My name is Chris Wallace and I am officially announcing my candidacy for Squamish councilor.Originally from Prince Edward Island, I attended UPEI where I studied psychology and advanced my Education at UMASS with a Diploma in Turf Grass. I moved to the corridor in 1991 to work in the golf Industry and have since been employed at Big Sky Golf and Country Club, currently as General Manager.I currently sit on the board of directors for both the NGCOA (National Golf Course Owners Association) and BCGMA (British Columbia Golf Marketing Alliance).I'm married and have three teenage daughters. I have found this to be the first time in my busy career to have the time and energy to dedicate myself to run for council and to be involved in shaping the direction of Squamish. I feel I bring a lot of experience in the tourism industry along with good business sense.Economic development is my priority. Squamish is an exciting community with the potential to diversify well beyond current expectations if properly planned for. Many opportunities have been missed over the course of the past decade due to limited thinking.The Squamish Oceanfront Lands (SODC) represent significant revenue generating and job creation opportunities for the District of Squamish. The value and importance of such a rare site that accommodates such diverse water dependant activities has not been fully or appropriately examined. I'm interested to put into place a structure that will ensure ongoing flexibility for appropriate water dependant uses as new technologies and opportunities will develop, particularly for industrial and community use. I support retaining DOS ownership of the industrial land, and to offer favorable long term leases to water dependant industries that provide meaningful jobs that will serve the needs of future generations. I'm not in favor of handing over such a valuable District owned asset to condo developers, particularly as the entire waterfront Blind Channel area immediately north of the Nexen area on both east and west shores is already held by private developers who are committed to condo developments on all those waterfront sites.I feel strongly that City Hall and the planning department need attention regarding our reputation and relationship with the public & potential investors, and I'm committed to ensuring we take the steps required to become recognized as a transparent and efficient community in which to do business.Squamish is a very unique place with a diverse group of residents and interests.My vision is for a sustainable Squamish where we can all truly live, work and play. This will only come with attention to all the pillars of sustainability. Arts, Culture, Recreation, the Environment and well paying jobs will define the new Squamish.Chris Wallace Information:Facebook: "Chris Wallace for Squamish Council"
