As the regional economy shifts and changes, with declines in traditional sectors like forestry and fishing, the City of Campbell River is looking to expand into new areas of the economy, including high-tech. In 2017, Campbell River completed an innovative open-access broadband network, creating a competitive environment for tech-related businesses. Combined with lifestyle and affordability, the City plans to leverage this infrastructure to attract new technology businesses and entrepreneurs.
The Campbell River Tech Strategy delivers short, mid and long-term plans to build out the local tech sector. The comprehensive strategy included an assessment of current tech assets, partnership opportunities, best practices, and potential for tech incubators and regional innovation clusters. Specific deliverables included a formalized strategy that defined strategic priorities, initiatives, and an action plan to support long-term sustainability and growth, incorporating a regional approach to technology attraction.
Upon completion, the project delivered an evidence-based plan for tech attraction and enhancement of the existing tech ecosystem. In addition to industry attraction and retention, the project is anticipated to raise the profile of the regional tech scene, while effectively drawing professionals from tech and creative centers to Campbell River.
Island Coastal Economic Trust approved funding for this project in 2019 through the Investment Readiness program.
We work in reciprocal relationships with coastal communities across the ancestral territories of the Kwak̓wala, Nuučaan̓uɫ, Éy7á7juuthem, Ligwilda'xw, Pəntl'áč, She shashishalhem, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Hul’q’umi’num’, diitiidʔaatx̣, SENĆOŦEN, Lekwungen, and T’Sou-ke speaking peoples.
