Like us on... freepressbc
Follow us on... @FernieFreePress
50
-2 ve. dA
1
451
3-42
Your Source for 44 Back to School Supplies n 12
Thursd a y , Au g u s t 2 7 , 2 0 15
Pizza & pasta
Serving the South Country, Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford since 1898
FREE
Wakesurfers take over the lake
250-423-4231
MON-TUES MADNESS! Ask us for details.
1221 7 Ave, Hwy 3 Fernie
WWW.FERNIEPIZZAANDPASTA.CA
MUSEUM
Fernie Museum hosts symposium - Page 17 ELK VALLEY
Wildlife updates Page 5 FERNIE
Keenan Flegel performed tricks on his skim board during the Koocanusa Wakesurfing Challenge on Aug. 22.
Worker shortage affects Fernie businesses By Katie Smith Free Press Staff
Castle on 1st - Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2015–16 Teck Safety Boundaries in the Elk Valley no hunting and no shooting please observe the no entry, For your safety and ours, Electronic maps at: property in the Elk Valley. safety boundaries on Teck ymaps www.teck.com/elkvalle
Photo by L. Scheitel
In a community that sees more than 300,000 visitors each year and has a population of less than 5,000, businesses in Fernie are struggling to find employees. Fernie mayor Mary Giuliano said with changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program, local businesses have been hit hard. And because of the small population, these businesses rely on such programs to meet employee demands. In the past, employers would pay an application fee of $250 per foreign worker employed at the company, which was good for two years. Now, with changes to the federal program, that fee has increased to $1,000 per application and is only good for one year, she
told The Free Press prior to the Aug. 24 council meeting. “But reapplying doesn't necessarily mean they will allow you to remain [in the program],” she said. “It's pretty onerous right now for the employers.” Members of the business community, including the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, McDonald's, Tim Hortons, Ann's Independent Grocery, 7-11, A&W, Canadian Tire, Fernie Lodging Company, Park Place Lodge and the Brick House filled city council chambers on Aug. 24 at the Committee of the Whole meeting. The discussion was to update council on present labour shortage challenges facing local businesses and to seek support from the city in finding solutions and working with other levels of government.
BC Cup Downhill Finals
Most Fernie businesses in the tourism and hospitality, food and beverage and retail industries, despite national advertising efforts, are operating short-staffed. Shortages as high as 45 per cent – which for some businesses is the equivalent of 30 employees – are seen in some businesses. Matt Brazeau of the Brick House said he has job postings continuously on sites like Kijiji and EK Employment. One job posting received 1,800 views but yielded only one job applicant. Housing remains a challenge to filling the staff shortages. Many employees are saying they have to share a multi-room home with nine or 10 people to afford living in Fernie. A survey from the B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association states, “in
Fernie, renter households earning less than $22,037 [per year] and living in two-bedroom units pay an average of 93 per cent of their income each month on rent plus utilities”. There was a discussion from city council about businesses offering staff accommodations or creating a housing cooperative. Sheila Byers of Park Place Lodge said the lodge has been advertising manager positions with accommodation available but are still not receiving applications. Representatives from the businesses on hand also said they are paying living wages and market rates – and all said they were paying more than minimum wage, with average wages being in the $15-$17 an hour range. Continued on page 3
SUMMER BLOWOUT SALE!
August 29-30 Come out for an action-packed week of downhill mountain biking! 250.423.4655
UP TO 60% OFF
•Summer clothing & technical wear •Soft shells & outerwear •Fernie logo wear •DH rental bikes for sale