By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Aug. 9, 2013
Construction topped the list of all business licenses handed out by the District of Squamish this year.
From January to August this year, as many as 46 new business licenses were handed out in the ‘construction’ category, according to information obtained by the Reporter.
Construction was followed by aaccommodation and food services, retail, professional, scientific and technical services, and informational and cultural industries.
Manufacturing, wholesale, and public administration, however, lagged behind with just one licence for each granted this year.
District Economic Development Officer Dan McRae said out of the 149 new business licences issues in the first half, businesses reported employing 1120 people.
“Out of this number, 261 jobs would be permanent jobs and 859 would be non-resident or temporary,” he said.
Below are some numbers for you to compare:
- 2013 (as of July 25, 2013): 149 new business licences issued –10 more than what had been issued last year this time.
- 2012 (as of July 25, 2012): 139 new business licences issued
- 2012 (as of Dec 31, 2012): 235 new business licences issued over the year.
This is in addition to the 1326 existing business licences that were in place at the end of 2012.
McRae said there are several factors that are bring new entrepreneurs to town, with one being the obvious, the outdoor recreation lifestyle.
Compared to neighbouring areas, Squamish is also relatively affordable, and its proximity to Whistler and Vancouver only adds to its attraction.
Access to the desired market in the province and the region is another advantage, he added
“Having one of the fastest growing populations in the province is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, as are the 9.5million people travelling on Highway 99 annually.” Dan McRae.
McRae also said the district has many services and programs to achieve economic development objectives.
Some of the services provided include:
a, Assisting new and expanding businesses with locating and relocating
b, Facilitating the Planning and Development permitting process with the Municipality
c, Conducting research on business gaps and opportunities
d, Assisting investors to identify business opportunities
e, Facilitating sharing of business issues with relevant agencies
f, Providing community statistics and demographics
D. Houle says
I’d like know how all this development is affecting the Squamish real estate market. Sure, it’s great that developers are making cash, trades people are employed, but what about the new homes going for sale in an already stagnant real estate market? All these new homes, no buyers, a poor real estate forecast for the near future, all spells devaluation for home owners.
Dave says
D. Houle
Rarely will homes be devalued for long but you may not necessarily expect to make a huge profit overnight. Hang in there for a while and don’t be too greedy. Mine has stayed the same for a while but generally over the past 40years the value has increased. Homes should be for living in , not flipping and making huge amounts of money. My house and land cost $32000 in the Highlands in 1974…..Guess what it’s value is now?…Not complaining….But then I like it here!