Demographics

I do have a question and would like to hear your thoughts on this subject. The other day I was standing outside my daughters preschool with 5 other moms. I was the only woman there who's husband was not working in Alberta but mine plans to after Chrictmas. So my question is how can we secure more fulltime work in the Oceanside ALL year round? I grew up here and also graduated from KSS in 95 and would love my 2 children to have the same opportunity. We moved back here to raise our children and would love to STAY! Thank you for your time!

Thanks for your question. One of the main points of my campaign platform is demographics, and finding ways to keep young families like yours from moving, or in your case, having one of the parents working out of town. I feel this is critical to the future of Parksville, and I think the answer is 3-fold.
1) We need an economic development plan to draw businesses to the area. Large companies with the ability to pay sufficient wages to enable families to afford to live in the area. Tech sector companies, new “low impact” manufacturing businesses, companies that will complement the existing businesses, bolster the economy, and enhance the community.
2) We need an education facility that will be an option for students graduating from high school, and also be a draw for student from outside the area. Similar to North Island College, possibly a full trades program, specialty programs, etc.
3) Attainable housing will be necessary to allow young families to get a foothold here, a place to start. As well as allowing students to remain in the area.
This is not a short term solution, and is not something that will happen overnight, but it is essential that we begin the process now. Our economy presently is based on service industry jobs that do not provide a living wage, tourism industry work that are great jobs for students, but cannot support a family. We need to build on what we presently have, the area is very inviting but is not the entire package, that the companies we need to bring to this area require.
I will certainly be working hard to find ways to expedite the creation of jobs in this area that will allow families like yours to stay together, and remain in Parksville.