Kelowna packinghouse in the fall of 2013 and shifting production to existing packinghouses in Oliver and Winfield. The number of affected employees has not yet been disclosed.
- Modernization of the Nanaimo Assembly Wharf to improve export capacity is expected to create many job opportunities during and after the construction period. The federally-funded project is expected to start this fall and last until September 2014.
- Construction of the Salmon Arm Community Gaming Centre is scheduled to begin in October 2013 and be complete by June 2014. The gaming centre is expected to create 100 jobs when it opens.
- The Columbia Shuswap regionżs hospitality industry is experiencing revenue losses due to the recent floods in Alberta
- Construction of a new $23M BC Hydro building in Campbell River will create 60 jobs from July 2013 until October 2014. Vancouver-based Omicron was awarded the contract.
- The Port Alberni Port Authority has received federal funds to study the feasibility of a short sea port facility in Alberni Inlet. The facility would handle small cargo vessels travelling short distances.
- A $531M federal shipbuilding contract, awarded to Babcock Canada, will protect 200 jobs in Esquimalt for at least five years
- Huldra Silver Inc., near Merritt, suspended its mine and mill operations and laid off 20 workers on June 25. The company cites a weakened market as the reason for the temporary suspension. It is unknown when operations will resume.
Week of Jun 24 - Jun 28, 2013
- After years of decline, Canadażs wood industry is rebounding, with BC producing half of Canadażs softwood lumber. According to the Conference Board of Canada, the Canadian lumber industry is on track to double its profits this year and needs 6,000 skilled workers. BC mills report difficulty finding skilled labour locally.
- Ten BC forestry companies, five in Merritt and five in the West Kootenays, have had their annual allowable harvests increased by the BC government. The increase addresses a timber supply crisis arising from the pine beetle infestation which wiped out half of BCżs merchantable timber.
- WorkSafeBC is proposing new regulations to lessen workersż exposure to rock dust that is linked to a potentially deadly form of lung disease. An estimated 48,000 BC construction and mining workers are at risk of such exposure, and silicosis-related medical claims cost the province about $1.2M per year. Public hearings on the proposed regulatory changes will take place in May and June 2014.
- Between July 2010 and June 2011, more than a quarter of BCżs registered professional engineers were educated outside of Canada, according to the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC. Countries generating the largest number of applications include the US, China, Iran, India and the UK.
- More than a dozen BC companies are heading to southern Alberta to help with the flood cleanup and repairs, according to the 125-member BC Association of Restoration Contractors
- Hiring in the mining sector is expected to be flat for the next six months and 46% of mining executives are considering layoffs, according to the Vancouver-based Mining Recruitment Group
- Major mixed-used developments worth billions of dollars are transforming Surreyżs city centre
- Concord Pacific has plans to build 15 high-rises in downtown Vancouver and two in Surrey. Other developers are planning major developments in Surrey, due to its rapid population growth.
- Kia West is seeking approval to double its Coquitlam car dealership to five acres by October 2013, a move that will also enable the company to add between 60 and 75 more employees. The Coquitlam location currently employs 75 people.
- Barrick Gold Corp is laying off a third of its 400 Canadian corporate staff this month, due to a gold price slump. Most of the affected workers are in Toronto; a small number in Vancouver will also be impacted.
- The North Vancouver Outdoor School near Squamish is laying off 21 staff between June 30 and the end of August 2013. The school has lost nearly $1M over the past two years.
- Victoriażs top 25 high tech companies generated nearly $1B in revenue in 2012, an 18% increase over 2011. This represents a third of the total revenue generated by 900 Victoria tech firms, which provide employment for 13,000 people.
- The Osoyoos Indian Band has more jobs available than band members. The 500-member community employs people from over 30 First Nations in western Canada as well as hundreds of non-Aboriginal people. Land development, tourism and a 300-acre vineyard are increasing employment opportunities.
- Construction on the $900M Waneta Expansion Project near Trail employs 350 people, mainly from the local area. The electrical power project, scheduled for completion in the spring of 2015, has so far contributed $150M to the local economy.
- FortisBC, an electric power and gas distributor, locked out 240 Southern Interior electrical employees on June 26
- WestJet Encore has opened service to North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John, creating 16 jobs
- Tahl-tan First nation boasts a high employment rate due to $11B worth of major projects in its territory
- Teck Resources Limited was issued an amendment to their Mines Act permit, allowing the re-opening of the Quintette Mine near Tumbler Ridge. If re-opened the project could create 500 full-time jobs.
- WCC LNG, a partnership of Imperial Oil and ExxonMobil, has filed for a permit for a new LNG export facility in either Kitimat or Prince Rupert
- The Prince Rupert Port Authority experienced a record-breaking year in 2012 for cargo and revenue. The port moved 22.2 million tonnes, an increase of 15% over 2011; and port revenue increased 40%.
Week of Jun 17 - Jun 21, 2013
- BCżs economic growth is forecast to stagnate in 2013 due to a softer housing market, slower population growth, lower consumer spending and stalled job creation, according to RBC
- A new export agreement signed by Canada and China will enable BC cherry growers to begin exporting fresh fruit to China. The BC Cherry Growers Association estimates sales to China will reach $10M by 2014 and rise to $20M in the next five years.
- The $360M construction of the Trump International Hotel & Tower in Vancouver will create 170 full-time equivalent construction jobs lasting two years and 300 hospitality jobs when the tower opens in late 2016
- Burnaby-based TELUS is investing $1B in telecommunications infrastructure across BC this year. The company currently has 87 job openings in BC in a variety of occupations. TELUS employs 40,000 Canadians, including 7,800 in BC.
- Vancouverżs Pacific National Exhibition is recruiting hundreds of seasonal workers for its annual summer fair, scheduled from August 17 to September 2, 2013
- Social media giants Twitter and Facebook are opening software development offices in Vancouver. Facebook is seeking 150 staff, mostly software engineers, and Twitter is seeking ża handfulż of computer science graduates.
- Victoria-based Viking Air has signed a $70M contract to build Twin Otter planes to support northern Russian communities. The aircrafts are scheduled for delivery through 2015.
- The Point Hope Maritime shipyard is considering upgrading buildings and infrastructure. The 140-year old shipyard employs 125 workers at peak periods and contributes an estimated $20M to Greater Victoriażs economy.
- CUPE Local 50, representing 700 City of Victoria workers, is concerned a long-delayed organizational review to find efficiencies will result in layoffs next year. The review comes as Victoria struggles with a $6M budget cut.
- On June 20, TransCanada PipeLines opened a new office in Prince George that will function as a regional support centre for northern BC pipeline development
- The Northern Health Authority in Prince George has a spike in job vacancies, due to 367 people leaving their employment in the first four months of 2013 for various reasons. Nursing and health sciences have the highest unfilled job rates.
