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The truth in statistics

Indicators show Summerland as a much more vibrant place than some would believe.

At times, Summerland has been described as a dying community, a bleak place where jobs and workers are both leaving the community.

The reality, according to several recent indicators, paints an much brighter picture.

The most recent statistics from the municipality show a marked increase in building permit activity in Summerland over the last couple of years.

In January and February of this year, the number and value of building permits issued shows a dramatic rise from the same period in 2011 and 2010.

Construction activity, while still lighter than the hectic boom a few years ago, appears to be rebounding since the recession began.

Other indicators also show more Summerland to be a much more vibrant place than some would believe.

According to the latest census information, released by Statistics Canada earlier this year, Summerland’s population rose from 10,826 in 2006 to 11,280 in 2011, an increase of 4.2 per cent.

In the business community, the ongoing economic slump is not as dismal as some would believe.

A recent survey showed 68.4 per cent of Summerland business owners believed their businesses are profitable.

According to the survey, 38 per cent of business owners who responded said business was better in 2011 than in 2010.

Another 27.5 per cent said their business activity was about the same as a year earlier while around 35 per cent noticed decreases.

That is by no means a perfect scenario, but it is not completely bleak either.

None of the trends should be taken to show Summerland as a trouble-free utopia, but the picture of a dreary and dying community does not hold true when the facts are examined.