Free Public Talk on “The Social Aspects of Rapid Economic Growth” at WL City Hall

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake, the Social Planning Council, and the Community Development Institute at the University of Northern British Columbia are presenting a free public talk Thursday, March 15 in City Council Chambers.

Dr. Glen Schmidt, Acting Chair of the School of Social Work at UNBC, will give a talk from 6 to 8 p.m. titled “The Social Aspects of Rapid Economic Growth.”

Following is the abstract of the talk:

The present economic downturn lends a sense of urgency and importance to encouraging growth and development. Even in good economic times one would be hard pressed to find political and community leaders opposed to new opportunities that create employment and enhance community viability. However, growth and development does not happen without social cost. The influx of workers, rapid population growth, localized inflation, pressure on infrastructure, and bifurcation factors create tension and raise issues that are not always considered as communities plan for significant growth. It is important to be aware of these costs and the potential effect on the social fabric of communities.


A professor with 17 years of experience at UNBC, Dr. Schmidt has served in various roles at the School of Social Work including: Field Director, BSW Coordinator, MSW Coordinator, and Program Chair.

Glen has continued to be involved in direct practice on a part-time basis. He works primarily in the area of mental health and employee assistance. He is a Registered Clinical Social Worker (RCSW) in the Province of British Columbia.

For further information please contact:

Anne Burrill at aburrill@williamslake.ca or 250-392-8480;
Jessica Knodel at spc-coordinator@xplornet.com