After 18 months years as Squamish Downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) president, two years as BIA vice president, one year as BIA secretary and one year as a director, Eric Armour is stepping down. No replacement has been named.
"The BIA is an amazing organization committed to bringing vibrancy and life to the downtown," he said. "My time as president has been very rewarding, I've learned a lot and met a ton of great people along the way.
"But I need to spend more time working on my own business and I need to spend more time with my family."
Armour admitted it's been a tumultuous year in light of the applicant-led BIA renewal process, and he needs to put those energies elsewhere. The BIA survived, gaining the necessary support over the past two months from both downtown landowners and Squamish council to gain another five-year mandate.
"It is a volunteer position and it was a pretty tumultuous year and it did take a lot of my time," he said. "At the end of the day I have to work on my own business, put food on my own table."
"One hundred per cent I would recommend it to somebody else the BIA is amazing," he said.
"The best thing about the BIA is that it's an action-oriented group it wants to see things happen now, so it's a very tangible position."
The BIA's "actions" over the past five years are numerous wall murals, bike racks, social media marketing, the organization of Canada Day festivities, new patio bylaws, improved snow clearing, bear-proofing of garbage receptacles and shopping promotions, to name a few.
It has also secured streetscape beautification grants and instigated general aesthetic improvements.
Armour said he'll assist with the transition between himself and the new president to make sure that everybody's up to speed and on the same page.
"I've also been asked to continue working on the Gateway project with them and that's something I'm seriously considering," he said.
Armour said he wanted to thank the board members past and present. "Everyone's been integral and fantastic in getting the BIA to where it is," he said.
Armour will step down officially at the BIA annual general meeting (AGM) and he hopes someone will be keen to take his place. Those who are interested can submit their names in advance, or a nomination can also come from the floor.
The AGM will take place on Wednesday (April 27) at 7 p.m. at the Parkside Restaurant. Drinks and refreshments will be provided.
