Jobs and Economic Growth
Summary
- The Province is investing as much as $300,000 through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund to help Salish Soils hire more people in Sechelt and double its production output
- Funding will help Salish Soils divert more organic waste from landfills, reduce emissions and produce more high-quality soil that can be used in B.C. communities
- Investment supports the Province's Look West strategy by creating jobs and opportunities in coastal communities
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A $1.5-million investment in Sechelt will create new jobs, convert organic waste into valuable products, and provide more high-quality soil for Sunshine Coast businesses by helping Salish Soils grow its manufacturing operations.
“When local businesses grow, communities benefit through good jobs, new opportunities and a stronger local economy,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Supporting Salish Soils’ expansion aligns with our Look West goals. We're helping create jobs on the Sunshine Coast, while backing an Indigenous-owned company that is finding innovative ways to create new economic opportunities for this province.”
As part of B.C.’s Look West strategy, the Province is providing as much as $300,000 through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund toward a $1.5-million capital investment that will help Salish Soils expand its business and transform more organic waste into high-quality compost, soil, mulch and aggregate. These products can serve a range of customers on the Sunshine Coast, including agricultural operations, food producers, municipalities, construction companies, landscapers, garden centres and local residents.
The project is expected to double the number of products Salish Soils can produce and increase its efficiency by 30%. The funding will also help create four jobs within the company as it grows to meet higher demand for its products.
“Salish Soils is showing how sustainable innovation and economic growth can go hand in hand,” said Randene Neill, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast. “By turning organic waste into valuable products, this project is creating local jobs for Sechelt, supporting new jobs on the Sunshine Coast and helping build a more sustainable future for our province.”
Supporting Indigenous-led growth and sustainability
Salish Soils works to build a circular, regenerative and resilient future by transforming organic waste into valuable products, while stewarding the environment for local communities.
The investment will support the expansion of the company's Sechelt facility, including the purchase of advanced equipment to increase production. This will improve the quality and quantity of compost production, resulting in higher-quality, market-ready products. It will also support more sustainable operations by reducing energy consumption, lowering greenhouse-gas emissions and decreasing operating costs.
By expanding production capacity, the project will help divert more organic materials from landfills, while creating products that support local industries and communities.
“At Salish Soils, we believe strong local economies are built by turning regional resources into lasting value for generations to come,” said Aaron Joe, CEO and founder, Salish Soils. “This investment supports B.C. manufacturers that create jobs, increase productivity and unlock more value from local fibre. As an Indigenous-led business, we’re encouraged to see continued support for projects that strengthen rural economies, advance sustainable resource use, and create opportunities for our communities across the province.”
Manufacturing jobs fund driving growth throughout B.C.
The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports high-value industrial projects throughout British Columbia, helping companies modernize, expand and create stable, family-supporting jobs.
More than $1 billion is being invested in more than 150 capital projects supported through the fund, with as much as $153 million in provincial funding committed. These projects are helping create more than 2,100 jobs and protect more than 2,700 jobs throughout the province.
During the construction phase of these projects, and in their first few years of expanded operations, committed funds are expected to:
- generate $17 billion in new economic activity
- add nearly $7 billion to B.C.’s gross domestic product
- contribute $714 million in provincial revenue
In addition, announced as part of Budget 2026, B.C.’s new refundable manufacturing and processing investment tax credit will provide an estimated $55 million in tax savings per year for companies investing in new equipment, helping them expand production and create more good-paying jobs throughout the province.
This work is part of the Province’s Look West strategy for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities for people by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent and resilient economy.
The Look West strategy includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.
Learn More:
- To learn more about the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, including a list of recipients, visit:
https://gov.bc.ca/ManufacturingJobsFund - To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for B.C. and Canada, visit:
https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest
