Port Edward

Port Edward sits where the Skeena River meets the Pacific, just 20 kilometers south of Prince Rupert, making it one of BC’s northernmost coastal communities. With only 470 residents spread across 167 square kilometers, this isn’t your typical mortgage market—but that’s exactly what makes it interesting for the right deals.

The town’s economy centers on public administration, accommodation services, and transportation, reflecting its role as a gateway community near the Alaska border. What’s remarkable is the median household income of $97,000, substantially higher than you’d expect in a community this size and remote. That income stability comes from government positions and seasonal tourism work, though the small population means property sales can take time when they do come up.

Port Edward’s claim to fame extends beyond its stunning coastal location. The community sits in Plant Hardiness Zone 8a, meaning residents can grow surprisingly tender plants despite being so far north—the warming climate has improved growing conditions by a full zone since the 1990s. The North Pacific Cannery, now a National Historic Site, tells the story of BC’s salmon canning industry and draws visitors interested in the province’s fishing heritage.

Housing stock is overwhelmingly single-family homes at 80.6%, with virtually no apartments or condos. Properties here appeal to a very specific buyer: someone who wants coastal living with mountain access, doesn’t mind being 50 kilometers from Prince Rupert’s amenities, and appreciates the kind of solitude you get with 2.8 people per square kilometer.

For mortgage brokers, Port Edward represents the classic small BC coastal community scenario. Beautiful location, stable if limited economy, and properties that can sit on the market longer than urban centers. Tekamar’s maximum 50% LTV reflects these realities—we’re conservative here because when you need to exit, patience becomes a requirement rather than a choice.

The community works for borrowers who understand they’re buying into a lifestyle rather than an investment, and for deals where the equity cushion accounts for the time it takes to find the right buyer in a market of 470 people.