Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
THINK VANCOUVER
JUNE 2008
Vancouver is full
of entrepreneurs - the
creative class that
makes a city vibrant
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
innovation
incubator
Vancouver grows ideas. Scientists, engineers, researchers
and designers create knowledge and concepts that mutate
across industry lines. Entrepreneurs transform discoveries
into valuable products and services. New approaches
spark high-tech industries and bolster the productivity
of traditional industries. Companies like Gemcom
(mining productivity software), Copperleaf (infrastructure
management software) and Wolf Medical Systems
(healthcare productivity software) are international stories.
Vancouvers economy has been transformed in the last
quarter-century. The historic dependence on port and
resource extraction activities has been replaced by a
strong service economy that caters to both local and
international needs. And the city exports expertise in
engineering, sustainability, management, financial and
technical services to companies and governments the
world over.
Manufacturing enterprises succeed by drawing on
the intrinsic assets of the community to identify and
exploit market niches. Vancouverites enjoyment of
the mountains and ocean has spurred development of
a performance and technical apparel industry that is
conquering world markets. Leading manufacturers come
to the regions ski resorts not just for an exceptional
holiday, but to check out the latest gear. Exports of
food and related products are on the rise, thanks to
the fertility of the Fraser Valley and the abundance
of salmon and other seafood in the Pacific Ocean.
university-business
collaboration has given
rise to any number of
start-ups and spin offs
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
green growth
Addressing climate
change while improving the
business climate.
Vancouverites visceral connection to the outdoors provides
a unique competitive advantage in a world struggling
to deal with environmental issues. Its no coincidence
that several globally prominent environmental groups
(including the David Suzuki Foundation) are based in
Vancouver, that UN Habitat was conceived at a Vancouver
conference, or that in 2008 British Columbia introduced
North Americas first revenue-neutral carbon tax, which
addressed climate change while providing equivalent
tax reductions to reduce the impact on businesses and
consumers.
with federal,
provincial, regional
and city support,
green initiatives are
proliferating while
regulatory burdens are
being eased
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
global gateway
Transportation has always been central to Vancouvers
psyche. British Columbia agreed to join Canada only in
exchange for a rail link to the centre of the continent.
The city developed around the very spot where the first
transcontinental rail line met the Pacific coast. And its
name memorializes the first British sea captain to reach
the area.
Blessed with one of the worlds best natural deep-water
harbours, the shortest distances to Asia of any major
North American city, and close proximity to the U.S.,
Vancouver was destined from its founding in 1886 to
become a key international transportation hub. As global
economic growth centres increasingly on the Pacific
Rim, the citys transportation assets become ever more
valuable. And in an age of instant global communication,
Vancouver is fortunate to be in a time zone that allows
access to all three centres of world commerce (London,
New York, Hong Kong) in a single working day.
As trans-Pacific traffic grows, Vancouver is investing
heavily to maximize the economic opportunities. The
governments of Canada and British Columbiatogether
with Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Vancouvers
international airport (YVR), the regional transit authority,
the three Class 1 inter-continental railways that serve
the port, and other private interestsare ambitiously
upgrading the capacity and efficiency of Vancouvers global
gateway. Transportation investment commitments in the
region to date total over $20 billion.
Transportation
investment commitments
in the region to date
total over $20 billion
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority was created in 2008
to bring together the three port authorities and increase
regional efficiency. Already North Americas leading port in
export tonnage, Vancouver expects to triple container flow
by 2020, while minimizing environmental impact.
Photo: nk west
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
outstanding
opportunity
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is
accurate and current to May 1, 2008, however, neither the City of Vancouver nor
the Vancouver Economic Development Commission accepts any liability for actions
taken based on this material.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
photo: WESLEYREGAN.COM
VEDC: YOUR
BUSINESS LINK
VANCOUVER ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
Suite 1620, 1075 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC Canada V6E 3C9
Tel: 1-866-632-9668
www.vancouvereconomic.com
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
REGIONAL COLLABORATION
VEDC collaborates with other municipalities in the region
through Metro Vancouver Commerce, a vehicle to promote
economic development region-wide.
