City of Campbell River Economic Development

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

05/15/2026

Starting today, WestJet will offer non-stop seasonal flights between Campbell River Airport (YBL) and YYC Calgary International Airport, establishing a vital link to one of Canada’s largest economic hubs.

This direct connection will reduce travel time to the Rockies and provide more access to global markets. For local professionals and the tourism sector, this service enhances travel efficiency and supports continued investment in our region.

05/13/2026

Small Business Week Spotlight: Buy Local with Island Good 🌱

Supporting local businesses keeps dollars in our community and strengthens the Vancouver Island economy.

The City’s Economic Development Department will sponsor 50% of the first year of Island Good membership for eligible businesses, helping local companies showcase their Island roots.

🌳 Learn more: viea.ca/island-good

📷 Bluetree Photography

05/12/2026

We are still accepting applications for the 2026 Rail Yard Night Market season until the end of this week! 🌛

Positioned in the heart of downtown, the Night Market is a great opportunity for local vendors to showcase their products alongside the high-energy CR Live Streets summer series. This collaborative activation creates a vibrant community hub, attracting a significant volume of residents and visitors to Shoppers Row.

Application deadline is May 15. ✅

ℹ️ For more information: https://www.ecdev.campbellriver.ca/articles/the-rail-yard-market

📷 CR Live Streets Image from 2025. Wild Shay Photography

05/11/2026

This week is Small Business Week in British Columbia! 🎉

Small businesses play a vital role in creating jobs, driving innovation, and shaping the character of our community. We’re proud to celebrate the entrepreneurs and business owners who help our local economy thrive.

🎥 Video shared with credit to Winnipeg Economic Development and Tourism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRPioDFGWRQ

📷: Bluetree Photography