Ladysmith is a vibrant town that is
characterized mostly by small businesses against a backdrop of a handful of major
primary industries. The town has grown in recent years due to a renewed push in
tourism, the revitalization of the downtown core, and the increase in population.
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Education
Ladysmith boasts a high level of educated and skilled individuals, many of whom
have sought further education and training geared towards local work opportunities.
With the proximity of Malaspina University-College and other higher education institutions
located on Vancouver Island, as well as trades and professional development institutions,
Ladysmith workers are able to excel the challenges of ever changing market forces.
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Marine
Fishing, marine manufacturing and related services is
a complementary sector to the Ladysmith economy. With a marina and harbour easily
accessible, local marine related-industry companies have a distinct advantage in
terms of location, expertise and customer base.
Island life means a high level of adequately experienced
labour force as well as the presence of supporting marine-sector industries. Further
development of marine services and manufacturing is possible in the existing industrial
park as well as through the development of the mixed-use waterfront area.
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Forestry
Forestry and value-added products have traditionally found
a home in the area. With a number of mills operating in and near Ladysmith, this
is an important activity with a great number of highly skilled residents employed
in the sector. Training and educational opportunities already exist to serve new
and expanding businesses.
Added-value wood products manufacturers are also present
in the community, taking advantage of the proximity to
Vancouver Island
’s forestry centres.
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Aquaculture
Primarily shellfish processing, aquaculture is a sector
with many opportunities. Some shellfish – oysters, clams, scallops and others -
growers and processors are located in Ladysmith and neighbouring
Nanaimo
, as productions costs, market access and growing conditions are superior in the
area. Support services are also nearby for the industry, including supplies, workforce
and transportation to markets.
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Services
There is no shortage of service-based organizations in
Ladysmith. IT, Health Care, Legal and Financial professionals are practicing
in the community.
Ladysmith remains open to the addition of professional
services such as those in small firm or office-based environments. New office space
is planned in the Heritage Downtown core as well as in the mixed-use waterfront
development opportunity. The exceptional high-quality living environment drives
this sector, as well as the proximity to larger markets.
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Technology
Pioneering new technology is a value-added economic sector
taking shape in the area. One such projects is Ladysmith.com your only complete
IT solutions firm able to provide compete Internet Intranet Extranet Solutions which is one of many ground-breaking innovative advancements being
piloted and tested in Ladysmith.
The advent of fiber-optics in addition to other high-tech
advantages are creating new avenues for technology development in Ladysmith.
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Retail
The retail sector, located primarily in the downtown core
and at Coronation Mall, is a major source of economic activity in Ladysmith. There
are over 50 retail establishments, from groceries to clothing to gifts.
A December 2003 study established that there is adequate
parking in the downtown core with about a 65% occupancy rate, allowing for ample
space to accommodate customers to the downtown shops. There are approximately some
695 parking spaces in the immediate radius of the downtown shops.
Coronation Mall is located adjacent to the
Trans Canada Highway
, and therefore can attract customers travelling north or south.
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Tourism
Tourism remains a strong draw to Ladysmith because of
its scenic location, waterfront recreation, hiking trails and shopping experience.
The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce, which operates a visitors’ centre, keeps track
of all visitors who come in to seek information about Ladysmith and the area. Constant
efforts are made to enhance the tourism aspects of the community.
Forty-one percent of stays are overnight and average 2.75
nights per visit.
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Film
Ladysmith is a member of the Vancouver Island Film Association.
The municipality has adopted a film permit package containing information on applications,
permits, fees and contracts. This package is available through City Hall.
With mountains at its back and the sea at its feet, Ladysmith
offers a diversified look and is an ideal location for filming. “Big Bully” starring
Rick Moranis and “Long Way Home” starring Jack Lemmon are just two of the films
that have utilized the ambience of Ladysmith’s main street. Recently, the TV movie
“Marker”, and NBC series pilot “Eureka”
were filmed in Ladysmith.
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