De-growth may work for those who make their living from government agencies, or outside sources. Those that make their living from the local economy must therefore be expendable. Actually our hospital, schools, city works, etc must necessarily shrink. Our population is at the cusp of imploding. What we have, with the help of tourists, barely keeps the doors of many open. It is really tough out there.
As for condemning the CoF. Nobody is wholly responsible, but investment is overlooking Fernie for the main reason that investors cannot determine if or when they may see a return. There is always risk in investment, but the record of the CoF is such that investors see a much higher risk in Fernie, because of the actions and inactions of the City. Investment follows the path of least resistance and potential success. The line on Fernie is high resistance and very few example of success. This was the case before the most recent economic problems and is now seen as reality.
Adding the word sustainable to de-growth is an oxymoron. I think some people like to see failure. I am happy for people who succeed and wish those that try the best of luck. Maybe that is because I understand the effort and vision it takes to take a risk, rather than cowardly throw flies into the ointment of others, from the safety of a life that does not depend on the fortunes of our local economy.
