Local Supply-Chain
Developing a resilient local supply chain
Innovative services and products that enhance circular systems in Squamish are aligned with our values and are in high demand.
In 2021, the District of Squamish adopted the doughnut economics framework as a way to develop our economy that ensures people and the planet come first. To set doughnut economic principles in action, the District launched its Circular Economy (CE) Roadmap, premised on moving away from a take-make-use-throw-away linear economy, to one that is regenerative by design.
Increasing local procurement
One way to ensure we are working towards the principles of Doughnut Economics and the Circular Economy, is by strengthening our local supply-chain while working to innovate ways in which we design and manufacture the products and services we produce and sell.
$618M total purchases
27% in-region purchases
73% imported purchases
100% opportunity
And there's no doubt that supply-chain opportunities exist. In 2019 alone, 73% of the $617.5M of purchases made by Squamish businesses were purchased outside of the region. This provides a clear opportunity for new and expanded businesses to thrive.
Supply-chain spending by all sectors (2019)
We've done our research - Squamish supply chain opportunities
Over the course of 2021, we rolled up our sleeves to evaluate supply-chain opportunities related to key sectors within Squamish including the green economy, outdoor recreation, and sustainable tourism.
2019 supply chain purchases across all sectors
- Architectural, engineering and related services - $17.7M spent, 77% out-of-region
- Computer systems designs and related services - $12.1M spent, 86% out-of-region
- General and specialized commercial freight trucking - $16.7M spent, 82% out-of-region * note spending may relate to moving goods outside of the region
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting - $7.7M spent, 40% out-of-region
- Accounting, tax preparation, and bookkeeping services - $7M spent, 53% out-of-region
- Marketing, advertising, and public relations - $4.1M spent, 65% out-of-region * note spending may be related to paid advertising on out-of-region platforms
Food, beverage, and agriculture
With 80% of purchases by this sector made out-of-region, there are lots of opportunities to become part of the local supply chain. Here are a few areas to consider.
- Food merchant wholesalers - 84% or $1.5M of out-of-region spending with this sector occurred in 2019.
- Other food manufacturing and farms - combined out-of-region purchases, to be used as inputs by this sector, totaled $24M in 2019 alone, signaling there's lots of room for new entrants. This includes animal food manufacturing.
Innovative Construction, wood products and forestry
Combined, these sectors spent $131.5M in 2019, with 72% of purchases made out-of-region. Supply-chain areas to consider include:
- Architectural and engineering services and manufacturing - Account for $10.9M or 84% of out-of-region purchases by this sector
- Other wood product manufacturing, veneer, plywood, engineered wood, furniture, and cabinets - $9.5M or 92% in out-of-region spending by this sector
Clean technologies and environmental services
Combined, $60M was spent by the industries that make up clean technologies and environmental services. 84% of their purchases were out-of-region.
- Computer systems design and related services - $2.4M or 89% of purchases were made out-of-region
- Architectural and engineering services - $1.6M or 76% of purchases were made out-of-region
Digital media, marketing, and film
These sectors make good use of the local supply chain, with 51% of purchases made in-region but there is still opportunity to improve. Become part of the local supply chain. Here's a few areas to consider.
- Computer systems design and related services - combined out-of-region purchases, to be used as inputs by this sector, totaled $550K or 81% in 2019 , signaling room for new entrants.
- Motion picture and video industries - Shore up existing companies in Squamish. With $500 or 53% of purchases made out-of-region in 2019.
Recreation technology and performance apparel
Combined, these sectors spent $10M in 2019, with 78% of purchases made out-of-region. Supply-chain areas to consider include:
- Advertising and public relations services - While small, over half (54%) of all purchases were made out-of-region, pointing to a growing need for these services
Sustainable tourism supply chain opportunities
With $67M or 82% of purchases in 2019 alone, made out-of-region there is opportunity to strengthen the local supply chain. Here's a few areas to consider.
- Food and beverage processing - combined out-of-region purchases totaled $22M or 88% of all purchases made in 2019 by this sector, signaling local procurement opportunities.
- Food merchant wholesalers - Total purchases from this sector totaled $1.4M in 2019, with 87% made out-of-region.