Improving the business environment

Nelson, B.C., strives to be the most business-friendly municipality in the province

Tom Thomson is the executive director of the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce. — Photo courtesy Tom Thomson

Tom Thomson, executive director of the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, said that there are about 1,300 business licenses in the City of Nelson, and a chamber membership of over 500 businesses.

Shared goals

About seven years ago, Thomson said, three different groups—the City of Nelson, Community Futures and the chamber of commerce—formed the Nelson and Area Economic Development Partnership (NAEDP). They reasoned that in combining their efforts they would have greater strength and influence in achieving their shared goals.

“This partnership remains strong,” said Thomson, “surviving many administrative changes among the players. We have also involved Electoral Areas E and F in the (NAEDP) partnership, expanding the influence base and the power base.”

Frequent contact and open communication ensure that the partnership is operating with up-to-date information and addressing current issues.

Changes are needed

“We’re fortunate to have a strong and vibrant downtown,” said Thomson, “and a business community that is well rounded and diverse. However, changes in the world economy and the establishment of online shopping mean that local bricks-and-mortar businesses must adapt and be open to change to achieve long-term sustainability. Business retention and expansion is one of the primary concerns of the chamber and the  NAEDP.”

In March 2013, the provincial government unveiled the Small Business Accord (SBA), with the stated goal of becoming the most business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada. The Nelson chamber discussed the accord with the business community and adopted the goals and principles of the SBA.

“We talked about this with city council, too,” said Thomson, “and they also adopted the principles of the SBA. We’re all on board with becoming the most business-friendly municipality in B.C. We have a ways to go, but the goal is something for the municipality and the business community to strive for.”

Playing on the level

“We need a level playing field with other urban centres if we want to attract new residents and new business,” said Thomson.

He cited improved air service and expanded wireless and fibre optic service for the downtown core as important amenities to have available for potential business investors. Thomson said that the City had the foresight to put in the infrastructure for wireless Internet service when the electrical upgrades were done in the downtown core. Now, focus groups are being conducted to determine what the needs are among the businesses downtown, and how those needs can best be addressed.

The NAEDP is in communication with the administrative bodies in Castlegar, Rossland and Trail, to determine where collaborative action would be mutually beneficial.

“As separate communities we’ll always have our own individual identities,” Thomson said, “but there are things that we can collaborate on. If we’re able to go to the provincial government as a region encompassing a larger population, we’re stronger than if we go as individual communities.”

Thomson said that having a shared vision doesn’t automatically resolve every issue.

“It doesn’t mean that we always agree on the details, but having a common long-term goal helps to keep us moving forward.”