A new economic development plan is being forged by the District of Squamish to attract new businesses and help others grow, and it’s about time.
Since the departure of the economic development officer in December 2014, there has been no one in Squamish whose job is to talk to entrepreneurs who want to set up shop here and potentially provide jobs to local residents. To make matters worse, a private business incubator called Startup Squamish shut its doors about the same time.
That means, for the past year, some businesses have passed us by, and opportunities to stir up our economy with real jobs have been lost.
Fortunately, Squamish is so attractive as a recreation paradise well situated between Vancouver and Whistler that some companies have been making plans here, including Great Wolf Lodge, Garibaldi at Squamish and Klahanie Resort, but many of these are within a narrow window of tourism or housing development.
With the rising real estate values and demand for land here, it may seem to many that we’re doing just fine. In reality, we’ve been missing opportunities.
For example, Squamish is perfectly situated to become a potential location for tech startups or satellite offices for Vancouver companies, but a former resident interviewed by The Squamish Chief this week said there was no infrastructure or startup support for a tech company to set up here. Karen Olsson went to work for a startup in Kelowna instead, which has Accelerate Okanagan to offer support, resources and access to mentors and funding, which are crucial to startups. It’s just one example of potential economic development – with real jobs – that has passed us by.
The good news is that the District of Squamish, in its 2016 budget, has earmarked $187,500 for economic development including $55,000 for a half-time officer who can advocate for businesses that want to set up shop or grow in Squamish. This could provide a boost for all residents. Economic development is crucial to provide jobs and tax revenue to repair the district’s infrastructure.
The community has been so embroiled in the debate of whether or not to welcome an LNG plant – a company whose venture is looking less likely, given market conditions for liquefied natural gas – that we haven’t been considering many other opportunities. Not everyone wants to commute to jobs in Vancouver or Whistler to be able to afford the housing costs here. The economic development strategy could help create high-paying jobs right here in Squamish and keep our young, educated workforce at home.
– Editor Christine Endicott
