The Gem of Northern British Columbia - Smithers
With a compact downtown core and a population of 5,400, Smithers is the Bulkley Valley Region's economic, recreation and cultural hub, serving a regional population of approximately 15,000 people. Census statistics and recent studies highlight that Smithers has a diversified economy, including the sectors of forestry, mining and exploration, healthcare, government services, education, retail and tourism. These diversified sectors provide opportunities for cluster development and a transferable regional labour base. Smithers has a vibrant business community with over 690 active businesses, along with ample public spaces and commercial nodes, placing Smithers as a top destination for business and resident relocation in Northern BC. The Town and Airport are regional hubs supporting provincial and federal government services; mineral exploration and mining, and tourism.
The Town of Smithers provides business development support, including information on available land, statistics, grant opportunities and business workshops. We are proud to support a strong and diverse economy, reflected in the innovation of local businesses in the community.
View the Town of Smithers Economic Development Plan 2025-2030, as approved by Council on March 11, 2025.
Find the Smithers and Surrounding Area Community Profile here.
View the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako Area A’s Industrial Land Use Inventory here
BC’s Community Information Tool: This website offers a central access point for community data relating to socio-economic, infrastructure and community asset information. To access data for Smithers and other communities, please visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/connectivity-in-bc/20532/20535
Northern Development Initiative Trust's State of the North Dashboard: The State of the North report is intended to provide community and business leaders with comprehensive sector-specific and regional data that will help shed light on opportunities and inform investment decisions. The information on the site is updated quarterly as new statistics become available.
www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/state-of-the-north/
Why Invest in Smithers: Smithers is the economic, recreation and cultural hub of the Bulkley Valley. Its strength lies in its strategic location, vibrant community and skilled labour pool, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs, businesses and site selectors seeking growth and opportunity. For more information click here.
Town of Smithers Economic Development Newsletter: The Economic Development newsletter is distributed quarterly in February, May, August and November, unless urgent or important information should be sent to the business community earlier. If your business would like to be added to the newsletter distribution list, please email ecdev@smithers.ca to sign up.