Squamish: The New Digital Capital of Canada?

An Emerging Digital Squamish

Better known for its world class outdoors, here’s five reasons Squamish is well on its way to be known as the next digital capital of Canada.

1) Look Who’s In Town Already

Unknown to even locals, Squamish boosts a number of growing businesses that thrive from being online and servicing companies across the globe. Venture Web a full service digital agency focusing on adventure companies and tourism has been in business since 2006. Marwick Internet Marketing based on Cleveland Avenue helps businesses and brands of all sizes dominate their sector online; national clients include Great Canadian Oil Change, Canadian Tire and Guildford Town Centre. Yet it’s their support to local companies like contractors, realtors, hotels and vets that drive their business across BC. EUX are another fine example of Squamish’s growing digital sector; their focus is on application development and user experience.

In addition to these great companies,  Squamish is also home to Pinkbike, Squamish Adventure and more emerging digitally based companies.

As more people from the lower mainland move their business base to relocate in Squamish, it’s likely we’ll see these brands capture more city talent and continue to grow.

2) Canadian Internet Marketing Conference

The people spoke and the conference returned! In 2015 the first ever Canadian Internet Marketing Conference was held in Squamish. over 300 business owners and marketing professionals arrive to Squamish from as far away as Texas and Hawaii to learn about digital marketing.

An after conference survey 9/10 people said they would want to see the conference held in Squamish again, as it felt like a getaway from the typical hotel conference room vibe.

The 2016 Canadian Internet Marketing Conference held on the 14th and 15th of April, has attracted big names like Andrea Stairs managing director at eBay Canada, Gabe Mederos social media manager at Telus and Jennifer Campbell general manager at Canada Post.

The conference shines a big digital marketing light on Squamish.

Local Squamish and Whistler businesses can attend with a locals only of 50% off using code “S2S” 

Click here to find out more information on the Canadian Internet Marketing Conference and to redeem your discount code

3) RecTech Job Fair

WorkBC Employment Services Centre in Squamish held its first dedicated Rec-Tech job fair in 2015, with rumors of its return for 2016. The job fair was well attended and is another sign that Squamish is going digital.

4) Location and Desire

This past year has been a record breaking year for home sales. The Squamish secret is out and people from all over are snapping up property to live in Squamish. Check out  5 Reasons Why Squamish is a Great Place to call home to see why!

Being closer to their outdoor adventures, let still within striking distance of downtown Vancouver. People with skills in application development, software development, web design, digital marketing, social media and really anything internet based are bringing the work with them. As these companies grow expect to see more digital jobs in Squamish.

5) Squamish District’s New Position: Community Digital Strategy

It’s not just the private sector looking to digital. The District is looking to enter into an agreement with a specific company or individual to assist with the preparation of a Digital Strategy and action plan.
The strategy should not be solely focused on District Services. The District recently developed an Application Technology Roadmap, a 4-year plan to overhaul and replace internal systems and software with the goal of improving service to the public. Although this represents a piece of the Community Digital Strategy, a strategy for the Community as a whole is still needed which may include elements such as a more connected community, growth for the technology sector, and more open and transparent government.

As we continue to shift to an evermore digitally connected world, Squamish is poised to be the next digital capital of Canada. If you want to learn more about this industry be sure to check out the Canadian Internet Marketing Conference coming to Squamish in April.