In the Shuswap Valley, Salmon Arm is witnessing a rapid growth of a tech hub, as highlighted by Mayor Alan Harrison. However, tech firms in the area are facing challenges in retaining employees from urban areas who are not accustomed to driving, unlike the typical daily routine in British Columbia’s Interior.
Steven DeBoer, the VP of business operations at 4Ag Robotics, a company specializing in mushroom-picking robotics in Salmon Arm, noted the difficulties faced by employees adjusting to the transportation situation in the city. Many employees, used to urban public transit systems, find themselves stranded due to the lack of transportation options in Salmon Arm, especially to the industrial park where tech companies like 4Ag are located.
To address the issue and enhance employee satisfaction, 4Ag Robotics has acquired vehicles for staff use and facilitates carpooling arrangements for non-drivers. Efforts are also underway to advocate for improved public transportation services in the industrial park to support employees like Obi Ikediashi, a mechanical engineering co-op student from UBC Vancouver, who currently relies on carpooling to commute.
The absence of adequate transportation infrastructure in Salmon Arm, including limited bus routes and ride-share services, poses a significant hurdle for tech companies and their workforce. Isaac Jenkins, owner of Access Precision Machining, emphasized the necessity for expanded bus services to attract and retain skilled workers, stressing the importance of infrastructure to sustain local businesses.
While the idea of extending bus routes to the industrial park is acknowledged as beneficial by Mayor Harrison, budgetary constraints currently prevent immediate action. Mayor Harrison mentioned the city’s reliance on provincial funding to expand transit services and acquire additional buses, as the existing transit capacity is already at its maximum.
As a potential solution, the city council is closely monitoring an on-demand bus pilot program being tested in various cities across the province. Mayor Harrison suggested that such a flexible transportation approach could be suitable for locations like the industrial park with varying schedules and rider numbers.
