A pattern evolved during round table discussions about economic development Tuesday night at the Sun-shine Coast Golf and Country Club.
Five representatives from 12 industries were invited to participate by Community Futures Development Corporation of the Sunshine Coast in an evening of business discussion and looking for ways to move the Coast in a positive direction.
"We've never asked the public before. We've never asked the industry sectors what they think the challenges are," said Community Futures executive director Al Mulholland.
People were grouped according to likeness and worked their way through six questions. The questions addressed opportunities and challenges facing business now and in the next three to five years. Participants were asked to brainstorm ideas about how the community could better support them in their endeavours and to suggest initiatives that Community Futures could assist them with.
Across the board, transportation was an issue impeding the growth and sustainability of sectors on the Coast. B.C. Ferries received the harshest criticism, and the need for increased public transportation, bike trails and connector roads were raised as well. Arts and tourism groups felt poor transportation greatly affected their success.
Another challenge to growth noted by several groups was labelled in a few ways. The construction sector spokesperson said NIMBYism (not in my back yard) and an "anti-development attitude" keep the Coast from growing and attracting new businesses and the skilled labour it takes to operate them and make the community vibrant.
"BANANA: Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone" was brought up twice, and the fisheries and forestry sector brought up another acronym: "CAVE people - Citizens Against Virtually Everything."
The spokeswoman for the finance sector said: "The attitude is that we're not open for business so we're not attracting young people to stay here. Who will sell us our Depends at the drugstore?"
The lack of young, skilled labour and families was a concern to all sectors especially education and training, retail and services, fisheries and forestry, finance and construction. A lack of affordable housing and more competitive wages in places like the oil sands were suggested as reasons young people stay away or leave after apprenticeship training on the Coast.
The final big idea that drew consensus was a need for one government with a regional economic growth plan. Repeatedly, groups voiced the need to have one voice in government.
Barry Wilbee, alternate regional district board representative for Area A, told the crowd, "One government won't be achieved by being political. Cam Reid, Mayor of Sechelt, is in favour and another one in Gibsons said 'Amen to that'. It won't happen in three years but over time, if the people in the community want it."
Mulholland had each group record their challenges and ideas for improvement from which Commu-nity Futures will compile a report. Results reached during the round table will be posted on their website (www.communityfutures.org) and forwarded to all levels of government funders.
