Communities also provide good local markets for house-made goods and local businesses. In the case of Vanderhoof, workshops provided by the Chamber of Commerce on small business are helpful. There are limited opportunities for young people looking to the future. Young people must leave their communities to pursue education and employment. This creates uncertainty for farmers in terms of the transition of their operations to the next generation.
Growth is an important challenge looking ahead.
Resource depletion and the current economic downturn are significant challenges. Rural areas tend to be highly dependent on resources, with only minimal diversity. The changing economy means it is difficult for people to be retrained. Those who control the major industries that operate in rural areas are not involved in the local communities. Not enough consideration is given to the long-term sustainability of logging, farming, mining, and fishing.