VEDCs partners in Metro Vancouver Commerce are:
CITY OF RICHMOND
www.richmond.ca
CITY OF SURREY
www.surrey.ca
CITY OF NEW WESTMINSTER
www.city.new-westminster.bc.ca
DISTRICT OF NORTH VANCOUVER
www.district.north-van.bc.ca
CITY OF NORTH VANCOUVER
www.cnv.org
For more information about the activities of VEDC and
Metro Vancouver Commerce, or to access our services call
1-800-632-9688 or email us at:
info@vancouvereconomic.com.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is
accurate and current to May 1, 2008, however, neither the City of Vancouver nor
the Vancouver Economic Development Commission accepts any liability for actions
taken based on this material.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
Economic
profile
JUNE 2008
Physical Characteristics
Greater Vancouver, with a population
of 2.1 million, is Canadas third largest
urban area. Located in British Columbia,
Canadas westernmost province, the region
covers nearly 2,900 square kilometres,
bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west,
the US border to the south, the valley
of the Fraser River to the east and the
Coastal Mountains to the north. Seattle,
Washington is 226 km to the south, while
Calgary, Alberta is 975 km to the east.
Vancouvers oceanside location gives it a
mild climate year round.
*the Economist
Intelligence Unit
ranked Vancouver
the worlds most
livable city in 2006
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1.
VANCOUVER
Business Climate
Canada
Canada is enjoying strong economic performance and a
highly favourable business climate. Canadas 2008 Budget
noted:
Canadas labour market is strong, with unemployment
near a 33 year low and the share of Canadians
currently employed at a record high.
Household net worth is growing strongly and corporate
profits are near a record high.
The fiscal position of the consolidated government
sector is excellent; the most recent OECD estimates
suggest Canada will have the best fiscal position of all
G7 nations in 2008.
Canadas real income per capita has grown over 20 per
cent since 2001.
The federal corporate tax rate has been reduced
from 37.8 per cent in 1980 to 15 per cent by 2012.
Canada will have the lowest tax rate on new business
investment in the G7 by 2011, and will have the lowest
statutory tax rate in the G7 by 2012.
The federal debt-to-GDP burden will fall to 25 per cent
by 2011/12, the lowest since the 1970s.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
city
115
578,041
5,039
273,804
2381
region
2877
2,116,581
736
870,992
303
The threshold for the small business tax rate has been
increased to $400,000. Business tax burdens in British
Columbia are among the lowest anywhere in North
America.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Demographics
The regional population has been growing about 1.3 per
cent annually in recent years; increases are expected
to continue over the next decade, with the population
reaching 3 million by 2030. While some suburban
municipalities are growing more rapidly, the city of
Vancouver continues to see healthy population growth.
City of Vancouver
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The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
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Economic Structure
Over the past quarter century, Vancouvers economy
has experienced rapid structural change. Vancouvers
defining economic role has evolved from a service
centre for the provinces resource economy to a dynamic
urban centre with strong, multi-faceted international
connections that have strengthened dramatically with
the rise of the economies of Asia Pacific. The economy is
now highly diversified thanks to strengths in many new
areas including significant clusters in knowledge-based
sectors.
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The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
sector
profiles
JUNE 2008
DIGITAL MEDIA
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Resource Organizations
>Telefilm Canada
www.telefilm.gc.ca
Canadian government cultural agency with a Vancouver office that
provides the film, TV and digital media industries with financial, strategic
and distribution support for products that reflect Canadian society.
>B.C. Film
www.bcfilm.bc.ca
Non-profit that administers B.C. film credits and provides support for the
development and marketing of film, TV and digital media products from
B.C.
>VIDFEST
www.vidfest.com
Vancouvers international digital media festival and Canadas largest
digital media event.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate and
current to May 1, 2008, however, neither the City of Vancouver nor the Vancouver Economic
Development Commission accepts any liability for actions taken based on this material.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Vancouvers high-quality
educational institutions, cultural
diversity and enviable lifestyle
have earned it an outstanding
reputation in international
education, at the post-secondary
and K-12 levels, as well as in
English language studies.
Industry Snapshot
Vancouver and British Columbia are recognized nationally
and internationally for excellence in education, attracting
about 150,000 international students annually, the
majority of them studying in the Vancouver region.
Canada ranks first in G7 countries in high school
science scores, and second in educational attainment
and expenditures.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is regularly
ranked among the top 50 universities worldwide in
various international publications in 2007 UBC placed
33rd in the Times Higher Education rankings and 36th
in rankings by Shanghais Jiao Tong University.
