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| OPINION - March 2, 2010 |
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| Editorial |
| Talking growth |
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Post Staff
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This year an economic development strategy is being developed for Lac La Biche County. The local Chamber of Commerce intends to be involved in the process, and many business owners are saying it’s about time this town grew to meet its potential.
But others are cautioning that we may have already missed our chance, that previous potential for growth has now turned into missed opportunity.
But the fact remains: oilsand projects in the Conklin area will continue to grow, and the large industry players will require a myriad of service companies to fulfill their needs.
There are some companies out there working to meet the potential so many see, but this will be a community effort.
And some people may not like the result.
Like Brian Stratichuk mentioned at last week’s Chamber meeting, growth means increased competition. Some businesses may not be able to keep up, and others may see reduced revenues.
Housing prices may go up even more, and what was once a quiet lakeside town may lose its charm as the area becomes more populated.
But it could be a great thing too. More people means more diversity, more shops, and more opportunity.
Perhaps it’s time we all started talking about the future, and becoming actively involved in what Lac La Biche could be. Call it a visioning session, or brainstorming, but the results are the same.
The people of this community can either sit by and watch while their town grows around them, or watch while companies choose another town to call home. Alternatively, the residents can create their own future, and be a part of the planning process that will determine the future of their town.
It is common practice for resort communities to be completely planned before the first building goes up. They account for everything, and the result is a pleasant experience where everything has a home, and conflicting businesses or land uses aren’t side by side.
As the county collectively embarks on this latest planning and visioning quest, it would be a good time to draw attention to something.
This community has low standards. The idea that we should settle for something less than the greatest goals should be shunned. That we should settle at all is the wrong mindset. Set lofty goals, and chase them relentlessly. That should be our mantra.
Instead of seeing Lac La Biche as a service centre for the Conklin area, why not set a goal to be the premier destination for rural living and recreation in northeast Alberta, while encouraging well-planned and laid-out commercial development resulting in a vibrant and diverse business community serving the needs of northeast Alberta? Is that too much to ask? Lets talk about it. |
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