- The proposed Sukunka coal mine near Tumbler Ridge has moved into the next stage of development by opening public consultations in June, as well as a 30-day window for public comments
Week of Jun 10 - Jun 14, 2013
- Port Metro Vancouver supports 35,100 direct local jobs that pay wages well above the Canadian average, according to a new study. The port indirectly supports another 10,000 jobs outside of Metro Vancouver.
- Coal mines expansion would create 50 new jobs at the Fraser Surrey Docks, which is reported to have lost 270 jobs since 2008 due to sharp export declines in lumber, pulp and steel
- Vancouver-based Westport Innovations has been contracted by CN Railway to build LNG solutions for next generation locomotives. Westport employs 251 people and has 20 Vancouver job openings in a variety of occupations.
- Sears Canada has applied to the City of Burnaby to build a $1B mixed-use development on nine acres in Metrotown
- Guildford Town Centre Mall is holding a retail trade job fair at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel in Surrey on June 27 from 2:00 to 8:00pm
- Burnaby-based TELUS plans to have 70% of its 40,000-person workforce working from home or on a mobile basis by 2015. TELUS is Canadażs third largest telecommunications company and one of BCżs largest employers.
- Wind energy projects worth billions of dollars are being proposed for BC
- Taseko Mines and the BC Aboriginal Mine Training Association are collaborating to boost employment for Aboriginal people in the Cariboo region
- Coastal forest industry employers are having difficulty finding contractors and workers, according to the Coast Forest Products Association
- Petronus, a Malaysian-owned energy company, has said it is prepared to invest $20B in a liquefied natural gas project in BC
Week of Jun 03 - Jun 07, 2013
- The Lower Mainland economy continued growing in 2012 but at a slower pace than in 2011. This was partly due to a housing market slowdown and on-going government fiscal restraint.
- Metro Vancouver had the lowest job posting numbers in Canada in May, according to the Conference Board of Canada; while Abbotsford-Mission saw an increase in new hiring by employers.
- The New Westminster school district has approved cutting 60 positions, including 27 teaching assistants and 19 teachers, to balance the 2013-2014 school year budget
- To reduce expenses, Translink plans to lay off 26 to 32 unionized HandyDART drivers in late July, and transfer 10,000 hours of service to private taxis. HandyDART transports people with physical or cognitive disabilities.
- Catalyst Paper is seeking to hire and train young people to replace its retiring Port Alberni pulp mill workforce. In the past 18 months, the Catalyst mill has hired 60 people and is concerned it may be facing a labour shortage.
- Quality Foods is recruiting 75 to 100 staff for a new grocery store scheduled to open in Langford in in May 2014. The company currently employs 1,000 people in 11 stores on Vancouver Island.
- After losing jobs in 2011, Vancouver Island employment grew 0.7% in 2012, well below the provincial average of 1.7%. Most of the new jobs were concentrated in Greater Victoria.
- Following a strong showing in 2011, the Kootenay region economy performed well in 2012. Annual employment rose 3.7% in 2012, with positive gains in a number of industries.
- After shrinking in 2011, the Thompson-Okanagan economy grew by a modest 0.8 per cent in 2012; and the regionżs 2012 job growth was well below the provincial average.
- Cariboo region jobs increased for the third consecutive year in 2012, and the total number surpassed the pre-recession high. This is mainly due to a rebound in mining, forestry and construction.
- Wholesale Sports Outdoors Outfitters have announced the opening of a new store in Prince George in September
- A new report from the Petroleum Human Resources Council of Canada estimates that BC could have an additional 640 to 1,600 oil and gas jobs over the next ten years
- Chetwynd Forest Industries is finalizing a plan to begin pine salvage harvesting in the Little Prairie Community Forest this summer. The harvest is expected to continue until 2017.
Week of May 27 - May 31, 2013
- BC's tourism industry is still recovering from the 2009 recession
- The Aboriginal Tourism Association of BC reports the demand for Aboriginal tourism experiences exceeds the supply, and business opportunities abound for First Nations communities
- Vancouverżs cruise ship industry is seeing a 20% passenger increase over 2012. Cruise lines generate nearly 7,000 jobs and nearly $259M in wages and salaries in BC.
- Fraser Valley blueberry farmers are concerned the shortage of bees will hurt their crops this year. Tens of thousands of bees are needed to pollinate 20,000 acres of blueberry crops.
- The Vancouver School Board has issued layoff notices to adult education teachers for the first time in its history. The reduction, which is due to low enrolment, is equivalent to 25 full-time jobs and affects 48 faculty members.
- Extremely poor housing affordability in Vancouver area still weighs heavily on homebuyer demand, according to RBCżs May 2013 Housing Trends and Affordability report
- Large defense contracts have been awarded to Weatherhaven in Burnaby and MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates in Richmond for portable repair shelters for helicopters and satellite image technology
- A new trade certification for experienced BC shipyard and parks workers is expected to help Vancouver-based Seaspan Marine find labourers to fulfill an $8B contract to build non-combat navy ships
- Construction is underway on the next phase of the Waterfront at Mill Bay Marina project, near Victoria. The project, which calls for 14 townhouse units in four buildings, is expected to be complete by the end of 2014.
- Catalyst Paper has sold its 1200-acre Elk Falls pulp and paper site to Calgary-based Quicksilver Resources Canada. The mill was closed in 2009 and the site is being redeveloped for multiple industrial uses.
- A surge in the Okanagan wine industryżs 2012 grape harvest bodes well for wine sales in 2013 and 2014. The useable crop increased 17%, due in part to favourable weather.
- Film shoots in Kelowna, Summerland and Vernon will create temporary job opportunities for local film production crews during the summer of 2013
- The B.C. Aboriginal Mine Training Association announced details of the $100,000 partnership to cover the costs of training 20 students from the Chetwynd area in the environmental technician certificate program
- National Concrete Accessories is opening a branch in Prince George in early June
- A Costco gas bar originally scheduled to open in June has yet to begin construction and will be delayed until September
Week of May 20 - May 24, 2013
- US-based technology firm Analogic has issued layoff notices to 140 employees as part of a move to consolidate manufacturing and support functions. About a fifth of the affected workers are in Vancouver.
- The Burnaby school district is laying off 75 teachers in what it refers to as a regular annual exercise. The District expects to rehire most of the affected employees in the fall of 2013.
- FedEx Freight Canada has opened a multi-million dollar service centre in the City of Surrey; employing approximately 45 people
- Coquitlam-based Rokstad Power Corp. has grown its skilled trades workforce from 40 to 300 in less than five years, and expects to hire another 200 to 300 people by 2016 due to a boom in power-line construction
- Construction on the $80M Royal Inland Hospital redevelopment in Kamloops is expected to start early in 2014 and last two years
- Lower Columbia businesses are planning to invest more than $60M over the next three years, according to a recent survey. A lack of skilled staff was commonly cited as a critical barrier to business expansion.
