Investment Advantages
Chilliwack offers the benefits of doing business in the Vancouver region at a much lower cost. With a skilled workforce, lower taxes and lower start-up costs, Chilliwack enables business owners and employees to enjoy greater buying power. Chilliwack is recognized as one of the most business-friendly communities in the region and remains in the top three Lower Mainland municipalities for streamlining applications, including lower application fees and approval times.
The City of Chilliwack, along with the Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO), works with businesses and developers to fast-track permit approvals, provide flexible solutions, and organize a multitude of business support programs and services.
Agriculture and Agritech
With approximately 67% (17,322 hectares) of Chilliwack land dedicated to agriculture, and easy access to local and international markets, it is not surprising that Chilliwack is home to more farmland than any other Lower Mainland community. Agriculture provides the community with an estimated $700M in economic activity, plus substantial secondary impacts.
Recently, Chilliwack’s agricultural sector has a total farm capital of $4.8B with total operating revenues of $684.4M. Leading sectors include:
- Dairy, poultry, and greenhouse/nursery operations
- Vegetable, berry production, floriculture
- Specialty livestock, crops, and Agri-tourism
These sectors play an ever-growing role in the region’s economy.
Advanced Manufacturing
Chilliwack’s diverse manufacturing sector includes:
- Machinery, transportation, oil and gas
- Aviation, mobile equipment
- Forestry and related wood production
- Metal fabrication
- Food processing
Chilliwack’s manufacturers use high technology and knowledge-based inputs to create products destined for world markets. These are some of the product lines manufactured by local firms:
- Precast concrete, oilfield equipment, recreational trailers
- Elevator and escalator products
- Windows and doors
Nearly 8% of the local labour force is employed in the manufacturing sector.
Aviation & Aerospace
Aviation and Aerospace continues to be one of the city’s expanding sectors, with Chilliwack Regional Airport (YCW). The airport has approximately 20 businesses including:
- Flight training schools
- Private air charter businesses
- Aircraft paint shops and MRO’s (maintenance, repair and overhaul providers)
- Other general aviation-related support businesses
Business Opportunities
The Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO) is the economic development organization for the City of Chilliwack. We are the first point of contact to facilitate the needs of a potential investor that is buying a business, looking for commercial space or purchasing land.
Commercial Space & Purchasing Land
Our websites provide extensive information on Chilliwack, including business and investment opportunities. CEPCO facilitates client needs by meeting with the client and assessing available resources.
