Vancouver THE FACTS ECONOMY AND LABOUR FORCE

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1 THE FCTS City: Vancouver Major Cities: Vancouver (with 13 municipalities located in Metro Vancouver) Country: Canada Population: 2,419,700 Population Density: people/km 2 Sex Profile: Male: 49%; Female: 51% (2011) Governance Structure: Mayor-Council ECONOMY ND LBOUR FORCE Occupational Typology (C/S/W): 34.4% / 47.6% / 16.7% Top Employers: ge Profile: (based on 2011 population of 2,313,325) Years Population Share < , % ,617, % > , % Company Employment University of British Columbia 10,000 15,000 Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences 7,500 10,000 TELUS Corp. 7,500 10,000 Simon Fraser Health Region 7,500 10,000 The Jim Pattison Group 7,500 10,000 ir Canada 5,000 7,500 Canada Safeway Ltd. 5,000 7,500 Insurance Corp. of British Columbia 5,000 7,500 Providence Health Care 5,000 7,500 Royal Bank of Canada 2,500 5,000 1

2 Labour Force Distribution by Sector: Total labour force (2006): 1,169,725 Industry Proportion of Total griculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 1.19% Construction 6.27% Manufacturing 8.36% Trade, Transportation (and Warehousing), Utilities 22.05% Information and Cultural Industries 3.60% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 9.19% Finance and Insurance 4.76% Education and Health Services (and social assistance) 16.27% Leisure and Hospitality 10.17% Public dministration 3.77% Other Services 5.05% GDP: $87.2B (2003) Economic Growth Rate: +4.5% in 2010 Greenest City 2020 Vancouver has long been hailed as one of the most liveable cities in the world, and was ranked the world s most liveable city 5 years in a row until 2011, according to a survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit. The City of Vancouver is working to enhance this living experience by implementing the Greenest City 2020 ction Plan, which aims to make Vancouver the Greenest City in the world by It s goals cover a multitude of areas, including improving its green economy, climate leadership, green buildings, green transportation, access to nature, ecological footprint, clean water, clean air, local food and achieving zero-waste all by the year The city already derives 93% of its energy from renewable resources and is working to develop neighbourhood-scale renewable energy projects. It also hopes to increase the provision of green jobs and green buildings, having just implemented the greenest building code in North merica. Vancouver s geography limits outward growth therefore, the city is working to increase the density of its neighbourhoods, allowing for mixed-use developments and shorter transit trips in general. It will encourage walking, cycling and public transportation as the primary modes of transportation to and from the city. lready having achieved environmental excellence (for example, having the smallest per capita carbon footprint of any city in North merica), this plan will set in motion Vancouver s transition toward being one of the greenest cities in North merica. This initiative is not only important for attracting creative people but also for retaining them. Vancouver is already hailed one of the most liveable cities in the world, but being one of the greenest also will attract Creative Class workers who are looking to improve the quality of their lives. Vancouver is able to provide a living space that not only enhances physical and environmental health, but that also provides creative, active people the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment, not just the concrete masses that are characteristic of big cities. 2

3 TLENT SCORECRD Talent Score Justification Educated Population: K 8 (Primary) Educated Population: 9 12 (Secondary) Educated Population: Post-secondary Educational Institutions: College Educational Institutions: University B+ + B With 92.7% of the population with an education from K 8, Vancouver scores highly in this category. Data is for the year In 1996, 33.3% of the population had a secondary school education. This figure should be higher for a creative city, and working to educate its youthful population should become a goal for the Greater Vancouver Regional District s creative city strategy. More specifically, 91.5% of young adults (19 to 24 years) in the BC labour force had a high school graduation certificate. pproximately 6.3% of Vancouver s population age 15 years and over had a university certificate, diploma below a Bachelor s level. The proportion of citizens with a university certificate, diploma or degree at Bachelor s level or higher was 24.6%. pproximately 18.1% of the nation s population aged 15 years and over had a university certificate, diploma or degree at Bachelor s level or above. The Greater Vancouver area is home to approximately 20 public and private colleges and institutes offering postsecondary qualifications. There are currently only 3 universities located in the GVRD, one of which is in Time s Higher Educations, Top 100 Universities by Reputation The University of British Columbia is currently ranked 25th in the world. Education Spending B- British Columbia as a whole spent 3.6% of its provincial GDP on education before the Liberals were elected in In , that percentage dropped to 3.3%. In 2008, the nation spent 4.8% of its total GDP on education. 3

