A public meeting Sunday (May 28) between Qualex-Landmark, the Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation, the District of Squamish and the public, was the first step in community planning process according to the project developers.
In his introduction to the room at Totem Hall Roger Navabi, president of Qualex-Landmark, told the audience he was "honoured to be working with you the community" and said he planned to continue the community consultation process.
"Today is just one opportunity for people in Squamish to ask questions about the development," he said. "We chose to work with Squamish because we believe in it and think it is great. We want to know how we will affect the public and how they can be involved."
He said developing the oceanfront in a way that is both profitable and will meet the community's needs will be achievable.
"I think the two go hand in hand," he said. "If we generate money than the community can decide how to spend it."
Navabi also said the first building on the property would be done before 2010 so "we can showcase Squamish to the world."
Frank Ducote, a planner with the company, said the consultation process will have greater importance because they will include actual decision makers in the meetings.
"We are going to have reality-based meetings where people who have a financial stake will be present," said Ducote. "It will be co-operative and people have to remember not everybody will get everything, but everybody will get something."
The next community planning meeting has yet to be announced by the group.
