In response to his letter last week, “Changing face of jobs” (March 2), like Wolfgang Wittenburg I am a so-called “knowledge worker” with a home office.
What should be brought to light is that this category of business contributes least to spin-off employment, local purchasing impact and community business tax base – certainly by comparison with manufacturing, transportation and resource industries some would say we can now do without.
High-tech, tourism and retail sectors have typically half or less of the jobs multiplier and local purchasing impacts of these industries.
Yes, jobs and employment are changing in the “post-industrial” economy.
But the distance between Squamish and Vancouver remains quite far, with energy and environmental costs – as well as social and economic costs for both the household and the community.
Helmut Manzl had it right in a Chief column back in 2008:
“Ironically, while we trumpet the appeal of the great out-of-doors, too many people will end up spending less time on recreational pursuits and more hours on the road. In the final analysis, what’s even more troubling is that many residents will be less likely to become involved in community activities in a town that prides itself on its high level of civic commitment and volunteerism.”
“Jobs before Growth” is not a “lament” or old-fashioned idea.
Jobs and public transit before housing development growth is a longstanding requirement in planning legislation down in the Puget Sound region, and our region is by necessity clearly going in this Smart Growth direction also.
In Squamish we can have it all, including freedom of choice.
But neglect of community jobs-housing balance and heavy lifting sectors of our Squamish economy like manufacturing, resource and transportation industries – which are all growing, not contracting – won’t get us there.
Eric Anderson
Squamish
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