A common complaint in the North Okanagan is there aren’t enough good-paying jobs that will help support a family or allow someone to enter the housing market.
There are no easy solutions to such a complex issue but that doesn’t mean that governments at all levels and businesses organizations shouldn’t be motivated to pursue an answer.
In the case of Enderby, council has received a report from Aspen Lands, a consulting firm putting together an economic development plan for the community.
As part of the initiative, potential industrial land has been identified and letters have been sent off to 55 property owners to see if they would like to enter into a discussion.
“We want to let the owners of the property know what opportunities are available,” said Mayor Greg McCune.
Let’s hope the property owners are willing to consider future development, but critical to this will be the city coming to the table with potential costs for infrastructure, such as water, sewer and roads.
On top of this process, Enderby also needs to look beyond its boundaries.
The Regional District of North Okanagan is currently canvassing jurisdictions on a possible economic development function that would co-ordinate activities such as marketing the area. If the service occurs, Enderby needs to be at the table because even if a business is created in Armstrong or the BX, employees may live and shop in Enderby. All communities are linked together.
But until RDNO determines what it is doing, Enderby officials deserve praise for pursuing a vision for the community.