Macleans magazines latest ranking of Canadian
universities rated Simon Fraser University (SFU)
top among mid-sized institutions for medical and
science grants, faculty awards, and social science and
humanities grants. The university placed second for
overall academic excellence.
British Columbia was the first province in Canada to
accept international students in the public K-12 system
(10,000 K-12 international students in 2006-2007).
In addition to two major research universities, Greater
Vancouver has an array of outstanding educational
institutions, including the second-largest K-12 school
system in B.C., the provinces only polytechnic institute,
about 20 public and private colleges and institutes
offering post-secondary qualifications, and a cohort of
private language and career training schools catering
to the immigrant population. About eight per cent of
the workforce is in the education sector; teachers and
professors make up the third-largest occupation group in
the city.
education
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Resource Organizations
> B.C. Career Colleges Association
www.bccca.com
Organization of private sector post-secondary education suppliers.
> B.C. Centre for International Education
www.bccie.bc.ca
Non-profit that promotes international education.
> B.C. College Presidents
www.choosebccolleges.ca
Organization to advance the interests of B.C. colleges.
> B.C. Electronic Library Network
www.eln.bc.ca
A partnership of the B.C. government and post-secondary libraries.
Based at SFU, it facilitates access to information for learners and
educators throughout B.C.
> B.C. Institute of Technology
www.bcit.ca
Full-time students 16,000; part-time 32,000. Western Canadas premier
polytechnic institute, offering degree and certificate programs in a variety
of fields, including transportation, digital media, construction, health
sciences and natural resources.
> Canadian Association of Private Language Schools
www.capls.com
Vancouver-based national association of private English and French
language schools, representing more than 100 schools across Canada.
> Centre for Policy Studies in Higher Education and Training
www.chet.educ.ubc.ca
Centre for policy research on educational issues.
> Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design
www.eciad.ca
Students: 1,600. One of B.C.s oldest colleges and one of Canadas
leading arts institutions, offering undergraduate and graduate programs
in visual arts, media arts and design.
> Government of British Columbia
B.C. Ministry of Advanced Education
www.learnlivebc.ca
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
FILM &
TELEVISION
PRODUCTION
Vancouver is the core of the
third-largest foreign film and
production centre in North
America, known worldwide as
Hollywood North.
Industry Snapshot
British Columbia accounts for about 60 per cent of all
foreign location film and TV production in Canada. Film
makers have been attracted by B.C.s natural beauty since
the late 19th century. Major studios were developed in
Greater Vancouver in the late 1980s, and the Government
of British Columbia started providing assistance to
the industry in 1998. Total direct and indirect full time
equivalent jobs generated by film and TV production in B.C.
are estimated at over 36,000.
Total spending on film and TV production in B.C.
amounted to nearly $950 million in 2007. The industry
has a strong balance of international and domestic
production activity. Domestic productions have increased
significantly in recent years and now account for 40 per
cent of total
local spending.
The Vancouver region is home to most of B.C.s production
and post-production activities, with sufficient capacity
to support the biggest Hollywood movies in casting, setbuilding, location filming, and audio and special effects.
Vancouver is home to some of North Americas most
expansive and sophisticated studio spaces and facilities,
including over 200,000 square feet of warehouse conversion
stages, and numerous FX and sound stages.
Competitive Advantages
Vancouvers main advantage is the expertise and talent
it has developed during the last two decades. It is now
capable of handling every aspect of production for forty
projects simultaneously. The resources available in
Vancouver have been created by a high level of activity,
combined with a world-class educational infrastructure
that offers dozens of programs on all aspects of film and
JUNE 2008
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT GUIDE KEY SECTORS film & television production
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT GUIDE KEY SECTORS film & television production
JUNE 2008
Resource Organizations
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
financial
services
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate and
current to May 1, 2008, however, neither the City of Vancouver nor the Vancouver Economic
Development Commission accepts any liability for actions taken based on this material.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT GUIDE KEY SECTORS information & communications technology [ict]
JUNE 2008
Photo: ISTOCKPHOTO/YUROK
information &
communications
technology [ict]
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT GUIDE KEY SECTORS information & communications technology [ict]
JUNE 2008
Incentives
Research & Development
The National Research Council of Canadas Industrial
Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) provides
a range of technical and business-oriented advisory
services to support growth-oriented Canadian small
and medium-sized enterprises. This can include nonrepayable contributions to Canadian firms interested
in research to develop their services, products and
processes. The program has contributed more than
$570 million to more than 30,000 projects. In 2007-2008,
approximately $13 million was available to firms in B.C.
