Abbotsford main Industries: British Columbia

The raspberry capital of Canada, the most charitable city in Canada, the Bible Belt of Canada; These terms have all been used to describe Abbotsford, nestled in the scenic Fraser Valley just over the border from Washington state. Abbotsford is a growing community known as the “city in the country.”  It is also diverse. After Toronto and Vancouver’s metropolitan areas, Abbotsford, with an estimated population of 147,000, has the highest number of visible minorities in Canada. It is also the largest city by area in British Columbia.

Abbotsford, B.C. is a modern city that combines the hospitality of a small town with the services of a large urban centre and an all-important diversified business base.  In fact, The Conference Board of Canada has identified the local economy of Abbotsford as one of the most diverse in the country. The transportation network provides affordable, highly efficient access to the whole of North America, the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and the Asia Pacific. Home to a $1.8 billion agricultural sector, a robust aerospace cluster, and an emerging hub of tech industries, Abbotsford offers a unique advantage for the industry in various markets.

Key Sectors:

• Aerospace
• Agriculture & Value-Added Processing
• Manufacturing & Technology

 

Geographic Advantage

 

The City of Abbotsford – recognized as the Hub of British Columbia’s Fraser Valley region – is one of the fastest-growing business centres in Canada. Situated in the south-western corner of the province of British Columbia along the Canada/US border just 89 kilometres (55 miles) from the Pacific Coast, Abbotsford presents a unique value proposition for international companies looking to enter the North American market and domestic companies seeking a strategic gateway from the Pacific Northwest by air or sea.

 

Available Skilled Workforce.

• Over half the population of Abbotsford has a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree
• The median age of Abbotsford’s population is 37.9 years old
• Over half of BC’s workforce works in knowledge-based or trade-related industries, and 60% of this workforce is under 44 years of age
• Abbotsford’s unemployment rate is 4.5%, recognized as the lowest unemployment rate in Canada in 2017
• Average employee retention in British Columbia is 7.9 years

 

Aerospace

British Columbia’s aerospace sector is internationally renowned for its specialized products and services. The industry is supported by a network of schools that continue to produce highly-skilled workers. This talented multilingual workforce keeps our aerospace companies

globally competitive and recognized. With close proximity to Boeing’s final assembly lines in the Seattle area, British Columbia bridges space and culture between the Asia Pacific, the Pacific Northwest, and Canada’s growing aerospace industry.

The sector is supported by a diverse group of technology companies able to provide nimble and responsive support and solutions to the needs of industry leaders and global supply chains.

 

Agriculture & Value-Added Processing

 

Abbotsford is the Canadian hub for agri-business, with annual agricultural activity amounting to $1.8 billion within Abbotsford, which equals more than half of the Province’s total GDP in this sector. Its fertile soil, moderate climate, and abundant water supply are key factors in this sector’s success, supported by effective planning and policy development to ensure industry strength.

 

Diverse Food-Industry Challenges  

With dairy, poultry, fish, meat, and beverages dominating production, value-added specialty food products are increasing. Consumer interest in safe, high quality and sustainably produced food drive growth and innovation in this industry.

Approximately 290 square kilometers of farmland in Abbotsford is home to 1,307 farms. The availability of local produce and livestock creates enormous opportunities for value-added production. 

The Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) is a Provincial land use zone designated in 1973, in which agriculture is recognized as a priority use. Within the ALR, farming is encouraged, on-farm processing is permitted, and non-agricultural uses are controlled. There are 71,865 hectares of ALR land within the Fraser Valley Regional District, of which 27,413 hectares are within Abbotsford. ALR land represents approximately 75% of Abbotsford’s overall land base, signaling how important this sector is to the community both now and into the future.

Abbotsford already boasts a wealth of opportunity and economic activity of all kinds, but it is also a community where the pace of life can suddenly slow from one street to the next and where children can grow up in safety. At Valley Personnel, we build lasting relationships to create the best fit for you.  If you’re a  company looking for an executive or other qualified office staff to grow your business? Are you a qualified professional looking for a new career or a new position in the Fraser Valley? Visit our website to learn more about how our qualified recruiting team can meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

 

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