Letter received January 19, 2018 from S. Veldhuizen
Public correspondence from a local resident opposing the casino signage due to light pollution and safety concerns.
5. Economic Development
5.1 Realize the Region’s Economic Potential
For residents of the Capital Region, economic prosperity is a foundation of high regional quality of life. Economic sustainability means the production and distribution of wealth to meet present and future generations’ needs for goods and services in ways that ensure the long–term promotion of a satisfying and high quality of life for all residents. A sustainable economy is one that exhibits diverse and viable economic opportunities and is resilient and responsive to changing circumstances. Further characteristics of a sustainable economy are the involvement of a broad range of parties and interests in economic decision–making and contribution to the achievement of environmental and social sustainability.
The Capital Region already has a highly diversified economy. Current strengths include the internationally significant tourism industry, agri-tourism, colleges and universities, provincial capital services and functions, major national defense headquarters and facilities, a growing high technology sector, health services, small business, environmental consulting, retirement services, the film industry and a natural environment and livable communities that attract others to live here. These advantages notwithstanding, significant regional growth management and quality of life considerations remain un-addressed.
Economic Development Considerations
I. Finding ways to achieve a minimum jobs/population ratio of: i. 0.60 in the Core Area ii. 0.53 in the Saanich Peninsula iii. 0.36 in the West Shore; II. Finding ways to work collaboratively on regional economic development considerations, including cooperation with First Nations; III. Finding ways to expand and diversify the economy of formerly resource–dependent communities in Sooke and the Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, such as through low-impact recreation and tourism; IV. Finding ways to ensure the long term, affordable supply of strategic economic resources such as water, aggregate and energy; V. Finding ways to increase economic activity in forestry and agriculture including high–value and specialized agriculture and value-added forestry; VI. Finding ways to address the shortage of designated space–extensive industrial/business land in the region in locations consistent with overall goals regarding community completeness, transportation balance, and a network of major centres within an urban containment boundary;