One of the most interesting bits of information coming out of a recent business walk—a partnership between the District of Tumbler Ridge, Community Futures, and the Tumbler Ridge Chamber of Commerce, was the answer to the question: what do you like best about doing business in Tumbler Ridge?
The most popular answer, unsurprisingly, was Quality of Life: schools, activities, and a sense of community, followed by Location, Affordability and Opportunities.
At the bottom of the list? Business Friendly Local Government, with only 16 percent of businesses saying they felt it was something they liked about doing business in Tumbler Ridge. Or, to put that another way, 84 percent of businesses “stating that the local government is not business-friendly,” according to outgoing Director of Economic Development and Tourism Terese Finegan.
Jesse Olsen, Economic Development, Marketing & Design Coordinator says that some of the reasons why it ranked last was because of poor infrastructure, specifically broadband internet. “There was notes about paved routes from Alberta. Quite a few mentioned there could be simpler, more user friendly processes, like business licences. For instance, if the business licence form could be done online, as quite a few people are possibly working during the day, so making documents like that more easily accessible. Other points include lack of forward thinking, red tape around processes, zoning restrictions and lack of engagement with the business community.”
Councillor Norbury says that paints a slightly different picture than the District being “unfriendly” for business. “I was curious on how we could do better, and those are some good suggestions,” he says.
Mayor Krakowka says he feels council is open to attracting new business and supporting businesses. “Understanding how the ranking works, that explains a lot. Looking at doing business licences online is a good concept.”
CAO Brian Woodword says there is a new website going online shortly (it is now online) and it will allow people in the community more access to the District and its services. However, as of now, people are still only able to download the business licence forms from the website. They are not able to fill out the form online.
30 businesses were approached during the business walk, with seven additional businesses filling out a form online. Of those, 35 percent only have one employee including the owner/sole proprietor. Ten percent have six employees and Conuma, the town’s largest employer has 1200 employees (though not all of those are from Tumbler Ridge).
Only 38 percent of businesses surveyed are members of the Chamber of Commerce.
Another takeaway: finding skilled and capable workers is a challenge. It was suggested that the District develop closer ties with Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and Northern Lights College to learn more about preparing young adults for the local workforce, like a Young Entrepreneurs Program.
Some businesses find supply chains and delivery services to Tumbler Ridge create inconveniences and higher costs.
Others have found that the way the Community Grant Writing position works creates instability. Last year, for instance, a grant writer was hired, but left the community, leaving the District having to scramble to find a replacement. It is recommended to find a way to have that position continue from year to year to ensure continuity and effectiveness.
The Foreign Worker Program continues to help fill the labour force gap, says some businesses, who recommend the District continue to work closely with the BC Provincial Nominee Program.
Finally, digital and marketing skills are a top priority for businesses. The recommendations is the District continue to work closely with Community Futures and Northern BC Tourism Association to channel training to business owners.
Jerrilyn Kirk, Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce, says the chamber was thrilled to be involved in the business walk, and have the opportunity to speak to many of our local businesses. “Following the evacuation, the chamber sent emails to our membership to see how things were going and responses were mixed,” says Kirk. “Restaurants really suffered because a lot of their product spoiled. Some of our businesses were hurt because they had to close down for the week. That said, for some it had very little impact, mostly home-based businesses.”
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