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development
(SR&ED) program is a federal tax incentive designed
to encourage research and development in Canada.
Qualifying non-Canadian companies are eligible
to receive tax credits of 20 per cent of qualified
expenditures. Canadian companies receive enhanced
credits. The B.C. government adds a ten per cent
tax credit for qualifying Canadian and non-Canadian
corporations that conduct R&D in British Columbia.
Venture Capital
British Columbia offers tax credits of 30 per cent
to qualified resident investors who provide venture
capital to small businesses conducting R&D on
proprietary technologies and developing interactive
digital media products. Investment must be made
through a venture capital corporation or directly to an
eligible business corporation. Early-stage ventures are
also eligible for support from the B.C. governments
$90 million B.C. Renaissance Capital Fund.
Resource Organizations
> AceTech
www.acetech.org
Forum of CEOs of technology and life science companies.
>B.C. Innovation Council
www.bcic.ca
Crown Agency that fosters innovation and commercialization, in
partnership with government, industry and academia. The Council
provides research funding, scholarships and other resources.
>B.C. Ministry of Economic Development
www.investbc.ca
www.equitycapital.gov.bc.ca
photo: ISTOCKPHOTO/narvikk
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT GUIDE KEY SECTORS information & communications technology [ict]
Research Links
>B.C. Institute of Technology
Internet Engineering Lab
www.bcit.ca/appliedresearch/tc/facilities/iel
>Simon Fraser University
Centre for Scientific Computing
www.csc.sfu.ca
Compound Semiconductor Laboratory
www.css.sfu.ca/sites/csdl
Graphics Usability and Visualization Lab
http://gruvi.cs.sfu.ca
Pacific Centre for Advanced Materials & Related Technology
www.sfu.ca/physics/PCAMM/facility.html
PolyLab - Sun Technology and Research Excellence Centre for 21st
Century Network Computing
http://polylab.sfu.ca
>University of British Columbia:
Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory
www.ampel.ubc.ca
Institute for Computing, Information & Cognitive Systems
www.icics.ubc.ca
Media and Graphics Interdisciplinary Centre
www.magic.ubc.ca
Software Practices Lab
www.cs.ubc.ca/labs/spl
System on a Chip Lab
http://soc.ece.ubc.ca
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate and
current to May 1, 2008, however, neither the City of Vancouver nor the Vancouver Economic
Development Commission accepts any liability for actions taken based on this material.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
JUNE 2008
life sciences
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
RESEARCH LINKS
> B.C. Cancer Research Centre
www.bccrc.ca
Research arm of the B.C. Cancer Foundation.
> B.C. Institute of Technology
www.tc.bcit.ca/emerging/biotech
Biotechnology program of B.C.s polytechnic institute, including
Canadas first industry-oriented bioinformatics training facility.
> Centre for Drug Research and Development
www.cdrd.ca
Non-profit that works with academic researchers, health organizations
and private companies to help commercialize drug discoveries.
> Child & Family Research Institute
www.bcricwh.bc.ca
Institute that researches childrens and womens health issues.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
mining
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
performance
apparel
http://portal.apparel.ca/eng/portalIntTrade/tradeAgreements.cfm
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
sustainabilityrelated
industries
An environmental ethos
drives major public-private
investments and R&D, making
Vancouver a highly favourable
place for sustainability-related
industries.
Industry Snapshot
Vancouver has a large number of medium and small
companies active in sustainability-related industries.
Greater Vancouver companies accounted for almost half of
Deloittes Technology Green 15 Companies in 2007. Many
sustainability-related firms are active in export markets,
such as BioteQ, which has a unique bacteria-based
process to remediate waste water generated by mining
activities.
The region has a particularly impressive record in
two areas: clean technology and sustainable urban
development.
