Communities
Most people in the Great Bear Rainforest live in one of seven communities:
Bella Bella is located in the southern portion of the Great Bear Rainforest, in Heltsiuk territory. Bella Bella’s 1400 people are presently supported by tourism, forestry and fishing.
Bella Coola is located at the end at of Highway 20. With a local population of 1000, Bella Coola depends on forestry, fishing, and tourism. The land is Nuxalk territory and the settlement itself is divided into two parts, one of which is the Nuxalk Reserve.
Hartley Bay, accessible by sea or air, is located in Gitga’at territory about 170 kilometres southeast of Prince Rupert. The population of 600 relies on a range of local businesses and initiatives, including marine study, a fuel depot, sport fishing, wilderness tourism lodges (King Pacific Lodge and West Coast Resort) and forestry. All operations are required to employ and/or train band members.
Kitimat has an economy that revolves around Alcan’s aluminum smelter, a petrochemical plant and a busy shipping port. Just over 200 kilometres from Prince Rupert, Kitimat is in Haisla territory, adjoined by the Kitamaat reserve.
Klemtu is the only occupied village in Kitasoo/Xai’xais territory. Accessible by sea and air, fish processing, a fish hatchery, commercial fishing, tourism and forestry are the mainstays of its economy. In recent years, Klemtu has incorporated aquaculture into its local economy, sparking controversy over fish farming.
Ocean Falls is located 88 kilometres west of Bella Coola, and is known as the wettest place in Canada. A hydro power-generating plant, fishing and a natural deep-sea harbour keep the economy of Ocean Falls churning.
Prince Rupert is the largest city on the North Coast of BC with a population of 16,700. Known unofficially as the City of Rainbows (or City of Liquid Sunshine), Prince Rupert depends on fishing, forestry, tourism, a large shipping port, a new cruise ship terminal and fish processing.
