Powell River

About the Area

Powell River is located on the coast of British Columbia approximately 145 kilometres 90 miles north of Vancouver, immediately across from Courtenay on Vancouver Island. To arrive in Powell River from Vancouver means a short ferry trip from Horseshoe Bay, a scenic 80 kilometre drive on the Sechelt Peninsula, then a second ferry trip to Saltery Bay, itself a short drive from the centre of Powell River. Alternately, visitors can travel from Comox-Courtenay across Georgia Strait by ferry, directly to downtown Powell River.

Four communities

Powell River is made up of four distinct community areas: Westview, the Townsite, Cranberry Lake and Wildwood. By including the whole Regional District we can add the unique communities of Lund and Texada Island to provide a wide range of lifestyle choices.

Westview
The most populous area of Powell River is Westview, which is also geographically central and is the commercial, light industrial and institutional centre of the municipality. Shopping areas are well established in the downtown section of Marine Avenue and in two shopping centres in the Joyce Avenue-Alberni Street area. Westview also contains the majority of the residential development in Powell River, and the largest proportion of future development potential. New single family development is considered ideal for the southern end of Westview because of the large supply of vacant land.

Townsite
North of Westview approximately two kilometres is the Powell River Townsite. This area offers mostof the heritage resources in Powell River with a concentration of homes built before 1930 and some dating from before World War I. Of special significance is the official designation of the area as a National Heritage District by the federal government. Ongoing work and lobbying by the residents of the Townsite and the Townsite Heritage Society have resulted in significant improvements to many heritage properties in the area. The Townsite is also the location of the Norske Canada mill.

Wildwood
Immediately north of the Townsite is the community of Wildwood. This area is semi-urban/rural, residential/agricultural. It features large lots and low density residential use. Given the existing large lot pattern, a low rate of growth and the desires expressed by residents, no major land use changes are expected for the area. This will ensure continuity in the nature of the Wildwood community.

Cranberry Lake
Cranberry Lake, to the northeast of Westview, offers a mixed form of residential development. Low density and small holdings predominate along with rural development in several areas. Some new low-density multiple family housing has been built and there is a clear commercial core in the community. Cranberry Lake itself is a protected bird sanctuary area that adds character to the neighbourhoods.