Economic Development and Powell River’s Future
The former mill site at tiskʷat has significant potential for industrial redevelopment. Its extensive waterfront, existing industrial lands and deep-water access create opportunities that few other properties can offer. Finding responsible uses for these lands should be an important part of the region’s economic future.
The site is now owned partly by Tla’amin Nation and partly by a private landowner. The City can’t decide its future alone, but it can be a constructive partner. council should work respectfully with Tla’amin Nation, the private landowner, senior governments and prospective businesses to support development that creates lasting jobs and economic benefits while recognizing the site’s environmental, cultural and historical significance. Tla’amin has identified both economic opportunity and environmental stewardship as important to its plans for the reacquired lands.
Industrial development at the former mill site alone will not solve our economic challenges, and Powell River should not become dependent on a single employer again. There are several other parcels that could offer valuable development opportunities, and council should be open to exploring them. A strong economy needs a mix of industry, small business, tourism, skilled trades, professional services and emerging opportunities that we may not yet have considered.
Our location creates real challenges when it comes to attracting new businesses. Powell River can only be reached by air or water, which can mean higher transportation costs, a smaller customer base and a limited workforce. These factors create additional risk for businesses considering investing here. However, Powell River has overcome these challenges in the past. With a clear strategy and a City willing to work constructively with responsible investors, we can do so again.
Supporting economic development also means supporting the businesses already here. The City should review its permitting and approval processes to find unnecessary delays and provide applicants with clear requirements and realistic timelines. Limited staffing and regulatory obligations must be recognized, but every avoidable delay postpones jobs, investment and new municipal revenue.
We should also create more opportunities for entrepreneurs to try new ideas without taking on enormous costs. Having operated an ice cream truck for six summers, I know that mobile businesses can bring something valuable to the community. Expanding the locations where food trucks can operate and exploring a designated food-truck area would give more entrepreneurs that opportunity. It would allow someone to test an idea and build a customer base without immediately taking on the cost and risk of opening a permanent location. Successful businesses may eventually expand into storefronts, employ more people and contribute even more to the local economy.
Tourism will continue to be important, but we should look at it as a regional opportunity. From Saltery Bay to Lund, throughout the backcountry and across to Texada and Savary Islands, this region offers experiences that few places can match. Tourism related to fishing, boating, whale watching, hiking, cycling, cultural experiences and access to nature supports accommodations, restaurants, guides, retailers and other local businesses. The City should work with neighbouring governments and tourism organizations to help visitors discover more of the region and give them reasons to stay longer.
A healthy community needs people at every stage of life. Remote workers and retirees bring outside income into the community, support local businesses and contribute in many ways. However, we also need employment opportunities that allow working-age people and young families to establish their lives here, along with a strong economic foundation that helps keep Powell River affordable for them.
Supporting economic development does not mean accepting every proposal that comes forward. It means being prepared when responsible opportunities arise, making decisions efficiently and building a diverse economy that provides employment while protecting the qualities that make people want to live here.
I came to Powell River because it offered a friendly and safe community, access to nature, available work and housing that ordinary working people could afford. If we want our children and grandchildren to build their futures here, those same opportunities must remain available to them.
