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Local Chamber calls on governments to help with housing crisis

Our local chamber is asking all levels of government to provide a “crisis response” to the ongoing housing situation in the county.

In a release, the chamber states delaying, denying, or not utilizing all available resources to address this issue should now come with an acknowledgement that these negative impacts continue to worsen.

“It’s a different world now that requires a willingness to change the way and the speed at which things are done,” says Robert Gaudette, Chamber Executive Director. “This is about neighbours and friends who are under incredible stress that need to be prioritized in the decision-making and planning processes.”

Chamber officials say the lack of attainable primary housing impedes the ability of employers to recruit talent from outside the county and relocation efforts fail due to the lack of inventory and the feasibility of commuting to the county; compounded by rising energy prices.

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“Without adequate staffing, owners are working additional hours to offset the lack of employees and/or reduce operations resulting in increased financial stress,” reads the release. “The business community requires an immediate and multi-pronged approach to support their recruitment efforts. Their personal and family wellbeing, economic impact and vital contributions to the community are critical to the success of the county.”

Mark Bell, President of the Board of Directors, says aside from economic considerations, there are long-term implications of the additional workload and stressors upon the business community.

“[Those include] the collateral effects of a reduction in the availability of local products and services, a reduced capacity to serve the tourism needs of its visitors, stress-related physical and mental health impacts, strategic reduction in the reliance on staff in investment and business modelling, and a reduction in the ability to attract new business/investment into the community.”

The Chamber says its the government’s response needs to explore incentivization, have red tape reduction and utilize all available resources.

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