General Overview

Pender Island is the second most populous of the southern Gulf Islands (which lie in the Strait of Georgia between British Columbia's Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island). Its permanent residents number about 2,000, made up of young families, young and old retirees, and a large number of business professionals who work in Victoria, Vancouver and farther afield - many telecommuting. In the summer, the island population doubles when seasonal residents and visitors arrive to cycle, hike, cruise, golf, fish or enjoy a peaceful retreat at one of the resorts or B&Bs.

The island has no village or town center although the Driftwood Center, with its many stores and offices, serves as the island's business center. The Post Office, Liquor Store, Capital Regional District office, pharmacy, laundromat, insurance office, gas station, bank, bakery, Tru-Valu groceries, a real estate company, hair salon and a gift shop are all located at "The Drift". There are businesses also at Port Washington, Hope Bay, at the three marinas (Otter Bay Marina, Port Browning Marina and Bedwell Harbour Marina) and a few others, including farm stands, along the country roads.

The Penders are primarily a rural community. You'll find open farmland, rolling forested hills and several lakes. Prior Provincial Park provides camping facilities; Beaumont Marine Park does likewise for boaters. Recently aquired parklands include the 532 acre Pacific Marine Heritage Legacy Park and the protected Medicine Beach wetlands. Trails cross Mt. Norman Regional Park and Mt. Elizabeth Park. Trails can also be found in Magic Lake Estates, at Mt. George, Mt. Menzies and Oak Bluffs. Signs mark the many accesses to beaches and scenic viewpoints around the islands.

Opportunities for recreational activities abound: there's a 9-hole golf course near Otter Bay, a 27-pin disc-golf course in Magic Lake Estates, swimming pools at the marinas, kayak-rentals and guided fishing. Also available are several tennis courts, a ball diamond and several children's playgrounds. Maps and brochures showing the various amenities of Pender Island are available at the Lion's Info Booth and many island businesses .

Miscellany:

• Annual Fall Fair
• Private grass airstrip
• Public swimming pools at Port Browning marina, Otter Bay Marina and Bedwell Harbour Resort.
• Health Care Centre - 2 Doctors, Dentist, Physiotherapists, Public Health Nurse & Home Care
• Provincial Ambulance Service, helicopter pad and water taxi dock
• Elementary School - K to Grade 8. High School students go by water taxi to Salt Spring Island (Mayne and Saturna too)
• There are 2 pubs, a legion and a variety of restaurants.

Related Links:
Pender Island City Profile
http://www.penderislands.org

Gulf Islands City Profile
http://www.gulfislands.com

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