Cariboo Region
Overview
This region covers much of the northern interior of the province, ranging from the Cariboo Plateau in the west to the valleys of the Cariboo and Rocky Mountain ranges in the east. It is an area of vast landscapes and outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities.
The total population is 169,600, with most living in the city of Prince George. Not only is it the largest city in the Cariboo, it’s the largest city in the entire northern half of the province. It is sometimes even referred to as the “northern capital of BC”. Other key cities in this region include Williams Lake, 100 Mile House, Quesnel, and Mackenzie.
Job Outlook
In response to ongoing economic growth in the region, the city of Prince George established the Move Up Prince George initiative, specifically designed to recruit more workers from elsewhere in the province.
Over the next decade (2023-2033), it is projected that there will be 21,150 job openings in the Cariboo region, with an average annual employment growth rate of 0.1%. The following careers are expected to see the highest proportion of openings.
Source: WorkBC
Key Industries
The Cariboo region is home to many large natural resources operations due to the ready availability of raw materials and the presence of a robust infrastructure that provides access to international distribution chains and an adaptable labour force. Mining, forestry, ranching, and agriculture are all key economic drivers here, as are construction, manufacturing, retail, and professional services.
Sources: WorkBC, Trade and Invest BC, Move Up Prince George