Lack of transportation options hindering Salmon Arm, B.C., tech sector

I'm glad they are calling for increased transit. It's also clear that these companies that moved to Salmon Arm for cheaper industrial space and taxes, are expecting the public to pay for a thing that primarily benefits them.

In an effort to improve retention and employee wellbeing, 4Ag Robotics has purchased several vehicles specifically for staff.

It also co-ordinates carpooling for employees who do not drive.

The robot manufacturers, along with other companies located in the industrial park, are also advocating for improved public transportation options

He said walking and biking to the industrial park is also not a viable option for most since there are few street lights, no sidewalks and only a narrow shoulder along the road through the industrial park — not to mention the hills.

Isaac Jenkins, owner and general manager of Access Precision Machining is also finding it difficult to attract and retain young, skilled workers in a city where driving is the standard.

He said nearly 15 per cent of Salmon Arm’s workforce is employed in the industrial park. Jenkins said the city is certainly not a retirement community anymore, and needs a bus route that extends past the shopping centres.

Mayor Harrison does not disagree with the notion that a bus route to the industrial park would be beneficial, but said he is constrained by the city’s budget. 

“It's an extremely important service, But it is a costly one. The city taxpayers subsidize each ride,” explained Harrison.

Not wanting to increase costs to residents, Harrison said the city is waiting for provincial funding before expanding transit services and buying more buses.

He said currently, Salmon Arm’s transit buses are used to their maximum capacity. In the meantime, he said council is closely watching an on-demand bus pilot program that is being trialed in cities across the province. 

“That might work in a place like the industrial park, where you have irregular hours, irregular number of riders” said Harrison.