- A $400,000 federal grant signed with North Island employers will create 92 summer jobs for students this year
- Six Cowichan Valley middle schools are being closed due to a budget shortfall, and layoff notices have been issued to 75 full-time teachers. Another 90 teachers on temporary contracts will be laid off at the end of June 2013.
- Vancouver Island construction employment fell 15% in the first quarter of 2013, as fewer home sales slowed residential building. The industry expects improvement in 2014.
- School District 52, Ridley Terminals Inc. and Northwest Community College have partnered up to bring The Millwright/Industrial Mechanic Foundation Training program to Prince Rupert. The program is aimed at both high school students and adults.
- BC's three major coal ports have committed a combined $365M to increase coal handling capacity; which will result in at least 175 new jobs by 2015
- Petronas has begun engineering work for a massive BC natural gas export project in Prince Rupert
- BG Group has filed its proposed Prince Rupert LNG export plans with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Week of May 13 - May 17, 2013
- Over 300 Richmond IKEA employees were locked out by their employer on May 13 after rejecting concession demands in a collective agreement proposal. No talks are scheduled between the two parties.
- Ramsay Machine Works in Sidney hopes its newly completed $20M coal slinger marks an upturn in manufacturing in BC. The slinger, commissioned by Port Metro Vancouver, provided steady employment for 60 Ramsay employees over 19 months.
- Fewer bookings at the Victoria Conference Centre a troubling trend for the local hospitality and retail sectors which rely on the centre to generate business
- School District 20 in Rossland plans to reduce teaching, counselling, and administrative jobs due to a budget reduction. Teachers on temporary contracts are expected to be hardest hit.
- A SuperValu grocery store is opening on May 22 in North Burnaby's Greystone Plaza, the same location IGA vacated in 2011. The new store will employ some former IGA employees.
- Chilliwack had one of the fastest-growing mid-sized economies in Canada between 2005 and 2012, according to the Conference Board of Canada
- Pacific Coast Terminals in Port Moody has delayed a major terminal expansion project. Construction is now expected to be complete in two phases between 2014 and 2016. Once complete, the terminal will create an estimated 90 longshore jobs.
- Dawson's Creek has given permission for a number of new projects, including a 24-unit mixed-use building, a light industry building, a shop expansion, a veterinary clinic, and an oilfield operation
- Gold mining has seen a resurgence in BC over the last decade. The industry grew by 25% from 2010 to 2011 alone.
- The Mount Milligan gold-copper mine is still on target to open in August. Construction is employing 1000 people and, when completed, the project will create 400 permanent positions.
- UK's BG Group has created a $16B plan to export gas from a new terminal at Prince Rupert, bringing the number of similar projects up to 10
- Target has announced the opening of 24 stores across Western Canada on May 7 and May 14, including 10 in BC
Week of May 06 - May 10, 2013
- Richmond-based Helijet International has secured $3.5M in new flight contracts, which will expand its presence along BCżs central and north coast
- The film industry injected $408M into Burnabyżs economy in 2012, according to a municipal report. Productions valued at nearly $154M employed over 2,400 residents and benefited 72 local businesses.
- Wet'suwe'ten First Nation have threatened to shut down an expansion of Huckleberry Mines Ltd. in northern BC if their demands for jobs are not met.
- BC's overall economic growth was the weakest among provinces in 2012; however, residential and engineering construction posted above average growth
- Victoria's Royal Road University plans to add new programs and hire 30 more employees this year
- Target has opened nine new stores across the province
- Construction is underway to restore the Babine Forest Products mill near Burns lake. The mill, which was destroyed by fire last year, is expected to be operational again by early 2014.
- The shortened Vancouver Canucks hockey season negatively affected the city's retail and hospitality sales, which could mean reduced work hours for some workers in these sectors over the next month
Week of Apr 29 - May 03, 2013
- Engineering jobs are strongest in BC and Alberta, according to a recent Engineers Canada report titled Engineering Labour Market in Canada: Projections to 2020.
- Demand for lumber has reached a six-year high; however, more than half of the commercial pine in BC, Canadażs largest timber exporter, has been lost to the pine beetle infestation.
- International Forest Products has purchased two Kootenay region timber tenures that will sustain production at the companyżs Castlegar sawmill. According to the most recent figures available, the mill employs over 100 people.
- West Fraser Millsż Chetwynd Forest Industries division is proceeding with Phase 2 of a $35M Chetwynd sawmill upgrade that will enable the company to maintain a two-shift operation with increased production
- In a restructuring move, California-based Electronic Arts closed two subsidiary Vancouver video game studios on April 25. PopCap Games employed about 30 people and Quicklime Games employed about 60.
- Vancouverżs video game industry has set up a website to assist recently laid off games workers find employment. The industry is also holding a job fair on May 3 at EXP Bar from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- In late March 2013, the Justice Institute of BC announced it would be eliminating 30 jobs in order to reduce operating costs. The Vancouver-based educational facility has yet to finalize any decisions.
- North Vancouverżs Capilano University is considering eliminating 200 courses from 10 programs, including Studio Art, Textiles, Software Design, Computer Science and Commerce, to manage a budget deficit. The final decision will be delivered in May 2013.
- Construction of the $100M mixed-use Monaco high-rise development in downtown Kelowna should begin this fall and last two and a half years
- Construction on the new $7.4M NorKam Trades and Technology Centre in Kamloops will begin in September 2013 and last nearly a year
- Kitimat is undergoing a real estate boom due to energy export activities
Week of Apr 22 - Apr 26, 2013
- New 'Construction Looking Forward' reports are forecasting workforce demand by skilled trade for each province. The reports are available from Buildforce Canada, formerly the Construction Sector Council of Canada.
- BCżs advertising and public relations sectors anticipate a business and employment boost after the May 2013 provincial election
- BC Central 1 Credit Union predicts the 2013 summer job search will be difficult for BC students, due to economic uncertainty. Seasonal resource sector opportunities should be available in northern BC.
- A $500M mixed-use Port Coquitlam development, currently under construction, is expected to create hundreds of service sector and light industrial jobs when completed in 2018
- The Vancouver Sun and The Province newspaper employees have been advised that layoffs are imminent, due to declining revenues. The papers will first seek voluntary layoffs through a buyout program.
- The Manning Park Ski Resort that was scheduled to close on April 1, 2013 has been sold to a new owner who hopes to retain the existing 15 employees and hire more people
- Investment in non-residential construction in Metro Vancouver hit a record high in the first quarter of 2013, and has been climbing steadily for nearly a year and a half
- To save $11.5M in 2013-2014, Coquitlam School District 43 plans to eliminate 142 positions, including teachers, education assistants and support staff. Attrition is expected to offset some of the reductions.
- The Corporation of Delta is hosting its first Trades & Technical Career Fair on May 8, 2013. The event is geared to Delta high school students.
- Edmonton-based AFD Petroleum is opening a fuel distribution centre in Langford in May to service Vancouver Island homes and businesses. AFD is seeking a Class 1 Fuel Driver and Office Administrator for the centre.
