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Transportation & Warehousing

bc Ferry coming in towards Nanaimo's harbour

Nanaimo is strategically located on Vancouver Island, offering easy access to global destinations with comprehensive connectivity via road, air, and marine infrastructure. The City's well-developed transportation network is designed to support existing businesses and facilitate new ventures. This network includes an airport, four ferry terminals, two floatplane terminals, a cruise ship terminal, an enhanced highway system, and a public transit system. Additionally, the Port of Nanaimo provides deep-sea shipping facilities, as well as storage and warehousing space. Businesses in the area benefit from a variety of options for reaching markets, customers, and suppliers.

In 2023, the Transportation and Warehousing sector employed 2,480 people, making up 4.8% of Nanaimo's labour force (Esri 2023). As of July 2024, there were 176 firms operating in this sector in Nanaimo. The Nanaimo Port Authority, Nanaimo Airport, and the City of Nanaimo are collaborating to position the City as the transportation and warehousing hub for all of Vancouver Island.

Here is a breakdown of businesses in the Transportation and Warehousing sector:

SOURCE: NANAIMO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, JULY 2024
Business TypeCount% of sector
Air Transportation63%
Rail Transportation11%
Water Transportation106%
Truck Transportation3922%
Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation95%
Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (Land)1810%
Support Activities for Transportation2112%
Couriers and Messengers5531%
Warehousing and Storage1710%
Total176100%

Last updated: November 14, 2024

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