What role do you see tourism playing in Squamish's future economy?
Mayoral candidates
Rob Kirkham
Serving as chair of Squamish Sustainability Corp., I directed the creation of Tourism Squamish as a standalone society with a board made up of tourism operators, free from political influence, with their own independent source of funding through a hotel tax. Our tourism operators will work together with exciting new partners like the gondola and package our attractions and activities to present ourselves as a tourism mecca. The Oceanfront will also contribute significantly to attract tourism. With our amazing natural setting between Whistler and Vancouver, tourism has huge potential to grow to become a major contributor to the Squamish economy.
Ron Bahm
If staff starts to treat tourism with the urgency it needs to flourish it will play a vital role in the economy and create hundreds of jobs. The next mayor and councillors will need to take action and force the issue for immediate results. Our economy is in critical condition and any further delays would be devastating to the business barely hanging on right now.
Auli Parviainen
Our community has tremendous natural assets and some exciting existing tourism operations waiting to be showcased to visitors. We need to invest in our recreational and cultural infrastructure for tourism to play a role in our economy. For instance, the estuary can provide ecotourism and softer adventure opportunities for the aging population and attract new residents into Squamish. Tourists' needs for transit, trail networks and a revitalized downtown will drive other industries such as knowledge-based and education sectors to relocate or originate here. Cohesive planning, providing resources for new tourism infrastructure and exceptional brand building will be the keys to our success.
Council candidates
Eric Andersen
Tourism will grow and continue as an important complement to Squamish's economy, and can be strengthened through a Tourism Cluster Strategy. I am engaged in two tourism ventures (museum/exhibit facility, harbour tours). Tourism can't pay the bills for the municipality or families, and must piggyback/partner with other sectors for infrastructure.
Patricia Heintzman
Tourism is a foundational economy that complements and enables other industries to take root and prosper. It promotes lifestyle, healthy living, civic pride, educational institutions, attracts residents, human capital, specialty retail and increases cultural/recreational opportunities... And if done right, it's a catalyst for enhanced biodiversity and protection of the environment.
Ron Sander
Tourism will continue to play a vital role in the economics of Squamish in the future. Council should work to create an environment where destination tourism can be enhanced, which will benefit more businesses. Focused investments into community projects such as turf fields will draw more tournaments.
Rob Weys
Tourism in Squamish is growing, and is a key component of our economic development, attracting people and revenue from around the world. Tourism should be supported and promoted, but it should not be seen as the only source of economic growth. New slogan? "Come Play In Our Backyard."
Doug Race
I don't think there can be any doubt that tourism and its spinoff business will play an increasing role in our economic future. We are situated between Vancouver and Whistler, both very popular tourist destinations, and with our natural beauty and amenities we have much to offer for the tourist dollar.
Uffe Hansen
I would expect to see a steady growth in tourism. One major way to build tourism is talking to the cruise-ship industry and have Squamish as a day stopover. When in town, they would be looking for day trips e.g. train museum, Shannon Falls, downtown shopping,Whistler and other sorts of day trips.
Sarah Braebrook
Tourism will be a fact of life in Squamish from now on.We need to prepare for it, direct it and profit from it. Local government mustactively work with our ecologists and sport groups to establish safeguards for our precious natural resources.
Mike Jenson
Tourism plays a role in every community's business development as it is an important economic driver. Our tourism industry has incredible potential given our natural beauty and strategic location between Vancouver and Whistler. We have the capability of being a first class destination. I fully support the newly formed Tourism Squamish.
Debra McBride
Stabilize tourism and employment for all by:
Re-establishing the environmental co-ordinator and projects that research and restore the estuary and watershed;
Enhancing recreation areas;
Accommodating retirees;
Producing food in greenhouses and in the estuary;
Ensuring the film industry of the scenery it needs, long term.
Geoff Dyer
Squamish has huge potential to be a "destination" as long as we go down the right path. If that happens, tourism would play a very large role in Squamish's economy. The spinoffs to the community would be enormous; creation of jobs as well as tourism-related business and development.
Ted Prior
Tourism is both a catalyst and a result of a strong economy. Most of us live here for the lifestyle Squamish affords, which are the same reasons tourists will come. A stronger economy in all sectors will provide the amenities and year-round sustenance that the tourism industry needs to thrive.
Douglas Neville
Tourism is very important to our economy and we need to focus on expanding our current attractions and creating new four-season attractions.
Peter Kent
Tourism will always play a major role in driving our economy. After attending Tourism Squamish's last meeting and becoming educated with their new aggressive marketing campaign, I am assured and enthusiastic in bringing the world to our doorstep! "The Outdoor Recreational Capital of Canada" is active, attractive and hospitable! It's showtime!
Susan Chapelle
Hope for the best and plan for the worst. Tourism is a fickle economy, and we cannot rely on it to provide consistent income. Still, we need to maintain it as a part of our economy. We need to grow our tax base. Tourism introduces people to our area, which could catalyze growth.
Chris Wallace
Tourism could play a leading role in the further development of Squamish but because of all the variables, we cannot depend solely on it being the only facet within our diverse community. Tourism partnered with industry, the arts and development should all play an equal role in the growth of Squamish.
Brad Hodge
Tourism is part of a healthy economy, and I'm in favour of continuing growth there. Our efforts on the local economy need to be directed toward residents who are here 100 per cent of the time, not just weekends and vacations. If we do this, I'm convinced we will attract visitors anyway.
Jeff Cooke
Increased tourism can be one source of good jobs. Five million people pass Squamish on the highway every year. We need innovative marketing approaches to encourage them to stop. We need to invest in our outdoor recreation amenities so visitors have a remarkable experience while they are here.
Larry McLennan
I believe that while tourism will have a positive financial impact on Squamish's economy, it will not be a major economic factor in the near future. Longer term it could be more significant.
Nate Dolha
Tourism and recreational activities will continue to be an important part of a diversified economic development strategy for Squamish. We must work closely with all stakeholders to improve access, facilities, and explore the potential of small scale commercial development to support these activities in our recreation areas.
Bryan Raiser
Industry is essential to the survival of Squamish and tourism is a major industry. Our surroundings are what make this the best place in the world to live and we have to take advantage of that responsibly. I want my grandkids to have the same opportunities that we have today.
Balvinder Biring
We should build upon Squamish's natural amenities and growing recreational infrastructure by capturing the flow of tourist traffic on the highway to grow tourism. Moving forward with the Oceanfront development, tourism proposals and revitalizing the downtown, we can easily grow family-oriented tourism that would make a significant contribution to our economy.
Editor's note: Council candidates Phil Audet and Terrill Patterson had not provided responses to the question by The Chief's press deadline.
