Kamloops is getting to be known as the Tournament Capital of Canada. With world class recreational facilities we draw visitors from across Canada and into the USA. Tourism contributes to Kamloops' economy in a big way. Aside from Tourism Kamloops has a diverse strong local economy. Below are some of the largest and best paying employers in the Kamloops area:
1) INTERIOR HEALTH AUTHORITY: ~3000 EMPLOYEES
2) SCHOOL DISTRICT: - 2000 EMPLOYEES
To insure that no child is left behind in Kamloops school district 73 has about 2000 employees to help enrich the minds of every Kamloops student hoping to become tomorrows Doctor, Nurse, Musician etc.
3) THOMPSON RIVERS UNIVERSITY(TRU): 1725 EMPLOYEES
"Nowhere in Canada has the evolution of post-secondary education been more dramatic than in Kamloops, BC. The last two decades have seen a transition from community college to an innovative university-college, and now to a full provincial university with a unique mandate. Thompson Rivers University really is a different kind of university." TRU website.
TRU is best know for its business degrees and excellent trades programs. Drawing thousands of international students to Kamloops every year due to low tuition fees and great geographical/living standards TRU continues to be an excellent economic source for Kamloops. Going forward, TRU continues to focus on international student retention and attraction and will be adding a Law program to attract more students to the area.
4) HIGHLAND COPPER MINED: 1134 EMPLOYEES
Highland Valley Copper Mine is located in Logan Lake. The majority of its workers live and play in Kamloops. With some of the best paying jobs with the best benefits it is no surprise that a job a Highland Valley is greatly sought after.
5) CITY OF KAMLOOPS: 630 EMPLOYEES
6) DOMTAR: 448 EMPLOYEES
BC has the best wood fibre (kraft) in the world. This fibre can be found in paper that is used around the world. Domtar is one of the largest producers of market kraft pulp. Kamloops is the only owned and operated plant in Western North America. It has capacity of 477,000 tonnes. There has been 350 million invested in capital improvements since 1984; $80 million since 2000. In 2008 it was rewarded with the BC Export Award for Sustainability.
7) BC LOTTERY CORPORATION: 433 EMPLOYEES
With a goal to conduct and manage gambling in a socially responsible manner for the benefit of British Columbians the BCLC has been doing business for 25 years. In 2011, for the second year in a row BCLC has been officially recognized as one of the Top 100 Employers in Canada. In addition to being named to the Top 100, BCLC received topprovincial honours for the fifth year in a row, as well as being name a Top Employer for Canadians over 40 and a Top Family-Friendly Employer.
8) CANADIAN NATIONAL AND CANADIAN PACIFIC RAIL: 400 -450 EMPLOYEES
Kamloops has long been a transportation hub do to our geographical location. Hundreds of well paid employees with good benefits that work for the CP and CN rail call Kamloops home.
9) NEW GOLD (OLD AFTON): 350 EMPLOYEES (FUTURE)
There was nearly $1 billion spent on mine development in 2010 with a good portion of that spent here in Kamloops. New Gold Afton is the main driver of those investment dollars. Aside from the New Gold mine there are two potential mines in the area that are getting serious attention. A Heffley Creek area mine which has little support from the surrounding communities and the Ajax mine which has a good chance of getting into production. The Ajax mine is currently making its way through the province's environmental process. If the Ajax mine goes into production it would mean an additional 400 or so well paying jobs and millions of dollars to the local economy.
It is these employers and others that make Kamloops such a great place to live and invest. With real estate still very much affordable Kamloops is very attractive to live and work.
Interested in buying or selling in Kamloops? visit
www.century21.ca/andrew.thompson
