The pandemic unleashed a tidal wave of remote working, upending our very notions of home and office, and igniting a revolution in how and where we conduct our lives.
A recent study by LinkedIn’s Economic Graph research team revealed that Kelowna, our beautiful city nestled between lakes and mountains, has seen a more dramatic shift in this remote work phenomenon, and has emerged as the top Canadian metropolitan centre for remote job applications.
I understand why people want to live here.
I can walk out my door and in five minutes I can be in a provincial park with lake view to walk my dogs and visit with community members going for a morning hike. The trees, the air, the view, the people – it’s all breathtaking.
And many have moved here over the last years, but the new data is showing that while they live here, they may not work here, but may work remotely.
Kelowna's transition into a 'Zoom town' has opened the door for significant benefits, but with those opportunities come challenges.
As the data suggests, our beautiful city has become a beacon for those desiring a balance of remote work and a higher quality of life.
But with this new set of circumstances, we need to ensure that we are responding with the necessary steps to maintain a stable economy and housing for employees that businesses here require.
Businesses located in Kelowna are struggling to find people under the taxation and legislation that they are regulated by, and yet – people that already live here are choosing to work in other parts of Canada remotely. The housing that could be provided to local employees, are being used by employees of other provinces.
These remote workers living in Kelowna put further strain on the housing market, causing rental rates and housing prices to rise. It was recently reported that the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment had risen to a record $2464 per month in July.
This phenomenon is more pronounced in Kelowna than in other parts of BC and will require a robust provincial response to make sure that we maintain a healthy and vibrant economy.
What do I think that the province do?
Our province and community should work hand in hand, ensuring that the “Zoom town” transformation is sustainable and benefits all. This means balancing remote job opportunities with local employment needs and ensuring that our housing and infrastructure evolve in tandem with our growing population.
In essence, the goal should be to transform the challenges presented by Kelowna’s “Zoom town” status into opportunities for holistic growth and development.
My question to you is this: What do you think the province should do to make sure that businesses thrive in Kelowna?
I love hearing from you and I read every email!
Please email me at Renee.Merrifield.MLA@leg.bc.ca or call the office at 250-712-3620.