- Work has begun on a $9M yacht club in Kelowna; construction will last for a little over a year. Most of the mechanical, electrical and plumbing consultants are local.
- A number of companies are interested in developing BC's coast for the processing and export of liquefied natural gas
- A $30M multi-use building has been proposed for a vacant lot in downtown Prince Rupert
Week of Apr 15 - Apr 19, 2013
- The BC Council of Forest Industries reports that most BC lumber mills have returned to two shifts and are experiencing a shortage of drivers and trucks to move wood products
- Cascade Aerospace in Abbotsford has been awarded a $225M federal contract to maintain Canadażs Hercules aircrafts for at least the next five years. Cascade employs more than 600 employees, most of them aircraft maintenance engineers.
- Richardson Internationalżs $120M North Shore grain terminal expansion will create 150 construction jobs over two years starting in mid-April 2013. Another 40 to 50 permanent grain-handling jobs will be created when construction ends in 2015.
- In June 2013, Japanżs Namco Bandai Studios is opening a video game studio in Vancouver that will employ 30 people
- Slant Six Games has temporarily laid off employees to save costs while it negotiates new business. The Vancouver video game company employed 60 people prior to the April 10 layoff, its third workforce reduction since 2010.
- The Delta School Board is planning to eliminate 16 full-time jobs in the 2013-2014 school year to cope with a budget deficit and declining enrollment
- In late June 2013, Mountain Equipment Co-op is opening a store in Langley that will employ 25 people, including five senior staff. The 16,000 sq.-ft. outdoor goods store will be MECżs fourth in BC and 17th in Canada.
- The University of Victoria plans to eliminate 82 full-time equivalent jobs in 2013-2014 because of a budget deficit. Of these, 36 are vacant and officials hope attrition will take care of the remainder. UVic currently employs 4,500 people.
- An ABC Country Restaurant in Saanich was destroyed by a fire on April 11, putting 25 people out of work. The owners are making efforts to place the affected employees in other restaurants in the community.
- Penny Land Bargain Outlets, a non-profit retailer of liquidated goods in Summerland, will close on May 31, 2013 due to sluggish sales. The charity shop, which raised funds for youth organizations, employs three full-time and several part-time workers.
- Construction has begun on the $90M Road, Rail, and Utility project at the port of Prince Report. The project will employ 90 people during its two-year construction phase.
- The Province has received interest from four companies to develop natural gas terminals in Prince Rupert. Six other proposals were announced in the past two years.
Week of Apr 08 - Apr 12, 2013
- The New Westminster School District is considering eliminating 70 positions by the end of the 2013 school year, to reduce its deficit. Affected occupations could include teachers, special education assistants and support staff.
- North Vancouver-based Seaspan is urging Canadażs small and medium-sized marine manufacturers to supply parts for an $8B, multi-year federal shipbuilding project, expected to start in the spring of 2014
- BC's wind power sector has grown to three projects, and five more are in various development stages. These include Vancouver Islandżs Cape Scott wind project, which will employ 250 people at peak construction in 2013
- Development of Centermount Coalżs Bingay mine in the Elk Valley has been temporarily suspended, due to reduced global demand for iron ore. The project, employing 14 consultants, may resume in the summer of 2014.
- The National Aboriginal Business Opportunities Conference, to be held in Prince Rupert from April 16 to 18, 2013, is expected to contribute $890,000 to Prince Rupertżs economy
- PTI Group is in discussions with Port Edward to build a major workers-camp in the area
- A lack of cold storage is hurting the fishing industry in Prince Rupert
- Shell Canada has filed for an environmental assessment of the LNG project in Kitimat
- A new Winners store opened in Terrace
Week of Apr 01 - Apr 05, 2013
- Canadian Tire in Salmon Arm will be re-opening in a new, larger building. As a result, they hired 30 new employees on top of the existing 60 employees.
- The Canadian Cancer Society's BC and Yukon Division recently eliminated 12 full-time employees and closed its Ladysmith local unit
- Construction began last month on a new Superstore in South Surrey
- The BC Centre for Ability will receive $4.5M from the Government of Canada to provide people with disabilities work and educational experiences. The program will have 535 participants, who will develop skills for employment.
- TRU North received $1M in funding to provide group literacy and skill assessment for local aboriginal workers to help prepare them for entering the skilled trades
- Willow Creek Mine near Chetnwyd will lay off 250 of their 350 workers this month
- The federal and provincial government will provided $50M for highway construction in Kelowna, creating construction jobs
- The University of Vancouver Island's Kowichan campus has received $11M in funding to provide training for 49 students in welding, business tech, and health care
Week of Mar 25 - Mar 29, 2013
- Imperial Metals Corp. will construct a 93-km extension to BC Hydro's Line from Bob Quinn to Tatogga. The extension will provide grid-supply power to residents of Iskut and to the Red Chris Mine, creating jobs and economic activity for the region.
- BC Aboriginal Mine Training (BC AMTA) this March celebrated 500 Aboriginal hires within the past three years. The association is a partnership with the government; BC Mining Industry and First Nations to train and place Aboriginal people in skilled jobs.
- The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) will cut three full-time employees and eliminate one vacant faculty position due to budget constraints for the 2013-2014 school year
- Construction of The Wood Innovation and Design Centre in Prince George is set to begin in April, creating 50 local jobs
- Kitsault Energy has announced a multi-phase plan to construct a resort community, an liquefied natural gas terminal, and an energy export facility
- Domtarżs pulp machine, in Kamloops, recently shut down. By the end of spring, 125 job losses are expected.
- Construction and food industries in BC are expected to see immediate benefits when the PST is re-introduced on April 1
- Fair-trade retailer Ten Thousand Villages will close six BC stores this spring
- Sauce restaurant in Victoria closed its doors on March 27, laying off 25 staff
- Two BC Hydro projects are creating economic benefits for the City of Merritt. The $500M projects have created employment and business opportunities for multiple sectors and are expected to be completed by 2015
Week of Mar 18 - Mar 22, 2013
- California-based Facebook is opening a training and recruitment centre for software engineers in downtown Vancouver at the end of May 2013. The social networking service plans to hire 150 people to staff the facility.
- 1,200 municipal employees of Saanich have ratified a collective agreement that includes a 7.25% wage increase over four years
- Approximately 15 full-time employees will be out of work when the Manning Park Resort closes permanently on April 1, 2013. The ski resort, situated east of Hope, has experienced financial difficulties since 2009.
- BC had 57% of Canadażs $2.4B cruise ship industry in 2012, according to a new study. Ports of call in Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Prince Rupert generated $790M in direct spending and supported 12,252 direct and indirect jobs.
- The re-opening of the Kitsault Mine, located 140km north of Prince Rupert, has been approved by the BC government. The mine is expected to create up to 300 local jobs.
