Knowledge based businesses continue to locate in Squamish not only because of the communities fantastic lifestyle attributes and majestic land, but also because of strategic advantages including:

• Relative proximity to Greater Vancouver;
• New or improved proximity to institutions of higher learning;
• Fiber optics installed by Bell for 2010 Olympics. Bell will be installing a very high-capacity fiber-optics line from Vancouver to Whistler, with a repeater station in Squamish. This station will allow local networks in Squamish to connect into the main fiber line. The capacity of this line far exceeds the needs of anything that could be developed in Squamish.
• Technology-friendly new developments, especially the waterfront. Plans for waterfront development include pre-wiring all residential and commercial buildings for superior telecommunications access.

Knowledge Based Technology Campus:

In an effort to facilitate the development of the knowledge-based sector, the Squamish Sustainability Corporation is taking the lead to develop a framework to cluster technology-based business in a campus or park setting. The strategy will establish a road map that enables the Squamish community to develop its job creation and diversification efforts while maximizing its commercial tax base. This framework will examine the immediate opportunities in the market, establish the supporting factors and shortcomings for attraction, make recommendations on appropriate development locations, and identify prospect companies for the site.

Download the complete Knowledge Base Industry Report (pdf)