Aside from needing more barbers, communities say they also need more police and bylaw officers to respond to some of the problems that come with a rapidly growing population — but questions remain about who will pay for that.
Rentals in short supply
Already, approximately 1,000 workers are in place and the impact can be seen everywhere, said Nechako Barber Shop owner Tracy Best.
“Everybody’s got ‘Help Wanted,’ signs,” she said, adding it’s difficult to recruit people into service-industry positions with high-paying camp jobs nearby.
Even so, the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce is warning people against simply showing up in town expecting to cash in.