4 Talent Score Justification Creative Class Share 34.4% of the population works in creative occupations based on the breakdown of population workforce employment data. This is a significant percentage, indicating an overall well-educated and talented population. Overall score for talent B+ With 27.01% of its population age 15 and over with a high school certificate or equivalent as their highest educational attainment and 24.64% of its population with a university degree, diploma or certificate at a bachelors degree or higher, the proportion of Vancouver s population with a high school education and university education exceeds the national average. Furthermore, Vancouver is home to a world-renowned university ranked as 25th in the world. Despite this however, education spending in British Columbia is still relatively low, as is the overall proportion of educated citizens. 4

5 TECHNOLOGY SCORECRD Technology Score Justification Patents B+ ccording to OECD, the Greater Vancouver rea surpassed any other Canadian city issuing science and technology patents in the year In comparison to other global cities, Sydney, ustralia had a total of 525 patents in 2009 while Paris, France had patents. Innovation Between 1999 and 2009, the number of patents in Greater Vancouver grew by 28%. This indicates that the GVRD is experiencing a relatively high, and growing rate of innovation, which contributes to its high grade in this section. Furthermore, it continues to house competitive local industries that have developed a global reputation in fields like clean technology and planning for sustainability, biotechnology, digital media and film and TV production. ccording to theatlanticcities.com, it placed 20th on the Innovation Rank of the top 25 most economically powerful cities in the world. Job Growth B+ pproximately 66.8% of Vancouver s population participated in the labour force in The employment rate in this same year was 63%. With an unemployment rate of 7.3% in 2011, Vancouver s unemployment rate has increased by 1.7% since Furthermore, the GVRD accounts for over half of all BC jobs, and has been the primary source of job growth in BC since the mid-1990s. Creative Class Share High-Tech Index Sustainability/ Green Economy B % of the population works in creative occupations based on the breakdown of population workforce employment data. ccording to Richard Florida (2009), Vancouver showed the greatest increase in ranking among the top ten metros for software publishing. It moved from 14th place in 2003 to 9th place in ccording to Siemens, Vancouver was the 2nd greenest city in North merica (out of 25 cities), with a score of 81.3, only 2 points behind San Francisco at 83.8 It derives 93% of its power from renewable sources and boasts over 200 parks and 18 miles of waterfront in the metro area. It has also begun a 100-year plan for sustainability and plans to be carbon neutral by this year. Furthermore, it aims to reduce its GHG emissions by 80% by the year 2050 (from 1990 levels). 5

6 Technology Score Justification Entrepreneurship B+ In 2008, BC launched a $90 million CD venture capital fund, the BC Renaissance Capital Fund (BCRCP) to provide assistance to start-up companies in the technology and life sciences sector. The overall goal of the BCRCP is to grow and retain technology and talent within BC s borders. This fund is an important step forward in retaining entrepreneurs, as many have been lost to bigger high-tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Overall score for technology - High patent growth between , strong efforts to support and encourage entrepreneurship within the city and its #2 spot for sustainability in North merica award Vancouver an - in this overall category. 6

