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About Mount Waddington

Most residents of Vancouver Island North live in the major communities of Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice and Alert Bay, and the smaller unincorporated communities of Coal Harbour, Holberg, Quatsino, Winter Harbour, Woss, Sointula and Telegraph Cove. The Mount Waddington Regional District covers 20,288.4 square kilometres of northern Vancouver Island and the mainland. The 2021 population of nearly 11,700, 30% of which is Indigenous peoples, has remained relatively stable over the last decade.

 

Regional District of Mount Waddington

Regional District of Mount Waddington

Pat English

Manager, Economic Development

250-956-3301

penglish@rdmw.bc.ca

www.rdmw.bc.ca

Community Overview

Mount Waddington’s economic base is diversified, with over 567 businesses, a labour market of 5,000 and annual industry revenues of approximately $1.1 billion. Key industries include forestry, aquaculture, fisheries, marine industries, mining, health services and tourism. The region is home to an estimated 113 tech sector businesses, which employ about 1,300 workers and generate approximately $407 million annually in industry revenues. The cleantech sector has 39 businesses employing 750 employees and generating $344 million annually in industry revenues.  Key players include K&K Electric Ltd., Archipelago Marine Research and Tex Electric Ltd.

To learn more about Mount Waddington, please visit the Community Information Tool.

Mount Waddington Regional District

See a more comprehensive map here.

Local Tech Companies

  • K&K Electric Ltd

    K&K Electric Ltd

    K&K Electric Ltd is a service-based company providing a wide array of electrical services for all residential, commercial, and industrial needs.

    Visit website
  • Archipelago Marine Research

    Archipelago Marine Research

    Archipelago is a company that helps fisheries, coastal communities, and industry regulators to implement sustainable practices through at–sea and dockside observer programs, electronic monitoring technology, and marine environmental services.

    Visit website
  • Progressive Diesel Inc.

    Progressive Diesel Inc.

    Progressive Diesel Inc. is a business founded in Port McNeill 22 years ago to repair and service Marine and Industrial Diesel engines. It is an expert in engine repair and maintenance for the marine, trucking, construction, industrial industries.

    Visit website

Buying a Business

Get insider knowledge from the Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce or the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce.
For more information, please contact Pat English, Manager of Economic Development, Mount Waddington Regional District.
Phone: (250) 956-3301  
Fax: (250) 956-3232 
Email: penglish@rdmw.bc.ca

Commercial Space

Mount Waddington has a number of industrial and commercial spaces available.

Online resources for current Investment and Business Opportunities include:
Trade and Invest BC
Commercial Real Estate – Realtor.ca
Venture Connect
Space List

Investing in a Business

There are opportunities for local entrepreneurs in obtaining financial support to develop and enhance their businesses. Community Futures Lending Program can help with financing.

Land Purchase

Affordable, modern homes are available on Vancouver Island North. Live in the town cores, or on your private acreage. Watch your kids walk to school, or the orcas and minke whales from your back deck. Rent an apartment or buy your dream home. Whatever you want, you’ll find it on Vancouver Island North.

At times it can be difficult to find the perfect property to rent or purchase. If you’re having challenges finding what you’re looking for, email the following organizations for more information:
info@myvancouverislandnorth.ca 
Port McNeill Chamber of Commerce, portmcneillchamber@gmail.com  
Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce, manager@porthardychamber.com

For a list of properties currently available for purchase in the region, visit: North Island Region MLS General Listings. For properties in Port Hardy, visit: Port Hardy Economic Development

If you’re not interested in purchasing, rental properties do become available in the region. Check with the local property managers in Port Hardy and Port McNeill.
General Properties 250-956-4444
Whitecap Ventures 250-230-0346

Lifestyle

The region has a laid-back lifestyle with affordable housing and extensive indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages. Vancouver Island North has some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes with abundant wildlife and easy access to beaches, park and trail systems, fishing, camping, boating, kayaking, hiking trails, bike riding, skiing, and community facilities such as a curling rink, swimming pool and reasonable sports times for hockey, tennis, golf, and skating. The community features business and social groups support organizations such as Community Futures, a downtown improvement committee, and economic development staff. It also offers many volunteer opportunities, a good working environment with high level of independence and family-friendly activities.

Learn more about the lifestyle of Mount Waddington at My Vancouver Island North