The public surveys on economic development have been collected, the focus groups canvassed, and economic and demographic data collected and now Lion’s Gate Consulting heads back to their office to produce what is hoped will be a “succinct and achievable” economic development plan for the community of Hope.

“It is hoped that this will result in support for immediate action to improve the income and job prospects for current and future Hope residents and maintain the quality of life we now enjoy,” says the chair of the Hope Economic Development Steering Committee, Earl Rowe.

“The consultants will now take the survey results..., the notes from the focus groups, the results from those who have been asked or requested personal interviews, the analysis completed earlier and the results from the student survey and focus groups and start developing their ideas for recommendations,” says Rowe.

And that could take some time with over 400 surveys returned to the district hall by the public, an “excellent” response for this type of research considering the “high percentage” of Hope households that represents, adds Rowe.

“The focus groups were (also) amazing in their candor and enthusiasm. As would be expected, while at first it was an opportunity to discuss past disappointments, as discussion progressed, cynicism was supplanted by optimism and many useful ideas were offered on how we can position our community for success,” said Rowe.

A common theme amongst participants was the need “ for ongoing political leadership and support by district staff in making Hope ’business friendly,’ as well as “concern that this initiative would be another study with no action following…. Many examples of past opportunities foregone were offered,” adds Rowe.

“There was (also) uniform agreement on the many assets Hope has that others don’t and how these can be transformed into a ‘Made in Hope’ success story in spite of the many constraints that are beyond the scope of local community influence. Key among the assets cited were geography, tourism, recreation and social service resources, volunteerism as well as the quality of life.”

“I am convinced we have the assets and opportunities to attract new business and promote balanced growth of the type and at a rate at which will benefit all residents.

“I am, however, not convinced that there is currently a will to act together to make the changes necessary over the next few years. Rarely does economic decline come as a cataclysmic event. It is usually experienced as a ‘death by a thousand cuts’ because we haven’t recognized the threat until it is too late to take effective action.

Lion’s Gate’s recent draft analysis of the “economic data shows clearly that the decline of forestry and mining have left a legacy of static population growth which some might view as evidence of resilience. A closer look reveals that the job and wealth producing age groups are in decline and the difference is being made up by retirees,” says Rowe.

“In the long run if this trend continues the wonderful recreational, educational, and social resources which we all count on will no longer be affordable from current residential assessment rolls… Businesses will also be less likely to invest and locate in a community without an available work force and amenities attractive to employees,” says Rowe.

Rowe’s steering committee, the consultants and senior district staff will be meeting for seven hours on Thursday, Oct 29 for a working session on the economic development plan. The consultants will then take that input into consideration and prepare a draft strategy report for the steering committee by mid-November, followed then by a committee meeting to consider the report. The committee will decide on their recommendations and present them to Hope Council, with a community meeting and final report to council in early in December.

“If achieved, this would put us on cycle for the budget process as originally committed to by the Committee,” adds Rowe.

Hope council has made a five-year commitment to economic development, funds expected to be used to follow the new plan, however no specific dollar value has been set.