Editor:
In 2012, For a Better Sechelt pointed out that Sechelt’s residential tax burden was 86.3 per cent and that needed to change — and we needed more jobs. We’ve had a very pro-business mayor and council since then and Sechelt’s residential tax burden is now 93 per cent.
So where are the new jobs and the new businesses? What we have, instead, is a community polarized by personal agendas and special interests all in the pursuit of more jobs.
What Sechelt and the Lower Sunshine Coast must do is focus on attracting people to live here, because people equal jobs.
According to Stats Canada, roughly 20 per cent of Canada’s workforce now works from home — that’s one out of every five jobs.
Supply and demand is perhaps one of the most fundamental concepts of economics, and it’s the backbone of a market economy. More people equals more demand, more demand results in the need for more supply (aka jobs).
So how do we attract people?
Easy — learn why people moved here and then focus on making those attributes better. Ask yourself, ask your neighbours and friends. Why did you move to the Sunshine Coast? You’ll be amazed to find out it’s a small homogeneous list: retirement, nature/rural environment, arts/culture, community/friends/family, affordability and proximity to Vancouver.
So did we get a better Sechelt? I don’t think so. Our community is divided, retirees have been ignored and more stores are empty. We did get a very expensive wastewater treatment plant, but unfortunately, it’s not on anyone’s list.
If we invest in building our community we will attract people. If we grow our population then the jobs will come. Don’t let the tail wag the dog.
Kirk Exner, Sechelt
