HISTORY OF COMMUNITY

Parksville was named after its first Postmaster, George Parks, and grew first from a stagecoach stop to a rail line connector then became the highway crossroad of Vancouver Island. Parksville slowly transformed itself from a rural farming, logging and fishing community into a fashionable resort, recreation community for Victoria's elite. Time changes everything and so Parksville has grown to become one of Vancouver Island's most desired recreational and retirement areas. The growth of Nanaimo into a vibrant commercial, industrial metropolis and the industrial growth of Port Alberni (a 30-minute drive) led to the greater Parksville area becoming a bedroom community for these neighbouring cities and the home base for many small manufacturing and distribution companies.

Parksville is free from pollution and its moderate climate is considered the best or a rival as the best climate in Canada. Today Parksville has become known across Canada for its beautiful beaches and great climate--a virtual sportsman and recreation paradise. The resort mecca of Vancouver Island has attracted retirees from across Canada and has led to Parksville's becoming one of the most desired and fastest growing communities in the country.