Tourism

Vancouver ranked among top cities of the future: report

By Trevor Melanson /

THE#BCBIZDAILY
Plus, Red Chris moves forward while payday lenders face a setback

The future is here
Vancouver, apparently, is a city of the future—and not just because of all the science fiction filmed here—ranking No. 8 on a list of every North and South American city based on their future economic prospects. Also in fDi Magazine‘s top 10 is Toronto, at No. 6. Vancouver, meanwhile, took first place in the “large American cities” category, one category down from “major” (don’t worry, we’re major at heart, and in cost). Vancouver wasn’t the only B.C. city mentioned in the report either. Surrey was No. 5 in “connectivity” in the mid-sized cities category, Victoria was No. 9 in “human capital and lifestyle” among small cities, while two B.C. cities cracked the overall micro-sized cities (aww) list: Langley and North Vancouver, at No. 5 and No. 6 respectively. See the full list online.

Here’s the overall top 10: 
1. New York
2. San Francisco
3. Houston
4. Boston
5. Sunnyvale, CA
6. Toronto
7. Atlanta
8. Vancouver
9. Miami
10. Seattle

Red Chris strikes agreement
Imperial Metals’ wholly owned Red Chris mine in Northern B.C. has reached a co-management agreement with the Tahltan Nation, it was announced Sunday. Tahltan will oversee environmental issues and gain access to training, jobs and revenue-sharing. “Tahltan people have been living on our land for more than 10,000 years, so it makes sense for us to be involved in making sure our lands, waters and wildlife are protected,” Tahltan Central Council president Chad Day said in a release. “The agreement also brings local jobs, careers and training for our people and their families. That’s good for our Nation and it’s good for the mine.” The copper and gold mine opened in February.

Payback
Maple Ridge has passed a bylaw banning any more payday loan outlets from opening in the city. Critics such as city councillor Tyler Shymkiw say the high interest rates are exploitative and perpetuate a cycle of poverty among the working poor. Current outlets can continue operating—there are six—but if they close down for more than six months and attempt to reopen, they will be refused. What do you think: should other cities follow suit? (via Maple Ridge News)