Evolving in step with the fortunes of its island home, the City of Nanaimo, B.C. has in the past century and a half transformed itself beyond anything its rustic founders could have imagined. Nestled on the east coast of central Vancouver Island (the largest island on the west coast of North or South America), Nanaimo is a coastal city with a population of nearly 84,000 (according to the Canadian Census of 2011). Its origins date to the mid 1800's when the world's ravenous need for coal saw the community become a major coal mining centre. Developed originally by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), one of the city's most iconic landmarks is its historic bastion - a small white fortress built by the HBC to help protect the region's assets from the imagined dangers of the local native population. No such need ever materialized.
Coal extraction and shipment remained a central portion of the local economy for the following century before changing global demand saw the area's mines close. Despite the loss of mining the region's abundant natural resources continued to be the primary engine to drive the Nanaimo and Vancouver Island economies. Forestry, including harvesting, milling and pulp production (thanks to the opening of the nearby Harmac Pulp Mill in the 1950's) were the main local industry, with commercial fishing being a secondary element of the regional fiscal mix.
21st Century Nanaimo is almost unrecognizable from its resource-based origins. While forestry and fishing continue to be significant parts of the economy, they have been supplanted by education, health care and the service sector as the central elements of the region's prosperity. Home to Vancouver Island University (VIU) and numerous schools in the local school district, education is one of the main employers in the city. Health care, tourism, banking and finance, real estate and a well developed retail sector are the current engines that drive the city's economy. Referred to as the "Harbour City" Nanaimo is one of the principle deep water ports on Vancouver Island and in recent years has been a popular stop over for cruise ships and recreational vessels of every size and shape.
Located in one of the mildest climates in Canada, surrounded by its exceptional natural beauty and with a full range of modern services and amenities, Nanaimo is a beautiful and comfortable community, one that embraces change as a natural part of its economic and social evolution.
As a writer and desktop publisher based in Nanaimo, BC I'm proud of my city and its many accomplishments. This article is provided as an introduction for those unfamiliar with this vibrant community located on the West Coast of Canada.
Coal extraction and shipment remained a central portion of the local economy for the following century before changing global demand saw the area's mines close. Despite the loss of mining the region's abundant natural resources continued to be the primary engine to drive the Nanaimo and Vancouver Island economies. Forestry, including harvesting, milling and pulp production (thanks to the opening of the nearby Harmac Pulp Mill in the 1950's) were the main local industry, with commercial fishing being a secondary element of the regional fiscal mix.
21st Century Nanaimo is almost unrecognizable from its resource-based origins. While forestry and fishing continue to be significant parts of the economy, they have been supplanted by education, health care and the service sector as the central elements of the region's prosperity. Home to Vancouver Island University (VIU) and numerous schools in the local school district, education is one of the main employers in the city. Health care, tourism, banking and finance, real estate and a well developed retail sector are the current engines that drive the city's economy. Referred to as the "Harbour City" Nanaimo is one of the principle deep water ports on Vancouver Island and in recent years has been a popular stop over for cruise ships and recreational vessels of every size and shape.
Located in one of the mildest climates in Canada, surrounded by its exceptional natural beauty and with a full range of modern services and amenities, Nanaimo is a beautiful and comfortable community, one that embraces change as a natural part of its economic and social evolution.
As a writer and desktop publisher based in Nanaimo, BC I'm proud of my city and its many accomplishments. This article is provided as an introduction for those unfamiliar with this vibrant community located on the West Coast of Canada.
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