The Port of Nanaimo generated $2.4 billion in economic impact for Canada, B.C. and Vancouver Island in 2025 according to a new study.
The study, commissioned by the port and conducted by Deetken Insight, looked at the economic impacts.
It found that activities connected to the port supported 8,073 jobs, generated $1.1 billion in GDP, and contributed $557 million in wages.
It also produced $115 million in tax revenues, of which $59 million were federal, $47 million provincial and $9 million were municipal.
“This study confirms what our partners, tenants and community see every day: the Port of Nanaimo is more than a place where goods move. It is a connector of people, businesses and opportunity,” said Ian Marr, president and CEO, Nanaimo Port Authority.
“The Port supports local jobs, strengthens Vancouver Island’s access to domestic and international markets, and contributes to a stronger regional economy.”
The study also found that the impact grew by around 50 per cent since the last economic impact assessment in 2014.
The expansion of Duke Point is also expected to drive economic impact over the coming years. In 2025, $7 million in capital investment was undertaken.
Until 2028, the project is expected to generate $232 million in total economic output, $108 million in GDP, 734 jobs and $54 million in labour income.
“Ports are foundational to national and reginal prosperity,” said Marr. “As demand grows for resilient and diversified supply chains, Nanaimo is well positioned to support Canada’s trade network while continuing to create opportunities closer to home.”