Vancouver is home to 70 per cent of B.C.s clean
technology sector, with more than 800 companies and
more than 12,000 employees. Vancouver is especially
strong in advanced energy solutions, with roughly 90
alternative energy companies, employing 3,000 people
and generating revenues of $750 million. This includes
companies working in solar, wind and tidal power; bioenergy; and power technologies.
Vancouver is home to leading innovators in hydrogen, fuel
cell and natural gas engines, including Ballard Power,
QuestAir Technologies and Westport Innovations. The
hydrogen and fuel cell sector in B.C. is the largest in the
world and represents 75 per cent of Canadian fuel cell and
hydrogen-based R&D expenditures. B.C. accounts for 70
per cent of Canadas employment in this sector.
The power electronics sub-sector is one of the most
commercially advanced sub-sectors in clean technology,
with well over $600 million in annual revenues, and a
number of internationally well known firms, such as
NxtPhase T&D Corporation, Xantrax Technology and Alpha
Technologies. Vancouvers PowerTech Labs - a subsidiary
JUNE 2008
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
Competitive Advantages
Vancouver has a sophisticated infrastructure to develop
sustainable technologies, including industry and university
research labs, testing centers, industry associations
and other non-profit organizations. The Vancouverbased organization GLOBE Foundation hosts a major
internationally recognized bi-annual conference on the
environmental industry.
British Columbias advanced energy sector is poised for
continued, rapid expansion. The B.C. governments energy
plan aims to secure 50 per cent of incremental power
requirements from clean energy sources. The province
has abundant natural resources to generate advanced
energy, including tidal and wind power; wood that can
be converted to pellets or alternative fuels; large coal
deposits that can be used for coal-bed methane; and
biomass that can be burned for fuel.
Close business ties with Asia offer a strategic advantage
as do proximity to U.S. markets, and existing tie-ins to
cross-border transmission systems and U.S. energy hubs.
The B.C. government is also part of the Western Climate
Initiative, an alliance of Western U.S. states and Canadian
provinces.
JUNE 2008
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
Research Links
> British Columbia Institute of Technology
Centre for the Advancement of Green Roof Technology
http://commons.bcit.ca/greenroof
Photovoltaic Energy Applied Research Lab (PEARL)
www.bcit.ca/appliedresearch/tc/facilities/pearl.shtml
> Powertech Labs
www.powertech.bc.ca
> Simon Fraser University
4D Labs
www.4dlabs.ca
Canadian Industrial Energy EndUse Data and Analysis Centre
www.cieedac.sfu.ca/CIEEDACweb/index.php
Energy and Materials Research Group (EMRG)
www.emrg.sfu.ca/EMRGweb/index.php
Mathematics and Information Technology and Complex Systems
(MITACS) National Centre of Excellence
www.mitacs.math.ca/index.htm
> University of British Columbia
JUNE 2008
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this document is accurate and
current to May 1, 2008, however, neither the City of Vancouver nor the Vancouver Economic
Development Commission accepts any liability for actions taken based on this material.
JUNE 2008
photo: TOURISM BC
tourism
Majestic mountains,
sparkling ocean,
rainforests and
beautiful foliage - all
four seasons make
Vancouver one of the
most beautiful cities in
the world
beauty and a diverse, cosmopolitan and exciting city. It
offers a pristine natural setting, world class dining and
nightlife, luxurious accommodations and a variety of
one-of-a-kind attractions and museums. It caters to the
desires of shoppers in search of great bargains, outdoors
adventurers looking for a thrill, lovers of culture who
want to savour the arts, and sports fans who enjoy a good
game.
Vancouver is the worlds gateway to B.C., which offers
an extraordinary range of tourist attractions just beyond
Greater Vancouver. The city has excellent road and rail
connections to the rest of North America. Its awardwinning international airport is served by more than 50
air carriers and is only 14 kilometres from downtown
Vancouver the two will be linked by rapid transit in 2009.
Vancouvers port is an important destination in the cruise
business, catering to about a million passengers a year.
Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the top ten
meeting destinations. On average, Vancouver events draw
11 per cent higher attendance than the same events at
different locations the previous year.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Resource Organizations
> B.C. & Yukon Hotel Association
www.bcyha.com
Industry association for hotels.
> B.C. Restaurant & Foodservices Association
www.bcrfa.com
Industry association for restaurants.
