10/08/2026
A local business perspective as Smithers heads into a municipal election.
I have lived, worked and paid taxes in this community for many years. Through Northern Metals, I have also had the opportunity to see firsthand the skills, trades and capabilities that exist right here in Smithers.
Over the past several years, I have watched municipal work and repair opportunities leave our community. At times, equipment has been sent out of town for repairs, while in other situations, large purchases have been made where the question of whether something could be repaired locally seems worth asking.
It makes me wonder:
Are we doing enough to look locally first?
I understand that there will always be situations where going outside the community makes sense. There are specialized repairs, capacity issues, timelines and procurement requirements. But when we have local businesses with the equipment, knowledge and experience to do the job, I believe they should at least have an opportunity to compete for that work.
There is also something valuable about having the people doing the work actually live here.
We understand the northern environment. We understand what a Smithers winter can do to equipment. We understand that when a major snowstorm is coming, a snowplow isn't just another piece of equipment — it is what keeps our highways and roads moving and our friends, families and neighbours safe.
I can't count the number of times we've put other work aside at the shop to get a snowplow repaired because we knew a storm was coming and that equipment needed to be ready.
That kind of local knowledge and responsiveness has value.
It can also mean that local businesses are in a better position to understand the real conditions equipment is working in and provide accurate, practical estimates for repairs and maintenance.
And there is another reason I believe keeping work in our community matters: our young people need somewhere to learn.
Trades don't happen overnight. Young people need opportunities to get their first job, learn from experienced workers and develop the skills that will keep our community running for years to come.
That also means allowing room for people to learn. Businesses need enough work to be able to train young workers, teach them properly and afford the mistakes that inevitably come with learning a trade.
If we continually send work elsewhere, we aren't just sending today's dollars away. We may also be sending away opportunities to train tomorrow's workforce.
This isn't about expecting the Town to use a local business simply because it is local.
It's about asking the question:
“Can this be done here, and can it be done responsibly and competitively?”
When municipal dollars are spent locally, they don't just benefit the business receiving the work. They support local employees, local families, local suppliers and other businesses. That money continues circulating through our community.
As a business owner, I pay taxes here, employ people here and contribute to this community. But I don't have a municipal vote simply because I own a business.
So while I may not be able to cast a ballot on behalf of Northern Metals, I can certainly share what I would be looking for if I could.
I would support council candidates and a mayor who understand the importance of local businesses and are committed to keeping municipal spending in our community whenever it is practical, competitive and financially responsible.
Smithers has skilled mechanics, welders, fabricators, contractors and tradespeople. We have businesses that have invested in equipment, training and years of experience.
Let's make sure we are giving those businesses a fair opportunity to help build and maintain the community they call home.
As voters consider their choices this election, I encourage you to ask candidates:
What will you do to support local businesses, develop our trades workforce and keep more municipal spending working right here in Smithers?
That is something I will be paying close attention to.
— Laura
Northern Metals
