Our vision for Lillooet’s future economy is thriving sectors in agriculture/viticulture, wellness and health services, sustainable tourism/hospitality and custom manufacturing. Lillooet has a diverse mix of new residents, young families and those who wish to age in place, all desiring locally made, locally grown products and a wide range of health and wellness services.
Agriculture/Viticulture
Lillooet’s unique climate and soils are ideal for agriculture and there is a community of organic farmers happy to support and welcome newcomers. The Lillooet Agriculture and Food Society coordinates the Farmers Market and plans are in development for a central, cold storage facility. Lillooet is also home to two wineries and is gaining recognition as a leading and affordable alternative to Okanagan. Successful varietals include Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
Learn More About Agriculture/Viticulture
Health and Wellness
The 2021 Census reports 2,302 residents in the District of Lillooet (this number does not consider the neighbouring St’at’imc communities outside the muncipal boundary). Over 30% of the District’s population is 65 years of age or older and is interested in all nature of health and wellness services.
Lillooet is one of the few small communities in British Columbia to have its own hospital and operating room. Residents that come to live here, never want to leave but as they age, they have both the need and the income to purchase a wide range of health and wellness services including physiotherapy, massage therapy, yoga, aquafit, and mental wellness services. The neighbouring St’at’imc communities have significant funding for health and wellness programs for their members and are also in search of qualified service providers.
Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality
Sustainable and responsible tourism opportunities abound with businesses feeding from the significant volume of touring traffic on Highway 99 that passes Lillooet en route between Whistler and Banff. Whether it’s a float on the Fraser River, angling on a lake, or a guided hike on one of many trails, there are many business and investment opportunities for tourism entrepreneurs. Lillooet’s Main Street is quickly evolving as new entrepreneurs arrive and the District begins its downtown revitalization/beautification planning and programs. There is still time to secure your retail presence on Lillooet’s Main Street.
Tourism is on the rebound post-pandemic and Lillooet is ideally positioned to benefit from the pent up demand for travel from domestic and international markets. Western Canada’s most popular touring route from Calgary/Banff to Whistler/Vancouver is right at Lillooet’s doorstep on Highway 99. A key municipal asset, the Cayoosh Creek Campground is being redeveloped and will serve as a key ‘capture point’ for this traffic to drive visitors into Lillooet’s downtown core and to its tourism and hospitality businesses.
Discussions are underway to support a St’at’imc Cultural Centre as part of the new ‘heart of Lillooet’ in an integrated Recreation, Education and Cultural facility on Main Street. These two developments will create reasons for visitors to stop and stay overnight in Lillooet and send business to all of Lillooet’s retail, restaurant and hospitality businesses.
Learn More About Sustainable Tourism/Hospitality
Value-added Wood Products
Value-added custom wood products will find access to timber and demand from local markets as well as easy access to home builders in the Lower Mainland, Whistler and Okanagan.