Powell River

Powell River, BC, incorporated as a city in 2005, population 13 165 (2011c), 12 957 (2006c). The City of Powell River is located on the east side of the Strait of GEORGIA, 133 km northwest of Vancouver. It is bounded on the east by the Smith Mountain Range, Powell Lake and Haslam Lake, and enjoys a mild climate year-round, moderated by the warm current of the strait. It takes its name from the river draining Powell Lake, which was named for Israel Wood Powell, British Columbia Indian superintendent in the 1880s. The original settlement was a pulp and paper milling centre established as a COMPANY TOWN in 1912. The old townsite was declared a national historic district in 1995 and many former company houses are being restored. Incorporated as a district municipality in 1995, it was granted city status in 2005.

The region's economy is still primarily based on forest industries, in particular the pulp and paper mill. Commercial fishing and mining, based on nearby TEXADA ISLAND, are also economically important. The climate and scenery make Powell River and its hinterland an attractive summer resort area. Saltwater and freshwater fishing and boating are major forms of recreation. Inauguration in 1965 of an automobile ferry from COMOX, on VANCOUVER ISLAND, has boosted tourism.

Author ALAN F.J. ARTIBISE Revised: KEN FAVRHOLDT

Links to Other Sites
Powell River
Official website of the scenic Powell River Regional District.

Community Profiles
See maps and statistical data for regions and communities throughout British Columbia. A Government of British Columbia website.

BC Geographical Names
Search the BC Geographical Names Information System for historical and geographical data about specific locations in British Columbia.

The Powell River Academy of Music
Find out about their highly acclaimed educational programs in music, dance and theatre. Also the home of the Academy Concert Series and the International Choral Kathaumixw festival.

British Columbia Archives
Explore the fascinating history of BC through online digitized copies of selected government documents, manuscripts, maps, architectural plans, photographs, illustrations, audio and video files, newspapers and much more.

Texada Island Heritage Society
The website for the Texada Island Heritage Society. Check out the fascinating collection of historic photos of local industrial sites and various marine vessels.

Patricia Theatre
The website for the historic Patricia Theatre, the longest running movie theatre in Canada, located in Powell River, BC.