Editor, The Times:
Economic development or growth was a big topic during and after the District of Clearwater meeting last week.
As a citizen it was my privilege to attend the meeting and discuss this topic with the mayor and council as well as with the economic development person, Leslie Groulx.
You might be one of the folks concerned about how growth happens, how to approach the topic of investing or inviting business to the area. I am.
Indeed, there is movement at the local government level. Much conversation is happening on a one-on-one basis. However, it is a delicate conversation, as investors do not want to make public their inquiries, as they too are making decisions on where they would like to see growth in their particular areas of interest.
Where does that leave the general public?
It would seem that we have a few avenues:
1. We can trust that the people we elect/hire will always keep in mind the wishes of the people as outlined in the growth plans we had input into - that solid need for clean air and water, community involvement, thoughtfulness of how the actions taken today will effect our grandchildren and beyond.
2. We can volunteer to sit on as many public advisory committees as our interest and time can handle, and then talk about what is happening so that others know. Mostly the economic development plan asks for members from groups - so you will need to join one of those to be able to volunteer.
3. We can take our suggestions and concerns and approach Leslie Groulx with these ideas/ investment plans.
So, in a nutshell, the choices are do nothing, get involved, or get really involved and make growth happen.
The economic development plan is available online and at the District office in hard copy.
Thank you for letting me be your spokesperson. Please consider trying to attend the upcoming economic development committee meetings and regular council meetings. The dates are posted on the District website. I encourage you to read all the minutes of the meetings that you are unable to attend.
Cheryl Thomas
Clearwater, B.C.