City of Campbell River Economic Development

06/23/2026

Market vendors - this talk is for you!

Market season is a real investment: your time, your energy, and your money.

It’s not just about showing up; it’s about how you show up. Your setup, your messaging, and how you connect with customers throughout the day all shape your results.

Join us on August 6 for a special Fireside Chat, "Showing Up Strategically: Are You Making the Most of Market Season?" featuring three women entrepreneurs who have grown their businesses through markets. This conversation will explore what they’re tracking beyond sales, how they refine their approach in real time, and the insights guiding their next steps.

Whether this is your first season or one of many, this is your chance to pause, reflect, and get more intentional for the rest of the summer.

This is part one of our Market Season Growth Series. Register free to save your spot👇🏼
go.we-bc.ca/AugustFireside

Open to everyone!

06/19/2026

Thank you to the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) for hosting another successful Annual General Meeting, and for your continued leadership and commitment to strengthening our regional economy. The Heart Co-working space in Campbell River was a fantastic venue for bringing everyone together.
Congratulations as well to two valued members of the Campbell River Business Advisory Committee:
👏 Brad McRae of Western Forest Products on his appointment as Board Chair
👏 Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BC Salmon Farmers Association, on joining the Board
Their leadership and regional perspective will help ensure strong representation and continued collaboration across Vancouver Island.

06/18/2026

A simple summer moment on the Campbell River Discover Pier — and a reminder of the many small businesses that make experiences like this possible. 🍦

As we head into peak season, increased visitation continues to support local jobs and create opportunities across Campbell River’s hospitality, retail, and marine sectors.

If you’re a local business looking to make the most of the season ahead, explore tools and training designed to help you grow and thrive: 👉 https://www.businessgrowthtrack.ca/

📸 Bluetree Photography

06/15/2026

Join us for Soccer by the Sea, a community event celebrating sport and the FIFA World Cup™ with a family-friendly outdoor watch party in Campbell River.

📍 Robron Park - 425 Merecroft Road
🗓️ Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Come together to cheer on Team Canada as they take on Qatar on the big screen, with activities and entertainment happening throughout the afternoon.
Events like this bring people together—and into our downtown. Local businesses are getting into the spirit with colourful window displays and added summer activity, helping create a vibrant experience for residents and visitors alike.

Before or after the match, take some time to explore downtown and support the businesses that help keep Campbell River active and welcoming year-round.

06/08/2026

Compass Gifts Now Open at YBL 🛍️
Proud to see more Island Good–certified products at Campbell River Airport—supporting local businesses and showcasing the best of our region.
Travellers, be sure to check it out before your next flight!
🌳 Local businesses: Get Island Good certified—50% of your first year sponsored for eligible businesses.
📧 [email protected] | 🔗 viea.ca/island-good
Buy Local. Support Island Good.

Compass Gallery + Gifts’ first customers at Campbell River Airport (YBL)!! So lovely to chat w folks on the move via WestJet & Pacific Coastal Airlines! Thank you for your purchase 🦅🙌🏼🤗🎁

06/04/2026

🔧 Investing in Apprentices, Investing in Campbell River.

Campbell River’s own Nathan Munro has earned gold at BC Skills training — and is now applying those skills locally with Wacor.

Nathan’s achievement highlights the value of apprenticeships in building a strong, skilled workforce. As many employers continue to face labour shortages, apprenticeship pathways offer a practical, proven way to develop talent locally while supporting long-term business growth.

💬 “We’re proud to see Nathan represent Wacor and Campbell River so well. His gold medal reflects the strength of the apprenticeship system and reinforces how important it is for companies like Wacor to support local talent and create meaningful career pathways.” — Allen Wakita, Wacor

Employers interested in hiring or supporting apprentices can learn more through SkilledTradesBC and WorkBC programs, including the BC Employer Training Grant.

📺 Watch Nathan’s story:

Meet Nathan 🥇 A Heavy Duty Equipment Technician apprentice and Skil...

06/01/2026

May Highlights: Building Momentum in Campbell River 📊

This month highlighted the power of planning, connectivity, and collaboration across our regional economy:

✅ Small Business Week celebrated our diverse array of local entrepreneurs
✅ Business workshops supported long‑term planning and business continuity
✅ The Pacific Seaweed Summit showcased innovation in the blue economy
✅ WestJet service launched, improving regional connectivity

Together, these efforts help strengthen Campbell River’s economic resilience and long‑term opportunities for our community.

05/27/2026

We welcomed the inaugural WestJet flight of the season earlier this month to the Campbell River Airport (YBL), officially connecting our community to YYC Calgary International Airport and beyond.

Why does new air service matter for Campbell River? ✈️📈

According to the Canadian Airports Council, adding just one regional flight can support up to 210 jobs and generate $41.2 million in economic output. The launch of WestJet service is significant for Campbell River and the North Island in supporting tourism, business travel, workforce mobility, and supply chains while strengthening connections to key markets.

Learn more: canadasairports.ca/

05/25/2026

Preparing for Summer? Consider Hiring a Student or Recent Graduate 🧑‍🎓

As businesses gear up for the busy summer season, hiring a student or recent graduate can be a smart way to build capacity, support the local workforce, and invest in future talent.

Campbell River employers have access to several local, no‑cost recruitment supports—including North Island College, WorkBC, and community employment organizations—making it easier to connect with motivated, local candidates for your busy seasons.

📷: Bluetree Photography

05/18/2026

Thinking about stepping back one day? It starts with a plan.

Join us May 20, 2026 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. for a practical, local session on succession planning—designed for Campbell River business owners who want to protect what they’ve built and feel confident about what’s next.

Planning ahead isn’t just smart—it’s freeing.
✔ Reduce risk
✔ Strengthen your business
✔ Focus on today, not worry about tomorrow
☕ A quick, early morning session that fits your schedule

Still time to register— follow link for details and save your spot today: https://www.businessgrowthtrack.ca/business-breakfast-workshops