Twenty-two years ago, while taking the train from Vancouver to Whistler, I experienced a foundational moment in my life. After winding along the shores of Howe Sound on that bluebird day in late November, the train slowed as it meandered into the rainforest. We popped out into a river valley and the most extraordinary thing happened. As we chugged along, the train labouring under the force of an increasing topography, hundreds of eagles swirled and flew just a stone’s throw from my west-looking window. Chum salmon carcasses littered the gravel bars providing a bounty for all the critters and birds that congregated there. Even on the train one could smell their fishy decay...it was wondrous. When I took that fateful journey I had been in BC for just a couple weeks…I was hooked.
I had spent the past year travelling much of Canada, the previous year exploring the world, six years at university and college honing my inquisitiveness and social skills, and my formative years in the culturally rich embrace of Montreal, but this, for some reason, would be one of the most impressionable moments in my life. Soon after that magical day I found myself working for a newspaper in Revelstoke BC, and was quickly offered a job to work for the Squamish Chief Newspaper, in that magical place at the top of Howe Sound where the eagles fly with trains.
My role as a Chief newspaper reporter was the perfect way to integrate into this community; to get to know the social landscape, the issues, and the unforgettable characters that form this place. My very first assignment was to interview the of the citizen of the year. Little did I know I would meet Corinne Lonsdale who would soon become Mayor for nine years. And then for six years we would sit as councilors together in the same chambers I used to cover when I was a reporter. I moved on from the Chief to start my own publishing house and partnered in 99 North Magazine before being elected to council in 2005.
For the past 6 years I have also been a member of the SLRD board with the past two years as Chair. I have explored all angles of the municipal spectrum and its policy work through such organizations as: Lower mainland Local Government Association [2013/14 President], UBCM executive and the MIABC [Insurance] and the Fraser Basin Council [sustainability] boards. My experience is rich.
Squamish has transformed in the 22 years I have lived here. I found it magical in 1993 as a modest, working man’s town nestled between Whistler and Vancouver with abounding recreational opportunity and potential galore. The Squamish we find today has a dynamism and energy that is rare.
After being underestimated for far too long, Squamish’s time is now. This requires transformational leadership that truly appreciates and understands the past but knows how to inspire the future, and make sure it is done with inclusiveness, openness and proactive teamwork.
For more on Patricia:
Follow her on Twitter - @pheintzman
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pattyformayor
Website: www.patriciaheintzman.com
