Invest in Kitimat

Growth and Opportunity Information

There has never been a better time to invest in Kitimat. Kitimat’s current economic climate provides unique opportunities in the following sectors.

Energy

The energy sector is emerging as the future of Kitimat’s local economy. LNG Canada’s 2018 decision to construct a $40 billion LNG export facility in Kitimat has sent the community into a phase of hyperactivity. Beyond the initial investment, LNG Canada has indicated plans to fully utilize its pipeline capacity and double its export capacity in a second phase of development which is still awaiting final investment decision.

Approximately 670 kilometres long, the Coastal GasLink pipeline will safely deliver natural gas from northeastern B.C. to the LNG Canada facility in Kitimat, B.C. After Coastal GasLink delivers the natural gas to the LNG Canada facility, LNG Canada will prepare it for export to global markets by converting the gas to a liquefied state.

Kitimat is also home to the proposed Cedar LNG project. An abundance of LNG activity truly demonstrates that the energy export sector is emerging as a future driver for the local, provincial, and national economies.

Construction

The construction industry is synergistically aligned with Kitimat’s economy. Abundant construction-related opportunities exist alongside major industrial and commercial projects. However, beyond commercial and industrial construction, Kitimat is seeing investments in residential construction as more people call Kitimat home. Kitimat is in need of residential, commercial, and industrial construction and contracting firms.

International Trade

Kitimat has been safely, effectively, and efficiently connecting Canada to international markets for 65 years. Kitimat’s advantages of having a deep-water, ice-free port, one of North America’s shortest shipping routes to Asian markets, and rail transportation infrastructure to connect with central Canada and the American heartland situates Kitimat as one of North America’s best port locations. A skilled workforce and a supportive community create additional opportunity for Kitimat to continue to emerge as a premier west coast hub for international trade.

Businesses and Services

With Kitimat in a period of growth there is ample opportunity for a variety of businesses across sectors to establish and flourish. Numerous business services are presently in high demand to serve community residents, visitors and industrial workforces alike. This service gap is expected to increase exponentially in the coming years as the number of people in Kitimat is poised to double during this period of hyperactivity.

Kitimat needs retail, food and beverage services, professional services, and industrial support businesses to provide the community and industrial proponents with necessary and desired goods and services. We invite you to be a part of the unprecedented economic growth happening right now.

Select Municipal Projects

Logistics and Accessibility Information

By Water

Kitimat sits on the coast of the Douglas Channel. The Douglas Channel is deep and wide and offers safe shipping access to Asian and other international markets. There are currently two major industries which are operating private ports out of Kitimat as well as other proposed projects lined up to take advantage of Kitimat’s opportunities. The Douglas Channel route offers:

• 1-2 days faster shipping to Asia than most other North American west coast ports
• Direct connection to CN’s North American network
• Deep, ice-free harbour at a channel depth of 190-570 m year round
• Private, business-friendly ports

Port inquiries can be directed to TNC Agencies at 250-632-2221

By Land

Kitimat is connected to North American markets by rail and many North American trade destinations can often be reached quicker from Kitimat than most other west coast locations. The current rail line terminates at Rio Tinto B.C. Works wharf. There is ample opportunity for expanded rail infrastructure throughout the community.

Well-maintained highways make quick trips from Kitimat to elsewhere in the Province. Whether it is for trucking and transportation, or other commercial activities, reach the rest of B.C. quickly.

• Prince Rupert: 2.5 hours (218 km)
• Terrace: 1 hour (74 km)
• Prince George: 7.5 hours (643 km)
• Vancouver: 16.5 hours (1492 km)

By Air

Northwest Regional Airport (YXT) is located 50km north of Kitimat.  YXT offers multiple daily flights to and from Vancouver International Airport and flights to and from Prince George. The airport has the largest flight service and passenger load west of Prince George and north of British Columbia’s Okanagan region.

 Kitimat is only a 1.5 hour flight away from Vancouver International Airport and connections to North American and international destinations. With a large airport situated in proximity to both Kitimat and Terrace and a small airpark just outside of Kitimat, we have your travel needs covered.

Executive Flight Centre is located beside the Northwest Regional Airport (YXT) and offers fuel services, an industrial charter terminal, aerodrome management, cargo services and ground handling.

Internet Connectivity

Kitimat is also well-positioned to support online activity. With 50/10+ Broadband speed and Fiber Optic connectivity throughout the community, there is no fear of being disconnected.

Current Major Projects

Kitimat is an industry-friendly community situated at the head of the Douglas Channel. Kitimat has superior transportation connectivity to global, national, and provincial markets through it’s airport (YXT), railway, highway, private ports, and marinas. The community is a preferred location to accommodate future industry expansion from BC and around the globe.  See our current major projects here.

 Resource Library

• Starting a Business Guide
• Transportation Guide
• Strategic Sectors Guide
• Annual Reports Page
• Biannual Economic Development Reports