APRIL 2016
   
Business Counts - April 2016
Regional Statistics & Research Update
Comox Valley Economic Development's services include the collection and provision of economic data and statistics about the region. To view additional resources click here.
 

76 single-family homes sold in the Comox Valley in March 2016, 21 more than March 2015, a 38% increase. 12 months-to-date single-family unit sales are were 853, an 11% increase over the same period last year. The average single-family unit selling price for March 2016 was $393,493 a 13% increase over March 2015. 12 months-to-date average sell price is $370,448 a 4% increase over the same period last year.
Source: VIREB Graph Stats Comox Valley   
     
 
employment Labour Force
 
The BC unemployment rate remained unchanged from 6.6% in January 2016 to 6.6% in February 2016. The labour force grew by 0.6% and the participation rate fell 0.3%. The number of employed increased 0.6% and the number of unemployed grew 0.6% January to February. The Vancouver Island/Coast Development region's 3-month moving average unemployment rate saw a 0.4% increase from 7.1% to 7.4% in February from January, with an decrease of 3,100 employed.
Source: Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, Highlights prepared by BC Stats 
* Data is Seasonally Adjusted 
 
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Consumer Price Index 
 
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in BC rose 1.6% in February 2016 over February 2015. The inflation rate falls from 1.6% to 1.3% when food is excluded and rises to 2.1% when energy is excluded. The CPI in metropolitan areas of BC, Victoria and Vancouver, rose 1.4% and 1.8% respectively. Canada's CPI increased by 1.4% in February, with New Brunswick having the highest increase (1.8%) and Quebec having the lowest (1.0%).
Source: Statistics Canada Consumer Price Index, Highlights prepared by BC Stats  
 
news
News & Events
 
BC Seafood Expo Update
 
Two Sessions for the BC Seafood Expo have been announced. Dr. Dick Beamish, Emeritus Scientist at the Pacific Biological Station in Nanaimo, B.C., will be the speaker for the Keynote Lunch Presentation - Pacific Salmon: Past Lesson & Future Outlook. Moderator Sandy Moreland - Moreland Group has brought together key opinion leaders for the Panel Presentation - BC Seafood.... You'll Love It! Speakers include: Chef Ned Bell - Chefs for Oceans, Richard Hardy - K'omoks First Nation Pentlatch, Mike Denike - Sundance Seafood and Professor Tony Farrell - University of British Columbia. Visit the BC Seafood Expo website to find updates on the Expo and Register Now to receive Early Bird Savings .
 
Record Breaking Year at Comox Airport
351,530 passengers went through the Comox Airport in 2015, an all-time record high. That is a 40% increase over their first year in the new terminal in 2004. Read more about the Comox Airport's success and other news here.  
   
Agrifood Technology Receives Funding from BC Government
Bioenterpise BC, a not-for-profit organization that helps promote the creation and expansion of 'agri-technology" businesses is slated to receive $800,00 over the next 4 years. Bioenterprise BC will support the commercialization of innovations in agriculture and help increase agri-food revenue. Read more here

Ladies Learning Code: WordPress & Blogging

April 9 - 10:00 am - 4:00 pm 
North Island College

If you're new to blogging, this course will help take your writing to the next level. In this workshop, you'll learn how to use the popular WordPress CMS platform to create an eye-catching blog that will stand out amongst the rest. We'll teach you how to use the features included in the free version, WordPress.com, to customize your site and create compelling, Google-friendly content that will keep your readers coming back for more. Register Now. 
  
BC Shellfish & Seafood Festival Launch Success

 The Vancouver Launch Event for the 10th Annual BC Shellfish and Seafood Festival was a huge success with over 220 industry leaders, producers, exporters, buyers and media were in attendance and enjoyed incredible seafood presented by 6 Executive Chefs, including Chef Ronald St. Pierre of Locals Restaurant and Chef Jasen Gauthier of Avenue Bistro and some of BC`s finest producers. Read more here.

Ministry of International Trade Regional Outreach Seminar a Success

The Ministry of International Trade Regional Outreach Seminar saw over 25 attendees attend to learn about Renminbi Internationalization, Trading with China and how to capitalize as a BC Exporter. To view presentations from the seminar, click here.