Lack of transportation costing Salmon Arm industrial jobs: survey

“Two employers wrote that they screen potential employees out of the hiring process if they do not have a transportation plan,” said Watson.

“One employer noted they don’t get as many potential employees applying for their jobs because of the lack of transportation.”

Watson said a rough estimate based on survey data shows there is approximately 1,200 to 1,500 workers in Salmon Arm’s Industrial Park.

SAEDS did a similar survey about a decade ago, and Watson said it showed there was little need for transportation in the Industrial Park, but the situation has since changed.

“Recently, there was an article published by local two employers outlining the need for transport out to the Industrial Park,” said Watson.

“It was noted that some of the employees are carpooling, which can be unreliable, some businesses are purchasing vehicles to support their talent transportation needs, and there was some concerns around growth and attraction efforts for businesses in the Industrial Park. With that information, we felt it was important to update the survey and the data.”

Watson said the SAEDS is looking for potential interim solutions while they advocate for expanded BC Transit services.

“I think we need to find that Salmon Arm solution for ourselves and we can take some of the things we have learned and use it moving forward,” said Watson.

“I think we need to take this a little bit farther. I think we need to have an employee survey so we can find out exactly how many people are getting rides to the industrial park.”

Watson also suggested pilot programs taking advantage of underutilized vehicles owned by other local organizations.

The data will be brought to a future city council meeting to discuss potential recommendations and next steps.

by Elora McCormack

Lack of transportation costing Salmon Arm industrial jobs: survey

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