- Sinclair Group Forest Products Ltd. announced they will rebuild Lakeland Mills in Prince George, recalling approximately 100 of the 160 sawmill workers. Construction is estimated to take one year and will commence this spring.
- An eight-day motion picture shoot that started March 18, 2013, is expected to inject nearly a million dollars into the Central Vancouver Island economy. The Godzilla production is benefiting local hospitality and other service industries.
- The BC government has invested $1M into Accelerate Okanagan Technology (AOTA), an association that nurtures new technology startups. Over the past 18 months, AOTA has benefited 68 local companies and helped create 170 high tech jobs.
Week of Mar 11 - Mar 15, 2013
- Calgary-based Original Joe's is opening two restaurants in Duncan and Saanich on Vancouver Island before the end of March 2013. Each of the new restaurants will employ 80 people.
- Construction of the $90M Road, Rail and Utility Corridor project at the Port of Prince Rupert will employ 90 workers over the next two years. The project will link potential potash and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments to growing Asian markets.
- Global BC is launching a 24-hour television channel and has hired 30 communications staffers in BC. Recently, the CBC also expanded its news coverage from Vancouver and hired 15 employees.
- Construction of the new Lakes District Hospital will create 200 direct jobs in Burns Lake. PLC Contractors West Coast Inc. will build the $55M hospital by fall 2015.
- Business is picking up for Eulachon fishery in northwest BC, but it is now facing a worker shortage
- Engineering job market strongest in Alberta and BC
- Flavelle sawmill's future questioned in Port Moody
- BC offers $100,000 to doctors who take jobs in certain rural communities
- Aaron's opens new store in Port Alberni
- SmartCentres construction to begin immediately in Salmon Arm
- New Westminster-based Justice Institute to cut 30 jobs, close Vancouver campus by June
- Site work to begin this month for new Campbell River hospital
Week of Mar 04 - Mar 08, 2013
- Surrey's diverse agricultural economy generates $167M in direct revenue every year and provides more than 4,470 jobs. The City of Surrey is drafting a strategic plan to ensure Surrey farms continue to be supported and sustainable.
- BC lumber mills are well-positioned to benefit in the near-term from the steady rise in softwood lumber prices, caused by the US housing market recovery and continued demand by Asian economies
- Terrace has signed a deal to lease land to a Chinese-owned wood processing company Yaorun Wood Co. Ltd.
- The Vancouver Island Construction Association reports construction activity is brisk in Greater Victoria, and the industry is having difficulty finding estimators, project managers and some trades
- A new study shows BC's wine industry is the second largest in Canada, contributing $2B annually to the BC economy and employing 10,000 people.
- The Rocky Mountaineer rail tour company has opened a 20,000 sq. ft. maintenance and repair facility in Kamloops that will sustain employment for 40 mechanics year round, as well as 28 seasonal staff
- The Health Sciences Association of BC, representing nearly 17,000 professionals, has ratified a new collective agreement that improves pay and benefits, and protects the wages of BC hospital pharmacists
Week of Feb 25 - Mar 01, 2013
- Home Depot Canada is currently hiring 6,700 sales associates, cashiers, design professionals, department supervisors and night operators, nationally. Nearly half of the new job opportunities will be in Western Canada.
- The federal government has announced two jetties will be replaced at CFB Esquimalt, which is expected to create up to 1,400 jobs during the construction phase
- BC's trucking industry faces labour shortages
Week of Feb 18 - Feb 22, 2013
- Between February 25 and March 14, 2013, the Asia Pacific Skills Gateway Table will be surveying Port Metro Vancouver truck drivers to build a labour force profile of drayage drivers
- The closure of an IGA Marketplace grocery store in New Westminster will result in approximately 55 layoffs by mid-April 2013
- Campbell Construction Ltd. has been awarded a contract to build the University of Victoriażs $77M Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities
- Highland Valley Copper's $475M mill modernization project is underway
- Teck Resources Limited will hire 500 workers for their Tumbler Ridge Quintette coal mine, which is estimated to open in mid-2014 upon federal and provincial regulatory approval
Week of Feb 11 - Feb 15, 2013
- The BC Utilities Commission has approved the replacement of the John Hart generating station near Campbell River, a project that will create about 400 construction jobs per year for five years
- A new $30M Aquatic Centre approved in Langford
- Avanti Mining Inc. is planning to reopen the Kitsault molybdenum mine. An estimated 700 workers will be employed during construction and another 300 permanent mining positions created thereafter.
- Vancouver-based Accenture has begun laying off 400 utility meter readers and field workers. The layoffs started in mid-January and will be complete by March 31, 2013 when Accentureżs contract with BC Hydro to install smart meters expires.
Week of Feb 04 - Feb 08, 2013
- U.S.-based Target will be opening its Nanaimo North Town Centre store in May and is expected to hire approximately 140 staff
- 2016 and 2018 BC Summer and Winter Games are expected to benefit the host cities
- Seabridge Goldżs KSM project will create 6,500 jobs over the life of its mine and contribute $48 billion to Canadażs GDP
- West Coast Chilcotin Forest Products Ltd recalls 60 sawmill workers, 90% of its employee base
Week of Jan 28 - Feb 01, 2013
- Coal-handling expansion at Neptune Bulk Terminals in North Vancouver will create 100 full-time equivalent construction jobs from January 2013 until the end of 2015, and up to 185 new permanent unionized longshore jobs once construction is complete
- Construction of the new Sandman Signature Hotel in Kamloops is well in progress, and is expected to create about 200 jobs once completed in late 2013
- Rogue Kitchen and Wetbar will be opening its third Vancouver restaurant and hiring about 75 people, including servers, bartenders, hostesses and cooks before an early summer 2013 opening
- Major construction of the Evergreen Line Rapid Transit Project connecting the Tri-Cities and the City of Vancouver is scheduled to begin in February 2013. The three-year project is expected to create 8,000 construction-related jobs.
- Construction of BC LNG Export Co-operative's first plant in Kitimat is expected to create 150 construction jobs and 30 permanent jobs once it is operational in 2015
Week of Jan 21 - Jan 25, 2013
- Sixty Vancouver hospitality workers lost their jobs when the Waldorf Hotel closed on January 21. The 65-year-old East Vancouver landmark has been sold to a condominium developer.
- Silian Sapphire Co. has laid off 38 staff, effectively shutting down its local production line in Victoria
- Vineyard Networks in Kelowna has been acquired by Silicon Valley-based, Procera, for $28M. Procera is planning to expand the company and will hire approximately 15 engineers.
- The provincial government has announced over $291,000 in funding to train 30 aboriginal health care assistants in Halzelton and Nisga'a (1/2)
- The provincial government has announced over $291,000 in funding to train 30 aboriginal health care assistants in Halzelton and Nisga'a (2/2)
- Canfor is spending approximately $40M to increase production at its sawmill in Mackenzie. The upgrades, which will begin this month and be completed by November, include modifications to the sawmill, kilns and planer.
