Economic Development

The Community Profile and Investment Guide for the City of Dawson Creek is an indicator of the economic well-being of the community and intends to give prospective residents and entrepreneurs an overview of the character and potential of the City of Dawson Creek and its service area.

To review the entire Guide please click the link below:

www.dawsoncreek.ca/business-community-profile/community-profile-about

Workforce Overview

Dawson Creek has a well diversified economy. Major industry sectors are:

  • Mining, oil & gas extraction
  • Construction
  • Wood product manufacturing
  • Wholesale trade
  • Retail Trade
  • Transportation & Warehousing
  • Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
  • Education
  • Health Care & Social Assistance
  • Accommodation & Food Services
  • Public Administration

Energy – In the BC Peace Region we are fortunate to have an abundance of energy resources at our fingertips. Our unique climate and geographic location give us access to a variety of natural resources, which help provide light, power and heat for homes and businesses locally and around the world. Access to natural resources has also been a huge driving force behind the Peace area’s economic growth and sustainability, providing job opportunities and the chance to live here in northeastern British Columbia.

Agriculture is an important part of the economy of Dawson Creek supplying local, regional and global markets. Forestry and logging services supply timber for Louisiana-Pacific’s OSB plants in Dawson Creek and Peace Valley OSB in Fort St John, Slocan Pulp in Taylor, Canfor in Fort St John and Chetwynd and Chetwynd Pulp.

Mining – Mine exploration and development in Northeast BC continues to grow due to the area’s vast coal resources. Rich coal deposits characterize the Tumbler Ridge area, southwest of Dawson Creek. In addition, existing mines currently in operation, coupled with new mining projects that are being pursued, have pushed the mining industry to achieve record results in anticipation of growing demand for the product (especially in the growing markets of Asia). Much of the coal in Northeast BC consists of a specific combination of ingredients that make it very valuable in the production of steel. This makes coal from Northeast BC crucial in the growing industry-based economies of nations like China and India.

Dawson Creek continues to be the major service and supply centre for the main centre for mining in Northeast BC: the District of Tumbler Ridge. Tumbler Ridge continues to diversify its economy.

Construction is a seasonal industry for some companies. Firms involved in paving projects tend to work only in the summer months. Conversely, firms involved in building roads into oilfield leases work mainly during the winter months. Building construction also tends to be seasonal but most companies and their workers remain busy over the winter.

Because Dawson Creek is centrally located and is serviced by many highways, workers who live in Dawson Creek are able to commute to jobs in other municipalities such as Tumbler Ridge, Chetwynd, Taylor and Fort St John. Also, the rural population is able to easily travel into Dawson Creek for work.

Airport

The City of Dawson Creek Airport has one 5000 ft. asphalt runway. The Airport is open to all traffic 24/7. Personnel are onsite from 08:00 to 17:00 daily.

The Airport also is used by Bailey Helicopters, Medivac services, and the Mile Zero Flying Club School (COPA Flight 183). Local General Aviation numbers are growing due to the flying school. AvGas and Jet A are priced lowest in the Peace and is Self-Serve. The Dawson Creek Airport has no parking fees, no passenger fees and no aircraft parking fees. For more information, visit dawsoncreekairport.com.

Railways

Dawson Creek is connected by CN Rail to Fort Nelson and to the ports of Prince Rupert and Vancouver for freight service. CN Rail has train operations along its Grande Prairie Subdivision between Hythe, Alberta and Dawson Creek, BC.
Transport

There are many trucking companies operating in and around the Dawson Creek area.

Long-combination commercial transport vehicles (Super-B) have been allowed to travel into BC as far as Dawson Creek.

The City of Dawson Creek operates a municipal transit service. The “drop-floor” buses provide easy access for seniors and the physically disabled.

There are two taxi companies operating within the city limits.

Two moving companies have offices within Dawson Creek to make moving easy, whether it be into or across town.

Highways

Dawson Creek is centrally located in the Peace Region and is served by several highways. Highway 49 travels east to Spirit River and Fahler, Alberta. Highway 97 South (John Hart Highway) travels west to Chetwynd and then south to Prince George. Highway 97 North (Alaska Highway) goes north to Fort St John, Fort Nelson, and Watson Lake. Highway 2 travels southeast to the Alberta border where it connects to Highway 43 to Grande Prairie, AB. The Heritage Highway 52 joins Tumbler Ridge to Highway 97 South, west of Dawson Creek.

This data has been obtained from a variety of sources, including Statistics Canada, BC Statistics, Provincial government agencies and municipal records.

Major Partners