Sunshine Coast seeks self-starting Vancouverites to share 'unique sense of life'
'This is the Coast' website connects potential newcomers with longtime Sunshine Coast residents
As local politicians argue about how to rein in Vancouver's housing market, a new online campaign is trying to entice young people to relocate to B.C.'s Sunshine Coast.
'This is the Coast' shows potential newcomers what life is like on the Sunshine Coast and gives them an opportunity to connect with long-time residents.
"Part of the reason we came up with the campaign was to give people an honest take about...what it takes to thrive," said Richard Hoath, a Sunshine Coast resident who created the website.
"There are not a whole pile of great, high paying jobs here, but what people are doing is bringing their work with them. Self-starters, creatives, artists who can work over the internet."
'Vibrant community'
Web developer Dave Arthur moved to Gibsons last year with his wife and six-year-old daughter, after living in Vancouver for six years.
"[Vancouver] was a great city to live in for a small child. But when she got a bit older our small condo got a little crowded. We wanted to move to a bigger place but we quickly found out we couldn't really afford it in Vancouver."
Arthur says life is different on the Sunshine Coast, but the housing prices and lifestyle align with his family's goals.
"Things do close a little earlier, the transit system is not as large as Vancouver and [there's] a smaller subset of restaurants and nightlife.
"But I think the benefits are a very vibrant, creative arts community and outdoor recreation scene."
Hoath is hopeful his campaign will bring new residents to the Sunshine Coast as the region has an aging demographic, with one of the oldest communities in B.C..
"For this community to be alive, to be vital, to continue having that unique sense of life that makes the Sunshine Coast so great.
"For that to continue, there needs to be newcomers. There needs to be new energy and I think young people bring that energy."
To hear the full interview with Richard Hoath and Dave Arthur, listen to the audio labelled This is the Coast.