Week of Jan 14 - Jan 18, 2013
- Mahoney and Sons will employ up to 130 people when it opens a new Irish-themed restaurant and pub in Vancouver's Stamps Landing in September 2013. The company expects to begin interviewing for hospitality positions in June.
- Victoria Shipyards is expected to employ hundreds of workers in Esquimalt through 2013
- Addiction treatment centre closing in Kelowna
Week of Jan 07 - Jan 11, 2013
- NaiKun Wind Energy Group Inc.'s project on BC's North Coast is expected to create over 500 construction and maintenance jobs
- On November 29, 2012, Microsoft opened a new Vancouver video game studio called Black Tusk Studios, employing 55 software engineers and designers. Black Tusk plans to hire another 50 such employees in 2013.
- New hospital project to create jobs in Campbell River
- PCL Constructors Westcoast (PCL) has been contracted to complete the new Johnson Street Bridge project in Victoria
Week of Dec 31 - Jan 04, 2012
- Resuming on January 18, 2013
Week of Dec 17 - Dec 21, 2012
- A $10 million project to remove silt buildup in Ladner Harbour and secondary channels will create a number of engineering and trades jobs from July 2013 to March 2014
- The Babine Forest Sawmill in Burns Lake is set to be rebuilt and ready for operations by 2014 after it was destroyed by a fire last January
- Domtar Corporation recently announced the shutdown of one of their pulp machines at its Kamloops mill, resulting in the layoff of 125 employees
Week of Dec 10 - Dec 14, 2012
- As a result of restructuring, Vancouver biotechnology firm QLT will be laying off 27 employees, or 42% of its workforce, during the first half of 2013
- The Walmart store in Courtenay is expanding to become a supercentre establishment, 90 additional sales associates have been hired
- George Derby Centre in Burnaby has suspended its decision to lay off 90 long-term, unionized non-medical support staff
- The Ardew Wood Products sawmill in Merritt will be closing in January, resulting in the lay-off of 55 employees
- Petronas receives federal approval for its $6B takeover bid of Progress Energy, Its plans to build a Liquefied Natural Gas terminal near Prince Rupert could create 3,500 construction and 300 operational jobs.
Week of Dec 03 - Dec 07, 2012
- Northern Lights College in Tumbler Ridge is developing a new underground mining curriculum in response to industry demand for skilled workers
- Canpotex Inc., a Saskatchewan potash supplier, has received federal approval to proceed with its Prince Rupert export terminal project
Week of Nov 26 - Nov 30, 2012
- Phase one of Air Liquideżs new liquid nitrogen plant is now in operation, creating 10 permanent jobs in Dawson Creek
- Tolko Industries has permanently closed its Creekside Sawmill in Williams Lake due to long-term profitability concerns. No immediate layoffs have resulted.
- Heatherington Industries is building a plastics recycling facility that will create 10 to 15 sorting and labouring jobs in Port Alberni by February 2013
Week of Nov 19 - Nov 23, 2012
- BC logging companies are concerned that workers who left forestry to work in mining, oil and gas will not return
- Vancouver video game company Tiny Speck will be laying off 32 employees by December 9, 2012
- The Hudsonżs Bay Company (HBC) has closed its Zellers store in Prince George, laying off approximately 100 workers
Week of Nov 12 - Nov 16, 2012
- Great Canadian Gaming Corporation has begun building a 28,000-square-foot casino in Maple Ridge that will employ 75 people when it opens in December 2013. The construction phase will employ 60 building trades workers for 12 months.
- Housing starts in BC were up 8% in the third quarter compared to last year, and the number of new units so far this year has climbed above the 10-year average
- Craigmont Mines will close its mine, resulting in the loss of 30 jobs. Huldra Silverżs mine was also reported as closing; however, production is continuing and there are no staff layoffs expected.
Week of Nov 05 - Nov 09, 2012
- The province has allocated close to $19M to train 3,000 individuals. The funding, which will be distributed to 17 provincial colleges and universities, ensures British Columbians will have the skills needed to staff anticipated job openings.
- The BC Cancer Agency opened its first cancer centre in Prince George last week, one of only six full-service facilities in the province
- Ninety support staff at the George Derby Centre care facility in Burnaby will be laid off by April 30, 2013.
- Canfor Corp. reopened the Radium Hot Springs sawmill on October 29th, 2012. Canfor expects an initial workforce of 136 employees at the Radium mill by the end of November, with 144 employed in 2013.
- Kamloops will host the Brier curling championship in March 2014. The tournament would have a $5M economic impact on Kamloops; approximately 2,500 tourists are expected to flock to the city.
- ICBC will be eliminating 250 senior management and management positions, most of them by the end of 2012
Week of Oct 29 - Nov 02, 2012
- Calgary-based CRAFT Beer Market plans to open a 350-seat Vancouver restaurant employing 140 people, in June 2013. CRAFT is currently seeking managers and expects to interview for food preparation and serving positions in May 2013.
- BC nurses and employers recently ratified a new two-year collective agreement, a move that could attract more health care practitioners to Northern BC
- Future Shop and Best Buy will be hiring 4500 part-time workers across Canada this holiday season, down 1,500 from last year. For BC, this could mean 250 fewer temporary hires than last December.
Week of Oct 22 - Oct 26, 2012
- In a cost-saving move, Coast Mountain Bus Company (CMBC) in Metro Vancouver plans to lay off 40 maintenance employees or nearly 6% of its fleet repair crew by January 2013. CMBC employs 5,500 people, including 650 maintenance staff.
- After several years of minimal job-growth, Catalyst Paper has filled 70 positions at its Crofton mill this year
- BC nurses and employers recently ratified a new two-year collective agreement, a move that could attract more health care practitioners to Dawson Creek and Northern BC
Week of Oct 15 - Oct 19, 2012
- The Skeena Sawmill in Terrace has started testing equipment in preparation for full-capacity operations which will ramp up in the coming years
- Work on Northern Lights College's simulated well sight training facility in Fort St. John has been completed
- Construction of The Heights at Mount View residential care facility in Saanich has begun and is scheduled to open in December 2014
- Canfor Corp. is expected to reopen its sawmill in Radium later this month
Week of Oct 08 - Oct 12, 2012
- A proposed $120M expansion to Richardson International's North Vancouver grain terminal would create 150 construction jobs lasting two years, and 40 to 50 additional grain-handling jobs once the renovation is complete
- Bella Bella has its first solid waste transfer station and recycling facility, employing four full-time staff. The city is also gearing up for the future development of a new compost facility for food waste.
- Terrace's Skeena Sawmill will increase its workforce from the current 24 to over 100, when full-capacity operations begin. A $21M investment has been put aside and an apprenticeship training program has been developped to attract skilled trades workers.
- Several BC companies were represented at an international job fair in Dublin during the weekend of October 6; the BC construction sector is hoping to tap into this source of workers.
