A young and educated community, desirable lifestyle, leading edge telecommunications infrastructure, higher education opportunities, and population influx are converging in Squamish. The result: a prime situation for immediate and future investment in knowledge-based industries in Squamish.

Local Advantages

• Strong & dynamic post-secondary education sector, with growing capacity for research and development
• Leading-edge telecommunications infrastructure
• World-class quality of life combining natural beauty, recreational and cultural amenities, and economic opportunity
• Emerging pattern of technology investment that speaks to the community’s desire to build its knowledge-based sector
• Highly skilled workforce unhindered by the shortages that exist elsewhere
• Range of attractive and available employment land options for the knowledge-based sector

4 Sectors with Potential

The Squamish Sustainability Corporation has identified 4 specific sectors in which the local infrastructure and existing strengths present valuable opportunities:

GeoTech
Includes a wide range of engineering, research & testing combined with hands on field efforts in direct interaction with the natural and physical sciences. More specifically environmental industries and ‘EnviroTech’ are an excellent fit with the community’s knowledge base and resources.

Animation/Film/Television
High local incentives for production companies to locate in Squamish, coupled with ease of access and proximity to the core industry in Vancouver make a ‘best of both worlds’ scenario.

Interactive New Media
With Vancouver next-door as the new media hub of Canada, and the everincreasing work-force demands for improved quality of life and recreational opportunities, Squamish presents an appealing low-cost alternative for businesses and employees alike.

Recreational and Sporting Technologies (RecTech)
BC has taken significant recent steps to move its successful recreational sports industry in a new direction to build expertise and a competitive advantage. Squamish presents itself as a perfect arena for the industry, with inspiring fourseason outdoor testing and training areas, the nearby Whistler Nordic Centre facility built for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and a passionate and knowledgeable community.

Download the complete Knowledge Base Industry Report (pdf)