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MAKE IT HAPPEN HERE
Ladysmith Economic Development Commission
The business of balance. There is so much more to life than just work. It is a rare thing to find a business
community that balances passion and play. Until you find yourself in Ladysmith. This is where spirited,
innovative and creative entrepreneurial minds grow roots and sprout wings. Which makes our job a whole
lot easier. We are the Economic Development Commission, and we are in charge of creating the best
environment for businesses of all kinds. We do things like support businesses to expand, leverage community
assets to attract business investments and encourage new sectors to flourish. Ladysmith: Make it happen here.
The business address of the future
Eco n o mic t i m e s a re c h a ng i ng . To d a y ’s g r o w i n g p r o s p e c t s . To u r i s m I n f r a s t r u c t u r e . Tourism
BC’s resource-based economy is under We are currently targeting our is a strong focus of the Ladysmith
pressure. We all need to diversify recruitment and business support economy, and we have achieved
and increase our investment in value- efforts on these five sectors: success as a tourist destination
added and service-based industries. 1 Marine manufacturing & services thanks to our beautiful natural
Small businesses are increasing 2 Professional services surroundings, heritage architecture
in number, and entrepreneurs are 3 Tourism infrastructure and small-town charm. This sector
looking for dynamic, supportive 4 Wood products manufacturing will continue to expand significantly
communities to establish themselves 5 Food and beverage processing as new marina amenities and
in. Here in Ladysmith, we are planning spa/resort-type accommodations
for this future. are developed.
We are putting a lot of time and M a r i n e M a n u f a c t u r i n g . Our
energy into preparing for the changing excellent natural harbour and marina Wo o d Pr o d u c t s M a n u f a c t u ri n g .
needs of a new economy. Over the facilities make Ladysmith a perfect We can offer businesses high-quality
past few years we have conducted fit for a variety of marine-related wood supplies, affordable space
extensive market research and have industries. And many of our workers in industrial buildings, workers with
created a forward-looking strategy are already highly knowledgeable a high degree of relevant experience
for economic growth. We are actively and skilled in these areas. in wood products and value-added
working with local business groups manufacturing and access to
to implement this strategy and create P r o f e s s i o n a l S e r v i c e s . Many appropriate markets on the Island
new opportunities. knowledge-based businesses can and in the Lower Mainland.
Ladysmith’s population has been compete globally from anywhere, and
growing steadily since 2000. We have more and more entrepreneurs are F o o d a n d B e v e r a g e P r o ce s s i n g .
seen a corresponding increase in our choosing quality of life over big city This industry already has a presence
business sector, as well as in new living. Our small-town atmosphere, in the area and expansion is a
housing construction. We plan to keep coupled with incredible recreational real possibility. Our proximity to
this steady growth happening by opportunities and excellent amenities, the Cowichan Valley and other
implementing local business programs makes Ladysmith an ideal location agricultural areas, as well as our
and targeting sectors that have a strong for professionals wanting to live a excellent transportation corridors,
potential for success in our market. relaxed West Coast lifestyle. means we have access to many
By encouraging and supporting growth high-quality agricultural products.
and diversification, we aim to create
and maintain a vibrant, healthy
LADYSMITH, BRITISH COLUMBIA | THE BUSINESS OF BALANCE
economy for many years to come.
L a d ysmi t h is a b u si n e ss co m m u ni t y t h a t b a l a n ce s p a ssi o n a n d p l ay,
w h e re s p iri t e d e n t re p re n e u ria l mi n d s g ro w ro o t s a n d s p ro u t wi ngs .
