Just read an interesting point in a little "history of a small town" publication...it was making an observation that when a lovely area was first discovered, it would be fed by tourism...and then it would slowly evolve to a retirement area.
Interesting....
It may explain the feeling among many islanders that tourism is no longer the main economic engine for the Gulf Islands, and for Salt Spring Island.
People who initially came as tourists, thus staying in B&Bs, in hotel/motel, in resorts, and thus eating lunch/dinner in restaurants, plus renting cars/scooters, possibly kayaks/boats, & then they decided to purchase property/live here (potentially as a retiree), the dynamic of the Island's lifestyle may have slowly & subtly transformed from purely tourist related businesses to more general/year round business models, serving primarily a "local".
A profound change, indeed!
Was this recognition of less business locally for artists and their wares, for example, a reason behind the Taste of Salt Spring giant three day art/craft sale moving to an off island location, in Sidney, on first weekend in December? A taking the show on the road reaction?
If so, perhaps a wise decision on the part of those involved.
Lots of communities on nearby Vancouver Island hold markets that sell local art & local foods, and some have added theatre, live music venues, all in competition, if you will, with what used to be unique to Salt Spring.
If it's inevitable in the process that tourism leads to retirement community choices, then this may explain why some business options are not as busy as in previous years. While it's true that economic strictures affect all areas right now, it might also be that the less active business isn't offering what the community now requires...the cheese has moved idea.
For a population that involves retirees, plus young families able to work off the Internet and thus able to choose a rural island lifestyle, it means that the business options need to shift to meet the expectations and needs of a year-round islander and not just to service or sell to a casual visitor. Hmmm....
Just a thought! Your ideas? Always welcome!
How may I help you to discover special Salt Spring Island & the Southern Gulf Islands? Call me!
