While the summer event and tourism season is in full swing, a group of locals are working to bring more action to Squamish in the coming years.
A volunteer group is one step closer to finalizing work on the District of Squamish’s Brand Enhancement project. The Brand Leadership Team (BLT) is currently editing the more than 50 recommendations in the municipality’s Brand Action Plan.
They are scheduled to unveil it to council and the community in September.
“The first phase of the branding project was incredibly insightful as [the BDC] worked together to review and distill the 1,100 surveys and capture what sets Squamish apart from every other community,” said Lesley Weeks, executive director at Tourism Squamish. “Now the Brand Leadership Team is building the plan, along with the consultant team, to leverage what makes us unique.”
The BLT comprises of members from the initial Brand Development Committee (BDC), struck by the municipality, as well as new members from the community who represent different organizations and sectors.
The team kicked off the development of the Action Plan with the Roger Brooks consultant team in mid-July with recommendations scheduled for completion in late August. The BLT is charged with implementing the plan once complete.
Additional community members will be brought onto a broader BLT once the action plan is finalized and it’s time to implement the recommendations.
“We look forward to working with as many passionate members of our community as possible,” said Vanessa Carrington, the district’s economic development officer.
“The more energy, focus and hands on deck –as we roll out the action plan – the better,” she said.
Recommendations in the action plan deal with product development and marketing.
They will include recommendations relating to such items as: way-finding and signage; downtown improvements; ways to further connect the various economic and recreation hubs throughout the community; enhanced marketing initiatives; and the pursuit of new business opportunities to align with the brand.
The Brand Leadership Team is anticipated to complete the action plan in late August after which they will share the new Squamish brand, and supporting recommendations, with the community. A presentation to council and subsequent roll-out to the community is scheduled for late September.
