Real Economic Health - as much as possible based on a circular economy, where one businesses waste is a need for another business, liveable wage, sustainable jobs, are crucial to a strong regenerative future

We need to encourage, attract and sustain a broader and more local business base.  

Our children and grandchildren deserve a chance to raise their families in the community they grew up in. As do the 1st Nations on whose land we find ourselves.

Building a  more local, circular  economy would make us more resilient. 

The 2022 Official Community Plan, says that North Cowichan will create a positive business climate --  one that promotes growth in Urban Containment Boundaries, (UCB) and promote diversity, and livable wage jobs.  

To promote livable wages does not  mean no minimum wage jobs.  For youth at home and some seniors who want to top up their pensions, these can be valuable.

Yet, there is something inherently wrong with a civilization if its citizens cannot afford to live in it.
 
Is that not justice?

Having certainty of the location of the UCB is not only cheaper for taxpayers in the long run, it looks at varieties of tenure outside of the long desired single family dwelling and signals to developers what we want to see.

The last couple of  years we have seen challenges due to Covid, a new culture of working from home, giving a more balanced work life style for some.

The increasing costs of living mean we need new ways to recover towards a more thriving, regenerative local economy.  One of those ways is housing and people  living close to the services  they need.

We need a clear and forward-thinking plan to provide housing for workers, especially for seniors, differently abled and workers in retail and service jobs.

Attainable housing for all cannot be done by the free market, else it would be available now wouldn't it? 

Senior government investment, changes to BC Building Code and
local zoning, while working with the development community  are a few tools that can be considered.

Also, while the costs of housing stock is  so high, it is important to consider other types of tenure, such as cottage and laneway homes, RV dwelling and Tiny Homes. 

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My Commitment 

Consider how to attract green businesses paying livable wages.  Attract new creative jobs in the tech industry, including med-tech, agriculture, young entrepreneurs who want to invest here for the lifestyle. 

 Support incentives to businesses that process our resources here, one example being an eco-industrial park.

Support  the implementation of a plan involving the highest and best uses for the Municipal Forest Reserve.

Adopt and apply a strong biodiversity policy.

Lobby senior governments to help eliminate poverty.  Eliminating poverty is cheaper than reacting to it.  

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North Cowichan has fabulous assets -- unequaled public forests, a growing network of trails, an expanding public transit system, new smart-growth standards, and resourceful people who are equal to any challenge. We are poised to become a model municipality -- a flagship community that should draw like-minded businesses and families like a magnet.    

We should be able to attract businesses in "hot" emerging fields, such as agro-forestry, renewable energy, local food production, technology in general, medtech and eco-tourism.  I want to help that happen.