> Best Cities Global Alliance
www.bestcities.net
Global alliance of convention bureaus that deliver excellent experience for
meeting planners.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
transportation
& logistics
The Vancouver
International Airport
is the second largest
international passenger
gateway on North
Americas west coast
Incentives
The International Maritime Centre offers tax incentives to
shipping companies, while an Export Distribution Centre at
Vancouvers international airport allows duty and tax-free
storage of imported goods prior to export from Canada.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
Resource Organizations
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
DESTINATION
VANCOUVER
JUNE 2008
ALMOST 9 MILLION
PEOPLE VISIT GREATER
VANCOUVER EACH YEAR
Visiting Vancouver
Entry requirements for Canada depend on where you live
and the reason for your visit. You may need a Temporary
Resident Visa. For more information, visit:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit
Visitor Links
> City of Vancouver Visitor Information
Information on arts, culture, events, outdoor sports and recreation, parks
and gardens, self-guided walking tours, transportation and sightseeing.
www.vancouver.ca/visitors.htm
> Tourism British Columbia
Tourism information about British Columbia.
www.hellobc.com
> Tourism Vancouver
The regions official source for information and services for visitors,
providing maps, travel guides, accommodation listings, and a
comprehensive directory of Vancouver attractions and sightseeing ideas.
www.tourismvancouver.com
Immigrating to
Canada and British
Columbia
Canada and British Columbia welcome thousands of new
residents every year.
In most cases, you must apply at a Canadian visa office
outside of Canada; in some cases, you can apply to
become a permanent resident after you arrive in Canada.
Different rules may apply depending on whether you are:
A skilled worker or professional
A
n investor, entrepreneur or
self-employed
A
family member of a Canadian citizen or permanent
resident
A
n applicant recognized by B.C.s Provincial Nominee
Program
Immigration resources are available at:
www.ag.gov.bc.ca/immigration
Working in Vancouver
There is a broad array of services and resources available
for job seekers in Vancouver. Before beginning your
job search, make sure you are allowed to work legally
in Canada. Newcomers who do not have Canadian
citizenship or landed immigrant status, or who wish
to acquire a work permit, can visit Citizenship and
Immigration Canadas Working Temporarily in Canada
website: www.cic.gc.ca/english/work
General Information
For general information about working in Canada and
B.C., visit the following websites:
> Service Canada Employment Services
Information and resources on obtaining employment in Canada, including
online services and forms, and links to regional employment resources.
www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/subjects/employment
> WorkBC
A website created by the B.C. government
to provide job search, career planning and
other employment resources related to B.C.s job market.
www.workbc.ca
> Work Futures
Intended for learners, individuals interested in changing careers or reentering the labour market, and for career practitioners, Work Futures
provides a comprehensive description of close to 200 occupations as they
relate to the B.C. labour market.
www.workfutures.bc.ca
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Starting a Business
The process to set up a business in Vancouver is
determined by the type of business, and by the location of
the business.
> Business Registration, Incorporation and Licenses
Small Business B.C. provides information and assistance.
Toll Free in B.C.: 1-800-667-2272
www.smallbusinessbc.ca
> Federal Company Incorporation and Name Searches
Industry Canada provides many services and programs for business,
including federal company incorporation and name searches.
www.ic.gc.ca
> Obtaining a Business License
All businesses operating within the City of Vancouver require a business
license; some require multiple licenses, depending on the goods or
services provided. To find out about licensing, including requirements,
fees, inspections and enforcement, visit:
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/commsvcs/licandinsp
> Self-Serve Business Registration
The B.C. Business Registry operates a one-stop business registry,
enabling proprietorship and partnership businesses to register online
with multiple public sector agencies in one step.
www.bcbusinessregistry.ca
www.vancouver.ca/engsvcs/admin/breakdown.htm
> Electricity
Provided by B.C. Hydro. Call 1-800-224-9374.
www.bchydro.com
www.terasengas.com/Business/default.htm
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Finding Employees
Before hiring employees, ensure you understand the B.C.
Employment Standards Act, and associated regulations.
Establishing a business in
Canada?
