Victoria
Quick Facts
Province: British Columbia (Capital City)
Population: 340,000
The Greater Victoria region is the capital of British Columbia, and the jewel of the southern tip of Vancouver Island. What truly sets the Greater Victoria region apart is its unique combination of economic opportunity and its superior quality of life. Entrepreneurs with ventures of all sizes comprise more than 17,000 businesses in the region. Technology, tourism, marine, health and service industries are all thriving sectors, and the region has become a world leader in environmental services and technologies, with world-class research activities in the field.
Key Advantages
- Home to 770 high tech companies, many of which focus on sustainability, like the Vancouver Island Technology Park which makes its home in an environmentally sound building
- An expert labour force made up of the best and brightest
- An advanced technology industry worth $900 million and specializing in biotech, e-business, printing/publication, knowledge-based services, software development and telecom
- Regional economy is geared for growth—Small businesses are the rule with nearly 22,000 in operation, yet major employers also provide jobs in tourism, transportation, government and defence
- More than 72% of all residents over the age of 15 have some post secondary training
- Solid foundation in service, trade, health care and public administration
- Focused on developing opportunities in research, marine sciences, education and the advanced technology industry
- Household internet usage ranks among the highest in Canada
- #2 for Cost of Doing Business in the Pacific Northwest – KPMG Competitive Alternatives Study
- World-class ferry systems transport passengers to mainland British Columbia and US destinations
- Victoria is just 35 minutes by plane from Seattle and Vancouver and direct flights depart daily for Toronto
- 4 Post Secondary Institutions
- World-class transportation network
Sector Strengths
- Trade (wholesale/retail)
- Health Care
- Public Administration
- Advanced Technology
- Marine Sciences and Industry
- Education
- Sport, Art & Culture
- Agriculture
