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Viewpoint: Misconception of growth

I have some serious concerns with the June 15 Peak article “Mayor drives development.

I have some serious concerns with the June 15 Peak article “Mayor drives development.” My contention is not with the ambitions, actions or vision of the mayor, my contention is the misconception that City of Powell River is taking positive steps toward economic development, when in fact it has been, in most cases, a large barrier to businesses coming to the area.

On any issue, if we create a general perception that it is not an issue, the feeling from the public will be that the issue is something that does not need to be addressed; that truly is my fear here.

By publishing how “well” we are doing, we are reducing the urgency necessary to make meaningful change in the community, not only immediately, but in the near future.

If the city and its mayor feel we are in a place of high-quality economic development, our community’s proverbial bar needs to be raised as to what is considered high-quality economic development.

The article quotes the mayor as saying, “Retail is up. Land values are up. It’s not a fluke.” While I agree with the mayor that it is not a fluke, I would argue that those elements are a result of primarily external factors, such as the drop in the Canadian dollar, increased tourism and a rise in the overall provincial land value, and not directly attributable to the actions of the city, its mayor or its economic development department.

Nowhere in the article are there examples of actual projects that have come to fruition. While I understand it takes time for these things to happen, in my opinion the city has had enough time to be considered accountable for its lack of results.

The projects listed in the article are all hypothetical and are years away from breaking ground. That is, of course, if they can jump all of the hurdles being presented to them, and if they are not able to find greener, more inviting pastures in a community nearby.

I know the mayor personally, and I know how much passion and effort he puts into trying to improve the business climate in Powell River, but he is only one spoke on a wobbly wheel.

I feel that the vote of council to support the Sino Bright land exclusion may be the first sign our city and its ambassadors are taking the right steps to foster economic development here locally.

If we truly want to drive business and economic revitalization, we need to remove as much red tape as possible, address the small problems before they become big ones and create actual incentives for businesses to come here, compared to locating in other neighbouring communities. I fear the consequences of confusing our ambitions and attempts with actual results.

Cory Carr is a local business owner and community-growth advocate who was born and raised in Powell River.