Industry Profile

Overview

North Vancouver has a very robust and diverse economy. Currently, the following industries are defined as the drivers of the economy:

• Film, Arts, and Entertainment
• Recreation and Tourism
• Technical, Engineering, and Innovation
• Retail and Restaurants
• Industry, Manufacturing, and Transportation
• Construction and Trades
• Life Sciences and Services

Business sizes are small and intimate in North Vancouver – 69.6% have fewer than 4 employees and 97.9% employ 49 staff or less.

North Vancouver is home to a thriving Community and Not-For-Profit industry, with more than 100 community organizations offering programs and services to serve the residents. These organizations are vital figures and enhance the overall economic, social, cultural, and environmental well-being of the community.

FILM, ARTS, AND ENTERTAINMENT

Industry Performance

• There has been a 243% job growth in support occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, photography, and the performing arts from 2014 to 2018.
• There was a 40% job increase in the motion picture and video industries between 2014 and 2018. Industry Outlook • There are 120% more jobs in motion picture and video production industries than what is typical in the nation. Employment Trends.
• The average wage in the motion picture and video industries is $74,027.
• North Vancouver has an exceptional presence of designers, technicians, and media developers, with over 2,000 jobs directly related to the film, digital media, and entertainment industry, 621 of those directly related to the motion picture and video industries as of 2018.

Industry Outlook

• There are 120% more jobs in motion picture and video production industries than what is typical in the nation.

Employment Trends

• The average wage in the motion picture and video industries is $74,027.
• North Vancouver has an exceptional presence of designers, technicians, and media developers, with over 2,000 jobs directly related to the film, digital media, and entertainment industry, 621 of those directly related to the motion picture and video industries as of 2018.

RECREATION AND TOURISM

Industry Performance

• According to Business Vancouver, the top 2 tourist attractions in B.C. are Grouse Mountain with 1.3 million visitors and Capilano Suspension Bridge with 1.1 million visitors in 2017, both located in North Vancouver.
• 7.2%, or 3,310, of the total labour force in the region of North Vancouver, work in accommodation.

Industry Outlook

• Given North Vancouver’s mild climate, close proximity to the Coastal Mountain Range, oceanfront, and gateway to Sea-to-Sky adventures, the region is considered a top destination for world travelers. There are many activities to enjoy including world-class mountain biking trails, an extensive hiking network, ocean and river kayaking, and skiing and snowboarding.

Employment Trends

• Most jobs in this industry are service-based positions in the accommodation and restaurant spheres.

TECHNICAL, ENGINEERING, AND INNOVATION

Industry Performance

• Professions in natural and applied sciences have experienced a healthy growth rate of 15% since 2014.
• Local company Nuytco Research Ltd. designed the thruster technology used by James Cameron to film the underwater footage of Academy Award-winning film Titanic. Nuytco was founded by entrepreneur Phil Nuyten, who is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
• North Vancouver software development firm Vandrico Inc. is currently creating applications for Google Glass™ with a focus on mining, shipping, and construction. Google Glass™ is a head-mounted wearable computer, which projects a transparent screen in front of the user’s field of vision.
• There is an above-average workforce available for architecture and engineering services and twice as many jobs than what is typical in the nation. Top occupations grew by 12%, since 2014, compared to the national average of only 2%.

Industry Outlook

• Entrepreneurs and start-ups in the digital space – including 3D printing, robotics, and wearable tech – are benefiting from emerging technologies, creative solutions, and a strong business community.

Employment Trends

• As of 2018, there are 2,017 jobs within the architectural, engineering, and related services. The average wage per job is $75,143.

LIFE SCIENCES AND SERVICES

Industry Performance

• There was a 7% job growth in North Vancouver between 2011 and 2016.
• 8,390 residents in the North Vancouver region work in the health and social assistance industry.
• The City and District of North Vancouver were awarded Age-friendly BC Recognition designations from the provincial government in 2015.
• Jobs have increased 56% since 2014, a growth which is almost exclusive to Vancouver.

Industry Outlook

• Employment in healthcare will become increasingly prominent due to the planned expansion of the local Lions Gate Hospital.

Employment Trends

• As of 2018, there are 3,043 jobs within the medical equipment and supplies manufacturing industry.
• In addition, there are 2,833 jobs – as of 2018 – in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry. Lions Gate Hospital is one of the top employers in the region with 1,500 jobs.

RETAIL AND RESTAURANTS

Industry Performance

• 10.1%, or 4,660, of the total labour force in the region of North Vancouver, work in retail.

Industry Outlook

• North Vancouver commercial centres include Lynn Valley Centre, Capilano Mall, Park & Tilford, Edgemont Village, Central and Lower Lonsdale, and Deep Cove.
• Several major organizations have established headquarters and distribution centres in North Vancouver, including Arcteryx, A&W Canada, and ICBC.

Employment Trends

• There are 2,888 jobs in middle management occupations in retail and wholesale trade and customer services, as of 2018.
• There are 3,650 jobs in the sales representatives and salespersons within the wholesale and retail trade, as of 2018.

INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING, AND TRANSPORTATION

Industry Performance

• Economic activity at North Vancouver’s ports supplies $4.6 billion of Canada’s GDP.
• There is an additional $5 billion GDP added indirectly by the industry’s supporting businesses.
• Shipbuilding showed a 30% job growth rate since 2014, compared to 1% nationally. Occupations in this sector typically are trained on the job and do not require certificates or degrees.

Industry Outlook

• The National Shipbuilding Strategy is forecasted to contribute approximately $4.4 billion to Canadian GDP between 2012 and 2022, and support 5,500 jobs nationally.

Employment Trends

• Economic activity at North Vancouver’s ports supports 44,800 local full-time jobs
• There are an additional 42,000 jobs added indirectly by the industry’s supporting businesses.

CONSTRUCTION AND TRADES

Industry Performance

• Residential, commercial, and industrial building permits in North Vancouver hit a record high in 2015 at $473.6 million.
• The industrial, electrical, and construction trades have seen a healthy growth rate of 25% since 2014.
• 6.4%, or 2,955, of the total labour force in the region of North Vancouver, work in construction.
• With a $283 million capital investment and $59 million industry contribution, the construction and trades industry is currently completing six projects in North Vancouver.
  • Low Level Road realignment
  • Western Low Level Road route extension
  • Philip Avenue Overpass
  • Neptune/ Cargill grade separation
  • Lynn Creek Rail Bridge addition
  • Brooksbank Avenue Underpass

Industry Outlook

• With an increased focus on residential, commercial and light industrial development both regionally and in North Vancouver, skilled trades are in demand.

Employment Trends

• As of 2018, there are 4,750 jobs in the industrial, electrical, and construction trades.

Sources:

biv.com/datatables/biggest-tourist-attractions-bc-2018 nuytco.com

vandrico.com/wearables/device/google-glass www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/mer-sea/sncn-nss/index-eng.html

www.portvancouver.com/development-and-permits/development/northshore-trade-area

www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/seniors/about-seniorsbc/ seniors-related-initiatives/age-friendly-bc