Invest in Canada is a service of the Canadian government
providing information and services for-non-Canadian
business immigrants, as well as for individual
entrepreneurs and small, medium and large enterprises
around the world. Before committing to an investment in
a Vancouver business, ensure you are able to do so under
current Canadian law.
www.investincanada.gc.ca
www.labour.gov.bc.ca/esb/does-esa-apply.htm
Recruitment
Many employment services, recruitment agencies, online
job posting services and headhunter or executive search
firms provide dedicated services for the Vancouver
market.
Online resources:
> Charity Village
Employer and job seeker resources and job postings, exclusively for the
non-profit sector.
www.charityvillage.com
> go2
Employer and job seeker resources and job postings, exclusively for the
tourism industry.
www.go2hr.ca
> LifeSciences BC
Employer and job seeker resources and job postings, exclusively for the
life sciences and biotechnology industries.
www.lifesciencesbc.ca/Employment
www.bcrea.bc.ca
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Skilled trades
High-tech and information technology
Post-secondary education
For more information, visit:
www.pnp.gov.bc.ca
Exporting information
> Canada Export Centre
A centre that promotes, supports and matches exporters to buyers
from around the globe, working with government, trade and industry
associations and foreign consulates to capitalize on incoming trade
delegations.
www.canadaexportcentre.com
> Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
CME is Canadas largest trade and industry association, promoting the
continuous improvement of Canadian manufacturing and exporting.
www.cme-mec.ca/bc
> Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Export services for Canadian companies, provided through the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, including foreign
market industry reports, key contacts searches, target market briefings
and trade events.
www.infoexport.gc.ca
> Export Development Canada
Canadian government agency providing innovative financing, insurance
and bonding solutions to Canadian companies that export goods and
services, or invest in other countries.
www.edc.ca
> ExportSource.ca
An online resource centre developed by the Government of Canada to
provide comprehensive information and practical tools for new and
experienced exporters.
www.exportsource.ca
> Small Business BC
Non-profit society offering new and potential exporters services to help
export Canadian goods and services.
www.smallbusinessbc.ca
> Trade Team BC
A group of federal, provincial and local export-service agencies that
provides information, programs and services to companies looking to
expand into new export markets outside Canada.
www.bctradeevents.com
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Studying in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the worlds most popular destinations
for international students. If you wish to apply to more than
one B.C. educational institution, visit the Post-Secondary
Application Service of B.C., an online service to help you
apply to most public post-secondary institutions.
www.pas.bc.ca
INTERNATIONAL LINKS
Consular Corps
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
Over 70 countries
maintain consular
representation
in BRITISH COLUMBIA
government & non-profit
Services for Immigrants
> City of Vancouver
The Citys Social Planning department provides extensive resources and
publishes a Newcomers Guide to Services in Chinese, English, Punjabi,
Spanish and Vietnamese.
www.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/socialplanning
> Immigrant Services Society of B.C.
Provides English as a Second Language training, job search, job skills
training and other services to new immigrants and refugees.
Call: 604-684-7498
www.issbc.org
> MOSAIC
Provides immigrants services such as language instruction, employment
programs, orientation, settlement counselling, family support, paralegal
counselling, interpretation and translation, and community outreach.
Call: 604-254-9626
www.mosaicbc.com
info@vancouvereconomic.com
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at:
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
maps
> VANCOUVER & ASIA PACIFIC
> GREATER VANCOUVER
> CITY OF VANCOUVER
> DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
JUNE 2008
OTTAWA
VANCOUVER
MONTRAL
TORONTO
SEATTLE
BEIJING
CHICAGO
SAN FRANCISCO
SEOUL
LOS ANGELES
TOKYO
PHOENIX
DALLAS
NEW YORK
ATLANTA
HONOLULU
MIAMI
HONG KONG
MEXICO CITY
SINGAPORE
SYDNEY
MELBOURNE
AUCKLAND
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
greater vancouver
N
0
5
KM
U.S.A.
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
JUNE 2008
city of vancouver
E n g l i s h
B a y
UNIVERSITY
OF BRITISH
COLUMBIA
VANCOUVER
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.
Burr
ard Inlet
downtown vancouver
JUNE 2008
..... Aquabus
..... False Creek Ferries
Hospital
Park
Shopping District
SkyTrain Route
West Coast Express
The complete VEDC Business & Investment Guide is available in PDF format on our website at
www.vancouvereconomic.com. To request the guide in book format ($25) please phone 1-866-632-9668.