Hi st o r y G e o g ra p h y D e m o g ra p hi c s
The Ladysmith area has been home Ladysmith is located right on the Ladysmith has experienced steady
to the Chemainus First Nation for 49th parallel, on the east coast population growth since 2000,
at least 5,000 years. European of beautiful Vancouver Island. increasing by 7% over the last five
settlement took hold in earnest The town is built next to the ocean, years. The population has now
when the town of Ladysmith was just off tranquil Stuart Channel. reached 8,100. Most of this growth is
established to service the nearby It boasts a 5-mile natural harbour, due to relocation – that is, people
Extension coal mine; the town was and provides excellent boating choosing to move here. And our
incorporated in 1904. Coal mining access to the beautiful Gulf population’s income is increasing –
dominated the economy until Islands. The mountains which by slightly more than BC’s average.
demand dwindled in the early 1930s. surround it not only offer spectacular
Logging soon took over as the major views, but also protect it from much Ec o n o m y
industry, and it continues to play an of the rain that the rest of Vancouver Ladysmith’s economy has always
integral role in our area’s economy. Island experiences. depended heavily on natural
resources – first coal, and then
wood. Logging and lumber mills
continue to play an important role
in our economic development.
More recently the service industry
has expanded, and pleasure boating
and tourism have become key
economic pillars.
LADYSMITH | BRITISH COLUMBIA | CANADA
In the past few years we have and art facilities are all close by. We have excellent highway access
seen the value of building permits And kayaking, sailing, and golfing for transporting goods throughout
rise sharply. There has also been are available right on our doorstep. the Island, and easy access to
a considerable increase in business Nanaimo’s two BC Ferry locations,
incorporations and a doubling of Cl im ate which provide regular service
business licences issued. Ladysmith has a temperate to the mainland.
Mediterranean-like climate; we get Nanaimo airport, only ten minutes
Wo rk f o rc e moderate rainfall in the winter, and away, offers regularly scheduled
We boast a high proportion of it’s dry and sunny in the summer flights to Vancouver and the Lower
educated and skilled individuals with months. Our moderate coastal Mainland, and float planes fly directly
experience in a wide variety of areas. climate is characterized by slight to downtown Vancouver. In addition,
Moreover, due to our proximity to a seasonal variations in temperature, deep sea port facilities are available
number of educational institutions, and typically receives over 1900 at Nanaimo and Chemainus, and
we have the means to ensure that hours of bright sunshine each year – our many marinas provide service
our workers can continue to meet only slightly less than Rio de Janeiro for commercial boaters.
the challenges of the changing gets! Ladysmith receives an average
labour market. of 1077 mm of rainfall and 80.9 mm R ea l e st a t e m a rk e t
of snowfall per year – about the Residential housing has seen a
same as Vancouver.
A m en i t i e s a n d a t t ra c t i o n s boom in the last few years. House
Ladysmith offers a unique blend prices have increased in sync with
E a s y a cc e ss t o m a j o r m a rk e t s
of small-town atmosphere, big city the rest of the province, but remain
Ladysmith offers convenient access
convenience and spectacular natural relatively affordable. In 2007, single
to markets on Vancouver Island
environment. Amenities include family homes sold for an average
and the BC mainland. We are
excellent schools and nearby colleges, of $318,833.
located right on the population
90 hectares of park and open space,
corridor of south-eastern Vancouver
a large network of municipally
Island, on the main route between
maintained paths and hiking trails,
Nanaimo (26 km to the north) and
a community centre, pool and senior’s
Victoria (85 km to the south).
centre. Shopping, music, theatre
LADYSMITH, BRITISH COLUMBIA | THE BUSINESS OF BALANCE
L a d ysmi t h is a c t iv e l y cre a t i ng a v i b ra n t , h e a l t h y e co n o m y
by e n co u ra g i ng a n d su p p o r t i ng g ro w t h a n d d iv e rsi f ic a t i o n .
This is what balancing business and life looks like:
S e a l e gs K aya k i n g Ad v e n t u re s O l i v i a ’ s Fa s h i o n a n d Fu r n i s h i n g s S o u t h w oo d Pro d u c t s
Sheryll and Bud Bell were looking for a Delaine and Bruce Burnett opened For Carlos Pereira and Glenn Sebelius,
better way to make a living and raise four Olivia’s shortly after moving to Ladysmith’s central location, and its
kids when they launched their kayaking Ladysmith five years ago. They felt that proximity to bigger markets of high end
business in 1997. Already firmly rooted a store that offered fashions, furnishings homes in Nanaimo and Victoria, were
in the community, it was only natural and gifts would fill a need here, and key factors in deciding where to situate
that their business would also become their instincts have resulted in a their custom wooden door business.
