If you build it, they will come.
Will they?
As municipal councillors proudly announce the end of the budget planning process for 2024, communities across the Lakeland can look forward to plans for more capital spends. Infrastructure, recreation, social well-being are all part of the plan to grow local economies and attract new business. Of course, there’s also plans across the Lakeland communities for some “pay-to-play” assistance from local ratepayers.
Tax rate increases, moderate - nothing more than a five per cent bump - are anticipated in all communities from Lac La Biche County to the City of Cold Lake.
For some, the increase in taxation at the same time community leaders are trying to increase lagging population numbers may seem like a contrary decision. If our elected officials are trying to find which feature draws more interest - lower taxes or popular amenities - they are also realizing that the formula isn’t that simple.
Provincial statistics show a mish-mash of numbers in communities across the Lakeland. The Alberta government’s municipal dashboard for municipalities - a guide used by many planners and developers - continues to show regional population numbers are on the decline, but the same pages also show the average income in a family home in the MD of Bonnyville is $128,000 - up more than 20 per cent year over year. An even larger jump in household income is reported over the last five years in the County of St. Paul, with a 50 per cent increase to an average of $104,000. In Lac La Biche County, that average family income is also up - by 30 per cent - year over year to $112,000.
Balance that with a seemingly unlimited supply of category statistics that include the number of high school student enrolments, birth and death rates, the number of land title transfers, building permits and bankruptcies, internet upload and download speeds, and even new vehicle sales… and it’s clear to see just how unclear it is to predict who will come, when they will, and why.
Perhaps the best indicator is one that ties in with this time of the year. Maybe what draws people to our rural communities, to the places where those who are here already enjoy and are proud to call home, is simply the kind and welcoming feeling we get from our neighbours.
It’s hard to put a dollar value on that sense of goodwill, but for many, it’s priceless.