Week of Oct 01 - Oct 05, 2012
- New Ocean Spray cranberry processing plant in Richmond supports Southwest BC farmers
- Provincial government approves $120M in royalty deductions for the natual gas sector, which will lead to the construction of 21 new infrastructure projects in northeast B.C, creating over 1,650 direct jobs
- Sportcheck store opens in Terrace
Week of Sep 24 - Sep 28, 2012
- Vancouver's economy to brighten starting next year
- Retail job fair in Burnaby on September 29
- A $30M expansion at Camosun College in Victoria
- Royalty deductions raise job prospects in Northeast region
- North East Native Advancing Society (NENAS) has officially opened their Northern Centre in Fort St. John aimed at offering a bridging program for Aboriginal students
Week of Sep 17 - Sep 21, 2012
- More BC civil servants go on strike
- Vancouver-based Rocky Mountaineer has reached a new agreement with unionized onboard staff
- Nordstrom to open a new department store in Vancouver
- Tolko Industries Ltd. announced the opening a new reload terminal in Richmond
- Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services (ACFS) announced a new fulfillment centre in Delta, creating more than 100 new full-time jobs
- Forever 21 to open new store in Saanich
- Interior Provincial Exhibition benefits local community near Armstrong
- Babine sawmill will be rebuilt in the Nechako region
Week of Sep 10 - Sep 14, 2012
- Some BC exports to cool along with Chinese economy
- Construction rebound generates thousands of jobs in Vancouver
- Aerospace industry in British Columbia is growing
- Final Ironman triathlon benefits South Okanagan
- Spectra Energy Corp. has announced the signing of a Project Development Agreement with BG Group to develop plans for a new natural gas transportation system in northern BC
- Rio Tinto Alcan short on skilled tradespeople in Kitimat
Week of Sep 03 - Sep 07, 2012
- BC government workers go on strike for a day
- Customer contact centre Stream Global Services is recruiting in Chilliwack to fill 300 positions
- B Mill, belonging to S&R Sawmills Ltd. in Surrey will be demolished
- Westhills is becoming a fast-growing community
Week of Aug 27 - Aug 31, 2012
- Mill fire in Maple Ridge results in at least 60 employees laid off
- Annual fair at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver generates hundreds of seasonal jobs
- City of Port Alberni to purchase wastewater treatment facility and land from Catalyst for $5.75M
- Kamloops-based Northern Trailer awarded contract to build a work camp in Fort McMurray, creating more than 100 jobs
- Provincial government invests $3.4M in the Burns Lake region for reforestation and timber supply mitigation
- The Lakeland Mills in Prince George has shut down their planer factory
Week of Aug 20 - Aug 24, 2012
- ICBC to cut staff by about 165 positions by 2014
- Mobile game developer TinyCo will open a new studio in Vancouver
- Apple has opened a new store in Vancouver at the Coquitlam Centre mall
- Catalyst Paper's Elk Falls site sold to Pacifica Deep Sea Terminals for $8.6M
- Beach festival in Kelowna benefits local tourism industry
- FortisBC planning $16M facility in Castlegar
- Highway improvement project underway in Nelson
- QR Mill in Cariboo will create 40 new jobs
- Northwest Transmission Line project will create 40 jobs in the North Coast region
- Thompson Creek Metals has shut down the mining portion of its molybdenum project in Endako
Week of Aug 13 - Aug 17, 2012
- Construction boom is underway in downtown Surrey
- Mazda Canada Inc. has announced the opening of its new Western Regional Operations and Parts Distribution Centre in Langley
- Modern Café in Nanaimo has closed
- The School Works Program is being offered again this fall to Columbia Basin-based businesses and organizations
Week of Aug 06 - Aug 10, 2012
- Most former Aveos workers in Vancouver remain unemployed
- Blueberry harvest in the Lower Mainland area is on track
- Oak Bay Beach Hotel in Victoria will hire 120 staff
- Record number of teachers in BC's North Coast region are retiring
Week of Jul 30 - Aug 03, 2012
- Doctors in BC have ratified a new four-year agreement that will support ongoing efforts to recruit and retain physicians
- Microsoft lays off 35 employees in Vancouver
- Michaels craft store to open in Vancouver
- Provincial government announces new North Vancouver Island Exploration Geoscience Project
- Cariboo ż New training program for Aboriginals at the College of New Caledonia's Fort St. James campus and Prince George campus
- New healthcare facility in Fort St. John has officially opened
- Sidewalk removal project to get underway by next week in Rossland
- Westjet will add Kelowna to Los Angeles route
Week of Jul 23 - Jul 27, 2012
- The London Court of International Arbitration sides with BC in softwood lumber dispute
- Provincial government announces oil pipeline requirements
- Pacific Coast Terminals plans expansion in Port Moody
- Construction starts on new FedEx Freight service centre in Surrey
- GREE announces plans to establish new game development studio in Vancouver
- New sewage treatment project in Victoria will create jobs
- Bike race in South Okanagan benefits local tourism industry
- Spectra Energy officially announces opening of the Dawson Processing Plant in Bessborough
- Construction has started on the Northwest Transmission Line in Terrace
- Five East Kootenay communities are receiving funding to attract tourism
Week of Jul 16 - Jul 20, 2012
- BC to connect post-graduates to tech sector
- Aboriginal mine training program back in business
- Virtual high tech job fair to be held July 24
- Visual effects studio in Vancouver is growing
- Vancouver-based video game studio moving to Toronto
- Western Forest Products Inc. is investing $6.7M to upgrade its sawmill in Port Alberni
- Waste water treatment plant in Creston to receive upgrades
- Tembec will shut down its pulp mill in Chetwynd in September
Week of Jul 09 - Jul 13, 2012
- Thrifty Foods opens new 24 hour grocery store in Maple Ridge
- Cardiome announces workforce reduction in Vancouver
- Haida Enterprises announced the acquisition of Tree Farm License 60 (TFL 60) and associated infrastructure in the Vancouver Island area
- New power line being built near Terrace
- Rickyżs All Day Grill has opened in Creston
- Staff locked out at care facility in Westbank
Week of Jul 02 - Jul 06, 2012
- Vancouver Airport Authority today welcomed the start of Sichuan Airlinesż thrice-weekly service
- Target has announced it will take over the Zellers store in Richmond
- Vancouver game studio announced layoffs
- "Steelworkers union signs deal with Teck in the Kootenays region
- New Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal in the North Coast region
Week of Jun 25 - Jun 29, 2012
- Provincial government announces that natural gas is to be declared a source of clean energy
- Vancouver airport outlet will create hundreds of jobs
- Burnaby gains unique Mercedes-Benz manufacturing facility, creating 50 jobs
- Vancouver shipbuilding project unimpeded by budget cuts