an integral part of the fabric of this town. successful enterprise frequented by Access to quality lumber, glass artists
But that’s the magic of the right idea in people from near and far. They’ve and carvers was important too. But
the right location. Ladysmith is ideal been pleasantly surprised by how quality of life was perhaps the biggest
and idyllic for this thriving enterprise much support they’ve received from reason they chose to live here. When
that now offers everything from clinics residents and other businesses, and they’re not busy making beautiful doors
and lessons to rentals and custom tours. by the “amazing community spirit” that and other products for specialty homes,
“Our local guides have been with abounds here. And they’re excited about Carlos is in his boat and Glenn
us since day one, and our customers the positive impact increased tourism is diving. How often do they achieve
return year after year to paddle with will have on their bottom line. For the that fine balance between work and
us,” says Sheryll. “There are no better Burnetts, Ladysmith’s incredible ocean play? “Every chance we get,” says Carlos
measures for success!” vista, plentiful kayaking opportunities – an easy feat when the ocean is just
and serene hiking trails are simply steps away!
“icing on the cake.”
LADYSMITH | BRITISH COLUMBIA | CANADA
B u rc h e t t M a ri n e At l a n t is Kaya k s R o ya l D a r
Burchett Marine has been building and Robin Thacker was thrilled to learn When they opened their Mediterranean/
testing boat models for clients across he could move his growing business to Indian restaurant almost 4 years ago,
North American and around the world Ladysmith when an ideal location Kam and Gurb Gill were betting that
for close to 25 years. Owner Ron Burchett became available. Atlantis manufactures Ladysmith’s steady growth would bring
says he could live anywhere, but chooses high quality composite kayaks, and people wanting a small town feeling and
to live in Ladysmith for three reasons: needs to be able to easily ship their bringing a ‘big city’ palate. This bet paid
“lifestyle, lifestyle, lifestyle.” With the boats around the world. “Being located off. Perched on the hillside overlooking
airport “7 minutes away” and a wealth of just off the Island Highway gives us the ocean (with a great outdoor patio),
skilled trades people close by, Ron can’t great access to our clients, whether they the Gills’ restaurant has quickly become
imagine a better place to do business. are local or overseas,” says Robin. a favourite destination for locals and
His clients couldn’t agree more. He’s “Of course, being on the ocean helps, too. tourists alike. The investments they’ve
routinely visited by architects and boat It’s like a heartbeat for our company.” made in their business – including
designers from the US, Europe and “As an added bonus, we’ve found buying the building and bringing a chef
beyond who are consistently impressed Ladysmith’s business network to be from India – are also paying off. “We’re
by Ladysmith’s charm and beauty, and world-class in terms of service, technical here for the long term,” says Kam, “and
Ron’s fantastic lifestyle! know-how and pricing,” states Robin. are really excited about where
Ladysmith is going.”
LADYSMITH, BRITISH COLUMBIA | THE BUSINESS OF BALANCE
A climate for living + A beautiful natural setting + An active and engaged community
Family-friendly amenities and activities + Great schools and recreational facilities
An affordable cost of living + Real estate that holds its value + Charming small-town
ambience + Vibrant arts and cultural scene + Year-round events and festivities
A gateway to outdoor adventure + Committed to environmental stewardship + A strong
vision for a sustainable future + Convenient mid-Island location, right on the 49th parallel
A c l i m a t e f o r b u si n e s s
Ladysmith's government is committed > Ladysmith offers a skilled,
to fostering sustainable growth educated labour force with a rich
LADYSMITH ECONOMIC
and development while maintaining variety of experience and a deep
and developing all necessary commitment to the future of the DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
support facilities. community. 410 ESPLANADE
> Ladysmith is perfectly situated > Ladysmith has a vision for a PO BOX 220
to grow rapidly and successfully by prosperous and sustainable LADYSMITH, BC
means of its expanding population, future, which is supported
CANADA V9G 1A2
excellent geographic location and by the Economic Development
1 250 245 6410
established strategy for business Commission and its many
development. pro-business initiatives. w w w. l a d ysmi t h .c a
TH E B US IN E SS OF BALAN C E
