Soon after Squamish's Graham Blake steps out of his vehicle at the soon-to-be-new recycle depot site on Government Road, a man in a pick-up pulls up at the old Greyhound Bus location.
"Is this the place for the recycling?" the man asks.
Blake shakes his head, "No, no. June 1. GFL is still open for another month."
Blake, who took over as chair of the board of directors for the non-profit Squamish ReBuild 18 months ago, also represents the new non-profit Squamish DOX, which aims to be a new circular economy community hub.
The 40446 Government Road location, will also soon be the new home of Squamish ReBuild.
"Bringing together reuse and recycling at one convenient location for the community seemed to make perfect sense," Blake said in an email to The Squamish Chief.
"Looking at the requirements of both organizations, there were just so many synergies available. With a location central to all Squamish residents, more parking, and better protection from the elements, visitors can look forward to a greatly improved experience."
He added that the umbrella location, or hub, is named Squamish DOX as part of a bigger vision.
Squamish ReBuild will be moving a little after the recycle depot moves to the location from GFL.
"Having learned from the District of Squamish of the planned closure of the existing public recycling depot at GFL, we approached Recycle BC with the idea of co-locating a new depot alongside Squamish ReBuild," Blake said.
Gesturing at the wide open lot behind the former bus depot (which was most recently home to Squamish Rafting), Blake explains the hub is designed to host a wide range of organizations, events, and activities "with the common goal of promoting and enabling more sustainable behaviours in daily life."
(Business DreamLife Sea to Sky Luxury Mattress Outlet will remain on the left side of the property.)
The back lot of the property will be fenced and contain three 40-foot shipping containers.
"Imagine, if you will, something more Granville Island-esque, kind of compound. Squamish ReBuild material will go inside the shipping containers and inside the retail store, and under the public canopy," Blake explained.
"Then, on the backside of that will be the recycle bins, and all the other receptacles."
The recycling facilities will be available to the public starting June 1 and open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Have an idea for Squamish DOX?
Blake said Squamish DOX representatives are open to suggestions and would love to hear from anyone with an interesting idea or concept who is looking for a physical venue to come and test it out.
"There will also be lots of opportunities for volunteer involvement all-round," he said.
"Things will start small, but with the support of residents, we will be working hard to help everyone waste less and rebuild more, for a more sustainable Squamish."
For more information, email [email protected].