7 TOLERNCE SCORECRD Tolerance Score Justification Diversity pproximately 39.6% of the population in Vancouver is foreign born. Immigration + Between 2001 and 2006, Vancouver s foreign-born population saw an increase of 12.6%, compared to a growth rate of 2.3% in the Canadian-born population. In 2006, foreign-born people accounted for 39.6% of the Vancouver metropolitan area s total population. In 2006, its proportion of foreignborn people surpassed that of Miami (36.5%), Los ngeles (34.7%), Sydney (31.7%), and Melbourne (28.9%). It was second only to Toronto, whose foreign-born population represented 45.7% of the total population. Visible Minority Based on 2006 population data, 42% of Greater Vancouver s population is a visible minority. Integration - Multiculturalism + Considering the GVRD s high immigration rate and the dispersal of immigrant people across the city, Vancouver receives an - in this category. lthough much of Vancouver s sian population is dispersed throughout the city (both high-income and low-income areas), much of Vancouver s South-East sian population is concentrated in municipalities like Surrey and Delta. In 1988, City Council adopted a Civic Policy on Multicultural Relations, which recognized diversity as a strength and highlighted the importance of access to civic services for all residents regardless of background. It encourages all residents of Vancouver to approach civic departments and personnel to learn about and take advantage of the services that the city provides for all its residents. Gay and Lesbian Population Religious Diversity B Out Traveler (a gay and lesbian travel magazine) named Vancouver as one of the top 5 gay cities in Canada. lthough much of its gay population and entertainment is concentrated along one main street (Davie Street), it still boasts over a dozen gay bars, nightclubs and restaurants along that strip. Furthermore, one of the top clubs in Vancouver (Celebrities Nightclub) is also a gay club, hosting one straight night a week and internationally renown DJ s on Friday nights, increasing exposure and frequent contact with the city s gay population. Just under half of the population identify themselves as Christian. Buddhists comprise 6.9% of the population, Sikhs 2.8%, Jews 1.8%, Muslims 1.8%, and the Hindu community 1.1%. 42.3% of the population identify themselves as being non-religious. 7

8 Tolerance Score Justification Openness The GVRD s policies on multiculturalism, its support of a proud gay community, and its overall integration of its immigrant population prove that it is generally very open to different cultures and lifestyles, making it an attractive place to live for creative populations. Civil Rights + Bohemians + The GVRD is located in Canada, a country with strong civil rights laws. In 2010, Vancouver ranked 3rd in the Top 10 Bohemian Large Metros according to Richard Florida. It scored on the Boho Index Score, ranking behind Los ngeles and New York, which had scores of and respectively. Overall score for tolerance Vancouver s high visible minority population, high rates of immigration, its high level of integration, its celebration of multiculturalism and its tolerance towards LGBTQ populations award Vancouver an in this category. 8

9 MENITIES ND QULITY OF PLCE SCORECRD menities and Quality of Place The SOBs (Symphony, Opera, Ballet) Museums Entertainment and Nightlife Score B Justification Vancouver is home to one of each SOB. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra is the largest performing arts organization west of Ontario and the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada. It has an annual attendance of over 200,000 and performs over 140 concerts a year. Vancouver Opera is currently the second largest opera company in Canada. It is renowned not only for its mainstage productions but also for its country-leading education programs and its award-winning community programs. Ballet BC is based in Vancouver and is BC s only professional ballet company. It is a contemporary ballet company that is dedicated to the creation of new works. Vancouver has approximately nine different major museums with varying specialties. The city s major museums and galleries feature over 600 exhibitions every year. Vancouver has four main districts for entertainment; the Granville strip, Gas Town, the gay district along Davie Street and Yaletown. These areas are populated with bars, clubs and lounges. Entertainment (bars and clubs) are restricted almost exclusively to these areas, making the nightlife very mainstream and limiting the choice available to residents. Furthermore, the nightlife in the city is often quite expensive, with many clubs charging $15 20 for entrance charges alone. For this reason, it received a B. Crime Rate C+ In 2010, there were 1,308 violent crimes per 100,000 people. The only other Canadian cities that surpass Vancouver in this year were Victoria, BC (1,390); Winnipeg, MB (1,430); Halifax, NS (1,552); Regina, SK (1,613); and Saskatoon, SK (1,768). In 2010, Vancouver s violent crime score was 55% above the national average. However, in the last decade the city s crime rate has decreased by 49%, making it the most improved city in the nation. However, it still ranks 18th on the crime severity index, giving it its overall grade of C+. Recreation Facilities Neighbourhoods B Vancouver is home to 22 regional parks that help to protect and preserve habitat for wildlife. It contains over 200 parks and has different recreational facilities ranging from indoor and outdoor ice rinks, swimming pools, curling rinks and many more. There are also hundreds of public and private golf courses across the metro area. While neighborhoods like Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown and Kitsilano have a distinct character (albeit a rather expensive one, with the exception of Chinatown), much of the GVRD lacks such distinction. Furthermore, high living costs make it difficult for artists and musicians to develop a cultural neighborhood of their own. 9

