Labrador StraitsThe Technology Trend in the Labrador Straits
When viewing the list of business services that existed in 1971 compared to today it is remarkable to note the relationship between the adaptation of new technology and the development of new businesses. Basically two types of businesses relating to new technology may be seen:
1. Those which employ new technology in doing work. There are many instances of this type of business within the region. For example, in 1954 the first concrete basement was poured (by hand) in the Labrador Straits. Today that job could be done by a ready-mix truck supplied by a local plant. Similarly, modern earth-moving and trucking equipment has spurred a tremendous growth in the heavy equipment contracting field. And the list goes on: a computer-aided signmaking shop, a carpet cleaning service, the LFUSCL processing plant, electronic tax filing -- all employ technologies unavailable only a few decades ago.
2. Those which provide services related to the maintenance or distribution of the new technology. In 1971 most Labrador Straits homes did not have a refrigerator or a deep-freeze. Today these appliances are common, and there are two refrigeration repair services in the region. During the past couple of decades we have seen widespread adoption of the automobile and the snowmobile are means of transport and work. In 1971 there were three service stations and one garage/service station in the region. Now there is a host of local businesses specializing in auto and snowmobile sales (even of particular manufacturer brands), and various aspects of service: e.g., auto body repair, auto salvage, replacement parts and warranty service.
All of this was readily apparent recently, with a visit to a local garage for installation of new tires. The mechanic was experiencing problems with the computerized wheel-balancing machine. In just a few minutes he was able to take the machine apart, make a delicate adjustment, reassemble it and get on with the job at hand. This was a seemingly straightforward task, but two decades ago this technology and the understanding of it would have been as foreign as space shuttles.
"Technology", especially as it relates to "Information Technology", is very much a buzzword today. There is sometimes a fear or misapprehension about new technology, that it is too "complicated" or difficult to understand and master. Yet we only have to look at the development of small business in the Labrador Straits over the past two decades to see many examples of local people adapting to and using the new technologies of the day very successfully in everyday business. Judging by this trend, the new technologies of the 1990s and the next millennia need not present barriers to our residents. Instead, they will present new opportunities, just as did the technologies of the 1970s and '80s.
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An extract from:
A Plan for the Business Community of the Labrador Straits
Doug Robbins
July 1997
1. Those which employ new technology in doing work. There are many instances of this type of business within the region. For example, in 1954 the first concrete basement was poured (by hand) in the Labrador Straits. Today that job could be done by a ready-mix truck supplied by a local plant. Similarly, modern earth-moving and trucking equipment has spurred a tremendous growth in the heavy equipment contracting field. And the list goes on: a computer-aided signmaking shop, a carpet cleaning service, the LFUSCL processing plant, electronic tax filing -- all employ technologies unavailable only a few decades ago.
2. Those which provide services related to the maintenance or distribution of the new technology. In 1971 most Labrador Straits homes did not have a refrigerator or a deep-freeze. Today these appliances are common, and there are two refrigeration repair services in the region. During the past couple of decades we have seen widespread adoption of the automobile and the snowmobile are means of transport and work. In 1971 there were three service stations and one garage/service station in the region. Now there is a host of local businesses specializing in auto and snowmobile sales (even of particular manufacturer brands), and various aspects of service: e.g., auto body repair, auto salvage, replacement parts and warranty service.
All of this was readily apparent recently, with a visit to a local garage for installation of new tires. The mechanic was experiencing problems with the computerized wheel-balancing machine. In just a few minutes he was able to take the machine apart, make a delicate adjustment, reassemble it and get on with the job at hand. This was a seemingly straightforward task, but two decades ago this technology and the understanding of it would have been as foreign as space shuttles.
"Technology", especially as it relates to "Information Technology", is very much a buzzword today. There is sometimes a fear or misapprehension about new technology, that it is too "complicated" or difficult to understand and master. Yet we only have to look at the development of small business in the Labrador Straits over the past two decades to see many examples of local people adapting to and using the new technologies of the day very successfully in everyday business. Judging by this trend, the new technologies of the 1990s and the next millennia need not present barriers to our residents. Instead, they will present new opportunities, just as did the technologies of the 1970s and '80s.
----
An extract from:
A Plan for the Business Community of the Labrador Straits
Doug Robbins
July 1997