Local Economy

This section offers information about the economic landscape of West Vancouver, including employment rates, local industries, and workforce characteristics. Understanding the local economy supports strategies for economic development, job creation, and sustainable growth.

Local Labour Force

West Vancouver’s labour force participation rate declined from 58% to 52% in the past two decades, while the regional rate remained stable at 66%. During this period, the working-age population (25 – 64 years) declined by approximately 750 individuals (a 6% decrease). By contrast, the region maintained a steady working-age population at 57%.

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Figure: Labour participation rate, West Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, 2001 – 2021 Census (Labour force is the population aged 15 years and over in the labour force)

Meanwhile, West Vancouver's unemployment rate increased by 4.1% to 9.4%, compared to a 1.4% rise in the regional rate to 8.6%. This shrinking workforce relates to hiring challenges for local businesses and a contrast between local jobs and the skills of local residents.

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Figure: Unemployment rate, West Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, 2001 – 2021 Census
West Vancouver's resident labour force has a higher proportion of professionals with advanced education compared to the region. In 2021, the top three occupations among West Vancouver residents were in finance, law, and sales, whereas the region’s top occupations were in sales, trades, and finance. Often, West Vancouver’s local employment opportunities differ from the professional career paths prevalent among residents.

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Figure: Occupations of resident labour force, West Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, 2021 Census

Local Labour Market

Commuting patterns indicate a reduction in work-related travel to West Vancouver. The number of workers commuting into the District decreased from 10,975 in 2001 to 9,805 in 2021, representing a loss of approximately 60 jobs per year over two decades. Although the COVID-19 pandemic influenced commuter patterns, an overall decline has been evident since 2001.

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Figure: Commuting flow count pattern into West Vancouver, 2001 - 2021 Census

Local Industry

The average construction year of West Vancouver’s commercial buildings is 1976 (making most commercial properties nearly 50 years old). Only around 14% of West Vancouver’s commercial building stock was constructed in the 21st century. Older buildings are typically less energy-efficient and are often not building code compliant for new businesses wishing to renovate them.

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Figure: Period of construction of commercial building stock, West Vancouver, 2023 BC Assessment

Local Industry Land Uses

West Vancouver has three primary commercial areas – Ambleside, Marine Drive at the foot of Taylor Way, and Horseshoe Bay – where a range of shops, services, employment, and transit options are concentrated. These three commercial areas contain over 40% of jobs in West Vancouver. However, 80% of residents live outside these areas. As a result, most residents rely on driving to access local jobs, shops and services. This in turn influences the customer base and workforce availability of local businesses.

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Figure: Locations of residents and jobs in West Vancouver, 2016 Custom Census Data