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| MCFD > Child & Youth Mental Health > CYMH Recruitment > Regional & Community Profiles |
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Regional & Community Profiles
British Columbia (BC), Canada's third largest province, is located on the West Coast of North America. BC offers a spectacular landscape that is as diverse as it is beautiful, and combined with our lively metropolitan centres, makes BC one of the most desirable places to live, work and play. Whether you prefer the abundant outdoor activities or unique cultural events teeming with heritage and history, BC offers a lifestyle for every taste. Excitement builds and across BC activities have begun for 2010 when we welcome the world as host of the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Whistler and Vancouver. Links: To see a list of some of the individual communities within regions please click here.
For more information about specific regions across BC, please click on the following:
North Region The Northern region of BC is the largest geographic area of the province, with more than one-half the landmass. About 9% of the province's youth, aged 0 - 19, reside in the North Region and there are approximately 51 First Nation Bands. The region boasts spectacular scenery and is renowned for its world-class provincial parks, nature reserves and pristine eco-systems. Mountain ranges dominate the landscape and the climate is always varied. From the towering Rocky Mountains and rugged Coast Range to the Pacific Ocean and the misty Queen Charlotte Islands, this part of BC is truly beautiful. Snowy winters come alive with skiing, snow-boarding and other outdoor activities. In the summer, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, canoeing and camping. Northern BC is renowned for its thousands of water areas making it a destination for activities like fishing, canoeing and white water rafting to name a few. At the region's centre, Prince George offers an affordable and active lifestyle that mixes rural ambience with modern amenities. Communities: For more information on the area, connect to any of the following links:
Interior Region The Interior region of British Columbia includes the Kootenay, Okanagan and Thompson-Cariboo areas. The population, which is estimated at 689,147 or almost 17% of the overall provincial population, is dispersed over the second largest geographic area in the province. This area offers a landscape ranging from old growth forests and mountain ranges to fertile valleys and agricultural lands. It includes several major urban centres, renowned wine regions and a diverse cultural heritage. The Interior boasts year-round recreational activities that draw visitors from around the world. The area has beautiful lakes and waterways that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts or those just wishing to relax in some of the natural hot springs. The diverse communities of this region also offer everything from wilderness eco-sports to relaxing days on the beach. The winter season makes this region a premier destination for skiing, with a number of world-class ski resorts and back country terrain in the area. The Okanagan area has the third largest high-tech industry in the province. The region’s busy urban centres of Kamloops, Kelowna and Penticton make it a key business and travel destination for British Columbia's southern interior. The myriad of cultural activities, international events, regional wine festivals, business conventions and strong community spirit make for a balanced healthy lifestyle. Communities:
For more information on the area, connect to any of the following links:
Fraser Region The Fraser Region comprises a large, diverse population in a relatively small geographic area. The region includes the Upper Fraser, South Fraser and Simon Fraser areas and contains about 34% of the total population of British Columbia, including 34 First Nations. The mild climate, spectacular scenery, and diverse landscape make the Fraser Region a desirable location for anyone. Its close proximity to Vancouver provides access to any urban amenity and cultural opportunity. The suburban communities of the fertile Fraser River valley offer a small-town atmosphere while remaining only a short drive from the city. This area is rich in natural splendour, from Delta, home of the Fraser Estuary which supports Canada's highest number and diversity of wintering birds of prey along with the largest winter population of shorebirds and waterfowl, to Harrison Hot Springs, a natural mineral spring named a "healing place" by the Coast Salish First Nation who first discovered them. Residents here enjoy access to a number of year-round activities such as river rafting, hiking, golfing and skiing. Each community has varied art and cultural programs, and a rich heritage. Communities:
For more information on the area, connect to any of the following links:
Vancouver Island Region The Vancouver Island Region, with a population of approximately 700,729, includes Greater Victoria, Sooke, Sidney, the Gulf Islands, Duncan, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, Courtenay, Comox, Campbell River, Port Hardy, and some small communities on the Central Coast. The region comprises a diverse range of communities, including 41 First Nations. Vancouver Island offers a range of lifestyles from urban living to remote, rural communities. Southern Vancouver Island boasts the mildest climate in Canada and is renowned for its pristine beaches, beautiful resorts, and abundant whale watching and surfing opportunities. Victoria, the province's capital, is a picturesque city known for its beautiful gardens and distinct British flavour - a city where the wild beauty of the pacific coast meets the charming ambience of island culture. The Central Island offers an array of activities. Areas such as Campbell River and Port Alberni are known as the Salmon Capitals of the World. This area is also your gateway to outdoor recreation and eco-touring. Provincial Parks are numerous and draw climbers, skiers, and other sports enthusiasts from around the world. Continue into the remote reaches of the north island or offshore to the Discovery Islands for whale watching, kayaking, and other unparalleled wilderness opportunities.
For more information on the area, connect to any of the following links:
Vancouver Coastal Region The Vancouver Coastal Region includes the Central Coast, Powell River, Sunshine Coast, Sea to Sky, North Shore, Vancouver and Richmond areas. The population of the region is estimated to be over one million, with the majority living in Vancouver, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Bowen Island. Vancouver is the largest city in the province and the third largest city in Canada. Vancouver has a spectacular natural setting as well as a bustling metropolitan core, and boasts one of the mildest climates in Canada. Residents here are only a short drive from some of the best outdoor recreational activities in the world. The Sunshine Coast is an hour's ferry ride from Vancouver, and offers a more rural, seaside lifestyle in one of BC’s most beautiful locations. Life on the Sunshine Coast is all about having fun on the ocean and activities include boating of all types, fishing, exploring, and diving. Whistler and Squamish are the "Outdoor Recreation Capitals of Canada". Squamish is a spectacular seaside community edged upon the Pacific Ocean and Whistler a world-class resort destination set amidst a breathtaking mountain setting. Activity is overflowing in Whistler as it prepares to host (alongside Vancouver) the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Famous for world class recreation including, skiing, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, whale watching, kite boarding and windsurfing to name a few — Whistler and Squamish are the outdoor enthusiasts dream come true. For more information on the area, connect to any of the following links:
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