About Powell River
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Inclusivity
Powell River is an open, welcoming and inclusive community. The region is home to people from all walks of life and ethnic backgrounds. In particular, it has become a destination for international students who travel to the community to study in local schools and a new private school campus that has been established.
For many years, persons with physical and developmental disabilities have made Powell River home because of its inclusiveness and accessibility. Thanks to the work of Inclusion Powell River, one of the largest employers in the region, persons with disabilities are able to find employment in the community and pursue pastimes they wouldn’t normally to be able to experience in other centres, such as hiking trails, canoeing and sailing.
Sustainability
The City of Powell River is committed to a sustainable future. For us, a sustainable community is one with a robust, resilient economy supporting a strong, equitable, inclusive society, and within a highly functioning natural environment. It is about living well today while preparing for the future. For example, in 2009 the city adopted a Sustainability Charter, the product of citizens, community leaders, and local agencies, including the Tla’Amin First Nation, the City of Powell River, the Powell River Regional District, Vancouver Island University, School District 47 (Powell River), and Catalyst Paper. It sets out a clear statement of the region’s intention to become more sustainable over time and to work closely together to achieve that vision. Currently Community Leaders are working on an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP), which will put words into action.
Partnership
Both the City of Powell River and the surrounding region have a strong history of creating innovative partnerships to move projects forward for the betterment of the community.
In 2018, the City in partnership with the Powell River Farmers and Agriculture Institute, Vancouver Island University, School District 47 and the Tla’amin Nation produced a Farm Economy Plan with the goal of increasing food production in the region in order to create new economic activity and address concerns about food security.
In an effort to create a stronger culture of entrepreneurship and foster business innovation, the City, Tla’amin Nation, Qathet Regional District, School District 47, Powell River Community Futures, and Vancouver Island University partnered to develop a Creative Economy and Innovation Strategy. The strategy has resulted in the establishment of Coastline Colab, which provides co-working space as well as programming for new and existing entrepreneurs.
These partnerships are just a few examples of how the community works together to make things happen.
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