- Upgrades to Western Forest Products Inc's sawmill on Vancouver Island will create jobs
- The Central Okanagan School District is set to hire more teachers
- Sections of highway in the West Kootenay region will be resurfaced
- Mill shut down in Prince George leads to layoffs
Week of Jun 18 - Jun 22, 2012
- Burnaby research centre will close next year
- The Burnaby Board of Trade has launched a new career development program aimed at students
- Aquaculture training program to be offered across Vancouver Island
- Kelowna Flightcraft secures maintenance contract
- Ferry construction creates local employment in Nakusp
- Provincial government to help strategize workforce in Terrace
Week of Jun 11 - Jun 15, 2012
- Six BC companies have been awarded tenders for the work required to build the TELUS Garden office tower in Vancouver
- Multi-family and commercial projects drive Greater Victoria building boom, creating jobs
- TransCanada to build $4B pipeline to export natural gas from BC
- AltaGas Renewable Energy Inc. moves closer to construction in the North Coast region
- New Target retail outlet in Kelowna creates jobs
- Teck furnace construction to create jobs in Trail
- Aboriginal mine training program in BC is about to close
Week of Jun 04 - Jun 08, 2012
- Vancouver software firm experiences rapid growth
- Wind farm development begins in Port Hardy
- Construction of water treatment facility in Elk Valley
- Shoppers Drug Mart opens in West Kelowna
- Highway improvement project in Cariboo begins
- BC to fund 190 advanced nursing positions
- BC Hydro growing to meet future power needs
Week of May 28 - Jun 01, 2012
- Target to open in Burnaby in 2013, plans to hire 150-200 employees
- Vancouver public transit undergoing a hiring freeze
- New airline will generate local jobs in Vancouver
- Private firm to rebuild marina in Nanaimo
- Mill in Cariboo reopens temporarily after fire damage
- Shoppers Drug Mart opened a new store in Prince Rupert
- Working-age population concentrates in southern BC
Week of May 21 - May 25, 2012
- Mega-development project in Coquitlam has undergone some changes
- Four road construction projects, valued at a total of $13M, will start this year in the West Kootenay region
- $3.7M invested to improve highways in Revelstoke area
- Spectra Energy progressing on $1.5 billion expansion program in northeastern BC
- The Alberni School District will cut teaching positions this year
Week of May 14 - May 18, 2012
- Teck Resources in BC plans to hire 1,500 people in the next three years and spend $1 billion
- BC's minimum wage now $10.25 per hour
- Teck Resources in BC plans to hire 1,500 people in the next three years and spend $1 billion
- Vancouverżs largest urban farm generates work opportunities
- Chilliwack-based Tycrop Manufacturing is planning an expansion, creating jobs
- Kootenay Columbia School Board cuts jobs
- Job losses at Spring Valley seniors home in Kelowna
- New liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal planned near Kitimat
- Rise in construction in Victoria boosts employment
- Port Alberni Home Hardware is relocating, will create new jobs
Week of May 07 - May 11, 2012
- Zellers employees in Nanaimo will be laid off
- South Island port diversifies longshore employment
- Canfor announces capital investments in Kootenay sawmill operations
- Highway upgrade project near Oliver will create jobs
- Province invests $24M for highway improvements near North Peace, creating jobs
- BCżs economy has cooled
- Sawmill insurance costs skyrocket in BC
Week of Apr 30 - May 04, 2012
- Record number of journeypersons get their żticketż
- Airport hotel project creates jobs in Kelowna
- Hospital construction to create jobs
- Vancouver shipbuilder hiring hundreds for long-term jobs
- Lower Mainland losing film industry jobs
- Forestry training program means jobs for the North
- Telus investing in Cranbrook
Week of Apr 23 - Apr 27, 2012
- Plans unveiled for huge development in Richmond
- RCMP in Kelowna to get seven more cops
- Sawmill in Cariboo destroyed by fire
- Northern Lights College facing budget cuts
- Calgary-based Encana Corporation cutting natural gas production
Week of Apr 16 - Apr 20, 2012
- British Columbia Utilities Commission approves Ruskin dam and powerhouse upgrades
- Lower Mainland cities foster Aboriginal employment
- Construction contract awarded for a new medical building in Kelowna
- Lumber mill opening in Port Alberni
- Major bridge upgrade underway in Golden
- Hotel and condo project in Cariboo to create jobs
- Construction of new hospital in Burns Lake will create jobs
- Oil pipeline from Edmonton to Vancouver to be expanded
- New regulations for overnight gas stations stir debate in BC
Week of Mar 26 - Mar 30, 2012
- Surrey mill production slows
- Surrey prison expansion creates hundreds of new jobs
- Vancouver Island Health Authority to hire nurses throughout the province
- Store closure results in job loss in Nelson
- The Northwest Transmission Line project creates jobs in Terrace
Week of Mar 19 - Mar 23, 2012
- British Columbia job market posts modest gains
- Nurses union in BC advocating for more employees
- Vancouver aircraft maintenance employees laid off
- Liquor distribution jobs to be protected
- Kirmac's Burnaby locations provide on-the-job training to fill skills gap
- Paper producer reaches labour agreement with employees at the Crofton, Port Alberni and Powell River mills
- Health centre construction underway in Parksville
- New data centre in Kamloops creates jobs
- Ski resort development in Invermere approved
- Northern BC will lead provincial growth in 2012-2013
Labour Market Bulletins
An analysis of the local labour market and an assessment of local employment-related events.
(To access archived Labour Market Bulletins not appearing on this webpage, please contact us).
- October 2016 | (PDF, 230 KB)
- September 2016 (quarterly edition) | (PDF, 246 KB)
- August 2016 | (PDF, 226 KB)
- July 2016 | (PDF, 510 KB)
- June 2016 (quarterly edition) | (PDF, 251 KB)
- May 2016 | (PDF, 552 KB)
- April 2016 | (PDF, 552 KB)
- March 2016 (quarterly edition) | (PDF, 245 KB)
- February 2016 | (PDF, 229 KB)
- January 2016 | (PDF, 552 KB)
- 2015 (Annual Edition) | (PDF, 552 KB)
- December 2015 (quarterly edition) | (PDF, 552 KB)
- November 2015 | (PDF, 552 KB)
- October 2015 | (PDF, 552 KB)
- September 2015 (quarterly edition) | (PDF, 272 KB)
- August 2015 | (PDF, 496 KB)
- July 2015 | (PDF, 545 KB)
- June 2015 (quarterly edition) | (PDF, 323 KB)
- 2014 (Annual Edition) | (PDF, 539 KB)
Economic/Environmental Scan
A report that provides an overview of major socio-economic trends that can have an impact on the local and provincial economy and labour market.
Sectoral Profiles
Sectoral Profiles provide an overview of recent labour market developments and outlooks for some of the key industries in various regions of the country.
Occupational Outlook
Sectoral Profiles
Sectoral Profiles provide an overview of recent labour market developments and outlooks for some of the key industries in various regions of the country.