Industry & Economy

Economic Performance

Global manufacturing exports and energy-related activity is fundamental to why Kitimat's economic output leads the northwest region of coastal British Columbia. Our productivity is a well-kept secret: the last decade saw over $15 billion in value-added manufactured products delivered to world markets by Kitimat industries.

In high market years Kitimat has been responsible for up to 11% of British Columbia's manufacturing GDP.  Growth prospects for the Port of Kitimat and Kitimat Valley are strong.   The current edition of our investment summary documents $15 Billion in potential projects: see the Invest in Kitimat: Projects section to learn more about individual projects.  Realization of one or more of the largest of these investments could bring positive economic change to the economies of British Columbia and Canada, as well as to northwestern BC. 

10 Globally Comparative Advantages of the Port of Kitimat and Kitimat Valley

Kitimat is uniquely equipped with natural and timeless strategic advantages. These include, but are not limited to:

  1. Asia Pacific Location on the Great-Circle Shipping Route
  2. Industrial Tracts of Land at Tidewater and in Adjacent Valley
  3. Private Port Model: Proponents Build, Own and Operate or Share Facilities
  4. Gateway to/from Continental North America
  5. Energy and Technology Hub
  6. Staggering Manufacturing Performance
  7. Municipality has Low Debt and No Development Cost Charges
  8. Skilled Labour Force
  9. Education Capacity and Training Resources 
  10. Pacific Inland Coast Lifestyle

Details on each of these merits can be viewed in the following document:

Energy Hub

Kitimat is one of Western Canada's emerging energy hubs.   LNG export, natural gas liquid handling, bitumen export, condensate import, co-generation power facilities, aggregate processing and new hydro projects are in place or under discussion.  Untapped oil & gas basins in this region--see map below--may help the Port of Kitimat become a centre of oil and gas exploration.  Tank farms, pipelines and speciality supply service providers could support this new industry.

Community Statistics

The following tables provide a comprehensive statistical profile of Kitimat.  Please contact Economic Development if you require additional information.  We respond quickly and professionally to investment inquiries.  Additional statistical publications--including Kitimat Profile are provided under the Resident's tab.