There are amazing things happening behind some big doors on the Peninsula.
They are not exactly secret things, although there are some trade secrets that a few local companies aren’t revealing.
What a few of the Peninsula’s aviation, manufacturing, technology and food companies did reveal on a Tour of Industry this week, was while they mainly deal in international markets, they are reliant on this area for its services, transportation, housing and medical care. And they are not afraid to say they are balancing these challenges with their desire to stay in business close to their homes.
The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce lived up to its role of shining a light on these issues during their tour. It revealed business owners and operators have stories to tell of their successes here.
Keeping them here, then, is the role of the chamber and community leaders. If they believe that these enterprises add to the Peninsula’s quality of life and better our communities overall, they will have to take up some of the issues raised by these business leaders.
Already, workforce housing is on everyone’s radar on the Peninsula. This issue alone is creating growing pains in communities that want to balance their quality of life with development.
Issues surrounding transit services, food and retail shops and even medical services are matters held in common with just about everyone who lives here.
So, while these industries might be quietly going about their business, it’s important not to forget that the policies currently being debated here and on the Island could have far-reaching implications to our economic future.
