Powell River launches YouTube campaign to appeal to young residents

A new web campaign by the City of Powell River is trying to entice young people to make the move to the Sunshine Coast.

"We want to get younger," the city's Manager of Economic Development Scott Randolph told On The Island's Gregor Craigie.

"Currently our average age as of the last census was 51."

To try to entice more young professionals, the website features video profiles of six young couples and families who live in the community.

"We wanted to do different things with our life than what was available to us in the city," said Chris, who is featured in one of the profiles.

"We decided to try it and reassess after a year, and we're not going back. We love it."

Chris kept his job in Vancouver by telecommuting from his new home, and travelling back to the city once a month for team meetings.

On mobile? Click here to see the profile of Powell River residents Chris and Uli.

Randolph said telecommuting is becoming more and more popular, with Telus already installing a fibre optic network.

"Our telecommunications infrastructure is going to be way beyond most communities in North America."

Other people are moving to the community and starting businesses, or filling gaps in the labour market left by older residents who are retiring, according to Randolph.

The cost of buying a home in Powell River is also considerably less than a home in Vancouver.

"In 2005 I bought a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with a yard and fully finished up and down for $220,000 and that's with an ocean view," said Randolph.

To hear more about what Powell River has to offer new, young residents, click the audio labelled: Powell River seeks young residents.