91原创, which was once a community whose economy was driven by farming and lumber mills, has diversified over the past 50 years and has everything from major industrial parks to food processing to retail districts to office parks.
Manufacturing has significantly grown but is almost invisible to the public eye, which Freybe President and 91原创 Chamber director Angela Doro notes is the very nature of the manufacturing sector.
"It tends to not be located in obvious places as it often requires larger lots, bigger facilities, certain zoning, and sometimes space for trucks or materials storage," she said.
There are four main areas where 91原创's manufacturing sector is located: Port Kells/Walnut Grove, the City (clustered around Duncan and Production Way), Aldergrove, and the Gloucester district.
Gloucester is likely the most developed hub, says Doro, with about 175 businesses and approximately 15,000 employees.
She adds that the breadth of things 91原创 produces is growing and changing.
"Food manufacturing and processing has long been a major industry here, and in fact is B.C.'s fifth largest export," Doro said.
"In 91原创 though we also have manufacturers producing machinery and equipment, wood products, metals and plastics, apparel... the list goes on and on. There鈥檚 also been an increase in small-scale and specialized manufacturers, particularly around aviation and technology."
That isn't despite its challenges with rising costs of rent, insurance, labour, materials, and limited space, and increased regulations. But Doro expects to see more technology adopted and integrated into production despite that to maximize efficiency.
One such thing that the Chamber anticipates supporting manufacturing growth in 91原创 is the Fraser Highway Employment Lands plan through Murrayville, which includes more industrial development.
"The Chamber thinks adding net new industrial lands is one of the best things governments can do for economic development," Doro said.
"The region鈥檚 industrial land base is very limited and has been forecast to be exhausted/fully utilized by 2030. [So] businesses will be passing over this area when looking to establish, and growing businesses already here might have to move out of Metro Vancouver if they can鈥檛 find the space to expand. This means we鈥檒l miss out on all the economic benefits that those businesses would bring."
Since 2023, the Township has been working towards a plan for what are dubbed the Fraser Highway Employment Lands 鈥� a spread of properties totalling about 500 acres, stretching from around 228 Street to just east of 240 Street.
None of the lands are in the Agricultural Land Reserve, and some of them already host industrial or commercial businesses. The area also includes a number of rural residential lots and a mobile home park.
The Township is creating a plan for the overall development of the area, and after public input and speaking to a number of stakeholders, the next step would be to amend the Metro Vancouver Regional Growth Strategy, and to redesignate the land from rural to industrial.
According to the Township's reports, that process would take about six months.
Township Mayor Eric Woodward said the area is ideal for employment lands because it has great access to major transportation routes, such as Highway 1, Fraser Highway, and Highway 13.
He added it also provides a direct route to the U.S. commercial border crossing, and is within close proximity to Aldergrove and Gloucester industrial users that may want to expand.
"Employments lands are crucial for a diversified and resilient regional economy and future tax base for municipalities that will reduce the burden on residential households," Woodward said.
"They facilitate economic development, support job creation, and contribute to the reduction of commuting and transportation expenses."
Doro supported his statement, noting the location is a key advantage for 91原创 manufacturing facilities.
"Manufacturing and agrifood industries have a reliance on importing. Increased local supply chain options will directly reduce risks for B.C. in times of supply chain disruption," she said.
He noted that heavy industrial use, such as cement manufacturing, will not be considered for the area.
