Metro Vancouver’s industrial lands are hardly the sexiest of business topics, but they’re vital in keeping the region connected to the global supply chain. These locations serve various purposes, such as warehousing, manufacturing, and supporting emerging tech and e-commerce businesses. That means the health of these spaces directly influences any local company that works with physical products. 

Thing is, Metro Vancouver’s industrial lands are in trouble. They cover only four percent of the region (11,500 hectares), which — by multiple metrics — isn’t enough to support current demands, let alone the increasing pressure as the population grows.

Why should Vancouver’s business community care? The vitality and maintenance of these areas is of significant importance to the region’s economy and its local companies — which is likely why Mayor Ken Sim promised in his election campaign that he would build an Industrial and Tech Land Reserve (though the city has yet to see it implemented.) If Metro Vancouver doesn’t have the infrastructure to support companies that rely on physical products, it will lose out to other locations in Western Canada with cheaper accessible land — and it’s already missed out on $494 million in GDP from businesses moving to Calgary in the last five years.

To consider the state of the city’s industrial lands, the Metro Vancouver Regional District has released a report on their economic impact, and how they can be improved. Good news — we read all the dry bits, so you don’t have to. Here’s your primer, along with some key takeaways.

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