Destination Vancouver

Over the past decade, Vancouver has experienced extreme brain drain due to a high cost of living and lack of opportunities in the creative sectors. We saw that the US markets, i.e. Seattle and Silicon Valley, were offering better salaries and larger scale projects. Vancouver was also lacking the head offices that Toronto had — until now.

With the birth of Hootsuite and the rise of Vancouver-based global brands such as Lululemon and Artizia, Vancouver is gaining traction with large corporations. Hootsuite, Amazon and Twitter are all moving into new digs in downtown Vancouver as well. Last May, Sony Pictures Imageworks, one of Hollywood’s largest visual effects studios announced they were moving their headquarters from California to Vancouver. Around the same time, Nordstrom announced their takeover of the old Sears Building, with an office component to be occupied by Microsoft and Sony Pictures Imageworks.

A recent search brought up 26 job postings at Sony Pictures Imageworks. More jobs means more people coming to Vancouver.

Meet Evan*, a Vancouver Film School graduate who left Vancouver four years ago for better job prospects as, at the time, he wasn’t able to find the job he wanted here. Evan is now returning to Vancouver after securing a position at Sony Picture Imageworks. We interviewed Evan to find out more about his decision to move back.

MAC: Why are you moving back to Vancouver?

EVAN: My goal was to obtain a position at one of the major animation studios in North America. I received an offer from Sony Pictures Animation in Vancouver and decided it was a good location and opportunity for me and my family.

MAC: What are the things you missed the most about Vancouver?

EVAN: I missed the food for sure. I am vegan and it's fairly easy to get vegan food and products in Vancouver. I also just missed the environment of having a big city, beaches and lots of nature nearby.

MAC: Do you believe there are more job opportunities in Vancouver now? What do you think has changed?

EVAN: For the animation industry yes, there are a lot more jobs now than before. I believe the studios get a kind of tax break which makes it much more affordable to make movies in Vancouver. Also, movies in general are using more and more Computer Graphics as the technology gets better and better.

MAC: When you relocate, what are the parameters that are important when choosing your neighourhood?

EVAN:  I have a wife and two small children so finding the best area for us as a family is the top priority. Somewhere not too busy, near schools, hospitals, etc. We plan to have a car which my wife will use during the day so living near Skytrain or bus route for me to commute to work is important. Also, it would be great to live somewhat near my friends in Vancouver.

MAC:  How many bedrooms would you need for your family?

EVAN: We hope to find a 2 bedroom apartment, suite or house at least 700 square feet with an in-suite washer and dryer and hopefully some sun light. Underground parking would be nice but it's definitely not a deal breaker for us.

Due to our geographical location, climate, demographics, and diverse population, generally speaking Vancouver is more resilient to economic fluctuations than other cities on this side of the country. Additionally, we have a safe and beautiful city that people want to live in. With more jobs come more people.

*Name changed due to privacy.