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The Coastal Region The Coastal Region comprises the rest of Vancouver Island, the Queen Charlotte Islands and the seaward slopes of the Coast Mountains. Only three per cent of the population of British Columbia is scattered throughout this large area. Most people live in Prince Rupert and Port Alberni, with the remainder residing in pulp and paper towns, fishing villages, logging camps and mining communities. Physical Factors Along most of the coast, the mountains descend steeply to the sea. With the exception of the Graham Island Plain, in the northeastern corner of the Queen Charlotte Islands, little land is available for agricultural use. Heavy precipitation falls on the area during most of the year. A slight rainfall minimum occurs in early summer, but there is seldom any water deficiency. Snow accumulates very rapidly in winter, along the middle and upper slopes, but very little falls in the low-lying areas. On the average, temperatures near the water remain above freezing in the cool season, and, consequently, some plants grow during most of the winter. A luxuriant coniferous forest has emerged in response to this climatic environment. It mantles the seaward inclines of the Coastal Mountains upwards to 4,500 feet. Economic Factors Forest industries dominate the economic geography of the region. Most trees are cut in the southern districts, but, of late, more activity is taking place in northern areas. Fishing and mining industries are locally important, while agriculture is virtually non-existent. Prince Rupert Prince Rupert is the largest town in the region. Its site, as a terminal port for the railway from Prince George, was chosen on Kaien Island, near the mouth of the Skeena River. Many expected the port to rival Vancouver, since it was situated closer to Asia, on the Great Circle Route. Its population, in 2006, was about 12,800. Fish processing is the chief industry but a new celanese plant, located at Port Edward, will undoubtedly influence the growth of Prince Rupert. Home