Terrace welcomed 15 new businesses in July 2025, bringing the total number of active business licences to 1,207. The latest report from the city shows steady growth over the past decade, up from more than 1,100 licences in mid-2015.
Local business owners are navigating workforce challenges, partly due to changes in immigration rules that have reduced the number of temporary foreign workers. Despite this, the city continues to attract new ventures across retail, services, construction, transport, and tourism.
In retail and food, new businesses include Desert Hills Ranch, Nana’s Bakery Shop, and Eco-Latino Handmade Products. These companies expand local consumer choices and support small-scale production.
The services and trades sector added Big Foot Mechanical Ltd., Maits Gas Services, All Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning, Northwest Lock & Key Ltd., Viking Fire Protection Inc., and T&B and Sons Sealcoating and Asphalt Maintenance. These ventures strengthen local service offerings and infrastructure support.
Innovation and construction saw the addition of Livingstone Ventures, Atwal Innovations, and Constructionnel Management Corporation. These companies signal growth in development, technology, and construction projects.
Transport and tourism also grew with Tawan Transportation Ltd. and Frozen Goat Adventures Ltd. Pacific Flagging Ltd. joined to support logistics and roadwork services. The new licences ranged from $68 to $263, with applications submitted between July 3 and July 24. All 15 licences were new, not renewals.
Terrace continues to build on its role as an economic hub in northwestern B.C. Its economy is supported by sectors such as education, healthcare, construction, and natural resources. The city’s strategic location near major ports and regional transport links makes it an important gateway for trade and industrial development.
Large projects like the Skeena Industrial Development Park highlight Terrace’s potential for further growth. The park spans 2,400 acres, with 1,200 acres ready for development. Educational institutions including the University of Northern British Columbia, Coast Mountain College, and Northern Lights College supply a skilled and diverse workforce. This talent pool attracts investors and strengthens the local economy.
At the same time, B.C. businesses face challenges. The Board of Trade of B.C. reported that new provincial policies from 2022 to 2024 added over $6.5 billion in costs for businesses. Small businesses often face the heaviest compliance burdens. Trade pressures, such as U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports, create additional challenges for local companies.
Efforts to diversify export markets and streamline permitting for major projects could help regional economies like Terrace. The city’s growing business base, combined with its skilled workforce and development-ready land, positions it for continued economic expansion.
The latest licences demonstrate the city’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and creating opportunities across multiple sectors. As Terrace grows, both new and established businesses will benefit from a stable, welcoming environment. The increase in licences also reflects a broader trend of regional economic growth in northern B.C., helping to reinforce Terrace as a key economic hub.
With its mix of retail, services, construction, and tourism ventures, Terrace is building a more diverse and resilient economy. The city’s ongoing focus on infrastructure, education, and industrial development ensures it remains an attractive place for businesses and investors alike.
