Ucluelet was historically a resource-based village dependant on forestry and fishing. The economy is now shifting and diversifying to include more value added industries such as tourism, real estate, retail, construction and development, and fish processing. All sectors of the economy have room to expand with over half the land in Ucluelet currently undeveloped. Flexible zoning and proactive private and public entities are nurturing existing businesses and embracing and facilitating growth in the tourism, education, health, manufacturing, technology, and industrial sectors.
Ucluelet is successfully diversifying its economy with tourism, forestry, fishing, retail, and construction and development industries dominating existing business.
Ucluelet has experienced a major increase in the number of businesses opening with the increased economic activity in the region. Issuing of business licences increased from 177 in 2001 to 327 in 2004.
The Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce is the major information resource for existing business in the area.
Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce web-site
Some of Ucluelet's Major Employers:
Robert Wholey Inc. - fish processing
Oak Bay Marine Group: The Canadian Princess / Wickaninnish Restaurant
Government of Canada:
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
and the Canadian Coast Guard
Construction and Development
There are approximately 40 construction related businesses registered with the District of Ucluelet. This is a growth sector with many employment opportunities that are likely to remain strong throughout the decade.
Fisheries
Fishing remains an important industry within the economy of Ucluelet. The community provides a number of support services for the West Coast fishing fleet which attracts non resident fishers to the community for fish processing, repairs, to re-fuel and to purchase supplies.
The following list shows species and vessels based out of Ucluelet at peak season in 2004:
• Vessels fishing salmon = 21
• Vessels fishing tuna = 44
• Vessels fishing both tuna and salmon = 22
• Dragging vessels = 18
• Gear type vessels (long line, crab, etc.) = 30
In addition, recreational/sport fishing has become a major tourism driver and recreational opportunity for visitors and residents alike. The local Thornton Creek Hatchery and other habitat restoration efforts managed by local residents are playing important roles in sustaining and rebuilding salmon stocks in the area.
Industrial and Manufacturing
Ucluelet is embracing industrial and manufacturing activities and is providing zoning and construction incentives to facilitate the development of these sectors. The creation of an "Eco-Industrial Park" which provides land for both residents and small business operators is an example of unique growth planning.
Forestry
The Forestry industry remains a cornerstone of the Ucluelet economy.
In September 2004 the BC Provincial Government "invited" Ucluelet to apply for a Community Forest License; to harvest 25,000 cubic metres of fibre annually. Once this is secured the community hopes to partner with local First Nations and possibly others to create a joint partnership which could see a 75,000 cubic metre annual cut. This would result in an estimated 44 direct jobs and 110 indirect jobs.
Land use strategies in this Forestry initiative will include incorporating forestry activities, recreation activities, tourism and other non-forestry related activities such a hydro-electric generation.
Tourism
The tourism industry is Ucluelet’s fastest growing sector for many reasons. This growth is occurring because of the wide range of recreational opportunities, community special events, and Ucluelet’s close proximity to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Barkley Sound and Clayoquot Sound. . The recreational experiences drawing people to the area include: fishing, surfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, scuba diving, nature viewing of all kinds, and much, much more.
Tourism development is occurring throughout the community. Future tourism infrastructure within and around Ucluelet may include a multi-use sports field, community centre, Wild Pacific Trail expansion, skateboard park, outdoor lit basketball court, new pedestrian pathways on ancillary roads, and a waterfront promenade along the inner side of the Ucluth Peninsula. A number of proposed resort developments, pubs, and restaurants have already been announced along with plans for commercial wharfage with floatplane access, restaurants, retail space, and hotels. Ucluelet is taking a proactive role in extending the tourism season into the fall and winter months by promoting storm watching.
Ucluelet is embracing sustainable tourism development strategies to insure the long-term prosperity of the tourism sector. Sustainable tourism aids in preserving the sense of community that flourishes in Ucluelet, the very reason why it is starting to be such a sought-after destination.
Regional Tourism
Ucluelet is surrounded by tourism attractions. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve flanks Ucluelet and includes the Long Beach and the Broken Group Islands. Hosting close to one million visits each year, the park provides outstanding outdoor recreational pursuits for families and back-country wilderness enthusiasts alike. Visitors to Pacific Rim National Park also seek out the Wild Pacific Trail, one of Ucluelet’s best known attractions.
Visitor information can be obtained at the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Ucluelet and from the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre which is strategically located at the confluence of Highway 4 and the Tofino/Ucluelet Highway.
Retail and Services
The majority of businesses and services are located within the downtown core. The area is pedestrian friendly and convenient.
Both the Village Square and Peninsula Road retail business areas have flexible zoning to allow a multitude of uses to encourage infill to better concentrate retail activity and avoid sprawl.
For a comprehensive listing on local businesses please access the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce Website:
Home-Based Business
Home-based business is one of the fastest growing sectors in the local economy. These include beautician services and professional services; however, the majority of home-based businesses are tourism-related. As accommodation is in high demand, many residents are converting sections of their homes to include bed and breakfasts as allowed in the Single Family Residential Zone. Others have chosen to re-zone their properties to either Guest House or Vacation Rental. Zoning information is available in the Development Section of the Community Profile Document.
Municipal Tax Rates
Municipal Council members have the authority to vary tax rates between classes of property as a ratio to the residential rate.
British Columbia taxes are lower than all other Canadian provinces except Alberta.
