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Conservative Member of Parliament John Weston toured the West Coast Railway Heritage Park and the Mamquam Blind Channel on Monday (June 29) in an attempt to better familiarize himself with Squamish’s financial needs as he lobbies for federal funds.
With the Mamquam Blind Channel at high tide, local representatives including Squamish Nation council member Dale Harry, Squamish Harbour Authority manager Bill McEnery and community development director Mick Gottardi explained the urgent need to dig out the approximately 100,000 cubic metres of sediment threatening to completely block the waterway.
McEnery explained the dredging plan involves simultaneously digging a large hole at the mouth of Stawamus Creek to collect future debris and eliminate the need for future dredging in the middle of the channel. The hole can then be dug out more easily as needed on a yearly basis.
Weston said he was impressed by the foresight in planning.
“I think it’s important to highlight that it’s not just a band-aid but a perpetual solution,” he said.
The District of Squamish and the Squamish Nation are awaiting a decision on a joint application for $908,000 in federal funding. The district and Squamish Nation intend to share the remaining $100,000 needed to complete the project.
Time, however, is not on their side. The last of four windows available to complete the project ends in October. The project must begin soon because it could take two months to complete, said McEnery, who has been working on having the channel dredged for about 15 years.
McEnery said Weston’s visit is a good sign.
“It’s very encouraging. This is the closest we’ve been yet to getting it dredged and I think it was a very positive move. By having him here I think it’s more than just talk. I really think we’re going to have something done,” he said.
For Weston, who was joined by Peterborough, Ont. MP and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage Dean Del Mastro, a hands-on approach is needed when it comes to advocating for financial support.
“There’s no single bullet when it comes to advocacy as a member of parliament. It’s a matter of building a level of confidence, trust and understanding in the merits of a project in a very competitive atmosphere,” he said.
Weston also expressed support for the CN Roundhouse, having spent part of the morning on site with West Coast Railway Heritage Park executive director Don Evans.
“I think it’s inspiring. I think it brings aspects of Canadian heritage that our young people would never otherwise understand,” said Weston, who is also making an effort to gain funds for Roundhouse construction.
“To understand that a country was united by a railway is something you can read about in books, but when you come to the heritage park and you see the story unfolded for you it’s really amazing.”