10 menities and Quality of Place Score Justification Scenes - Vancouver s music scene covers a range of genres; Rock, Folk, Hip Hop, Reggae, Latin, Jazz, Blues and a large underground electronic music scene. VanMusic is a music blog that highlights the very best of Vancouver s independent music scene. They support local talent by promoting both emerging artist s new music as well as the venues at which these artists will be performing. Furthermore, Vancouver is home to the annual Khatsahlano! Music and rt Festival. It promotes local music and entertainment by hosting local artisans, street performers, patio parties, sidewalk sales and a lineup of local music acts along Vancouver s West 4th venue in Kitsilano. Vancouver s art scene is one that both embraces both local and contemporary influence. Native merican art is both widely popular and celebrated in Vancouver, as is exhibited by the dedication toward such art in UBC s Museum of nthropology. While the city does not have a commercial art market, it is home to more experimental art (and has a federally funded artist-run-centre program to support these emerging artists). Lastly, Vancouver is home to the biannual Vancouver Fashion Week and the Eco Fashion Week which showcase not only local talent, but also award-winning talents from fashion capitals like London, Milan and Paris as well as designers from sia Pacific, South merica and other European countries like Germany and Norway. Vancouver is now also home to the first ever Vancouver Men s Fashion Week. Public Transit Bike Paths Vancouver s Sky-Train system has improved vastly over the last decade, extending out to Richmond (and the YVR irport), Surrey, New Westminster, Coquitlam and Burnaby. Other areas are serviced by buses and by the SeaBus. The fares are relatively accessible and feature unique ticketing measures that encourage city residents to use the system. There are currently 400 kilometres of bike lanes in the city. ccording to the City of Vancouver website, there are more than 3,500 cyclists that bike every day. n estimated 15.9% of Vancouver residents cycle or walk to work, with 41.4% of downtown and west end residents cycling or walking to work. This not only supports a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, but also improves the overall traffic congestion and air quality in the city. 10

11 menities and Quality of Place Civic Capital (NGOs, Non-Profits) Score B Justification Vancouver is home to a plethora of different NGOs and nonprofits ranging in specialty from environmental stewardship and awareness to capacity building in poor and marginalized communities throughout the world. EarthSave Canada is just one organization that aims to raise awareness about sustainability and healthy food choices. It seeks to help Vancouverites make better choices about the food they eat; helping them find foods that benefits their health, the environment and animals. Other Vancouver-based organizations like FCE (Facilitating ctive Community Empowerment) Humanitarian Society work to strengthen the capacity of marginalized communities in developing countries and to empower people to better their own lives. lthough none of Vancouver s NGOs are the Global Journal s Top 100 NGOs, there are still plenty of NGOs and non-profits working to make a difference on both the local and international scale. Built Form Investment B+ With regards to historic, and culturally unique buildings and architecture, Vancouver ranks relatively low. This is due in part to the fact that the majority of buildings in the city of Vancouver are glass structures. This reduces the uniqueness of building character, but gives the city an overall modern feel. Vancouver condos are world renowned for their architecture. Infrastructure (Utilities, Roads, etc.) Overall score for amenities and quality of place B+ - While there are no major shortcomings in Vancouver s infrastructure, the mayors have expressed concern about implementing a new 10-year plan to address the declining condition of the city s roads, bridges and sewers. This plan is being requested despite a recent (2009) allotment of $80 million for 26 infrastructure projects. The money was allotted as follows; $16 million for road improvements; $36 million for sewer and water upgrades; $13 million for municipal buildings, and $14 million towards Stanley Park for road paving, seawall repairs and improvements to the Malkin Bowl. The region ranks relatively well in amenities, however its high crime rates reduced its overall score to an -. 11

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