Ever wonder why an Italian name like Garibaldi is more common in the Sea to Sky Corridor than any other?
To locals, the name Garibaldi refers to a lake, a mountain, a neighbourhood, a park and even a movie theatre - but how many can claim to know its origin?
Squamish's own expert on the subject, Wolfgang Richter, knows so much about Giuseppe Garibaldi - the 19th century Italian military and political hero - that he feels safe in claiming a master's degree on the topic, and even intends to write a book about the man.
Before he does that, Richter is aiming to enlighten corridor residents and visitors alike about Garibaldi's legacy by constructing the Garibaldi Legacy Pavilion, an information centre to be located in a spot along Highway 99 with a view of Mount Garibaldi.
"I'm hopeful that one of the outcomes of this pavilion is that people will learn something about what they're looking at," he said.
"Instead of visitors from around the world arriving in Whistler after seeing Garibaldi's name 10 times and not knowing anything about the history, they'll actually have some context."
The "context" Richter referred to is vast and almost folklore in Italy, and when Garibaldi's great-great grandson Francesco Garibaldi-Hibbert visited the corridor last year, his admiration for his ancestor was evident.
"His significance is way beyond Italy," Garibaldi-Hibbert said. "What he managed to do in his lifetime is phenomenal for any average [person]. He achieved tremendous goals in his lifetime, which have a universal message in terms of freedom for oppressed peoples."
Giuseppe Garibaldi was "the most popular man in the world," according to Richter. In 1860, British captain George Richards sailed into Howe Sound. It was Richards who first named the tallest peak in sight after the man named "The Hero of Two Worlds" in tribute to his military expeditions in both South America and Europe.
The Garibaldi pavilion project actually inspired the recently formed Giuseppe Garibaldi Foundation, which seeks to bring the various pieces of the Garibaldi legacy - symbols of which can be seen all over the world in monuments and various organizations - under one umbrella.
However, honouring Garibaldi in this manner isn't a new concept. The proposed pavilion is actually an addition to a plaque installed by another local Garibaldi fan, Peter Gordon, on July 4, 1982, to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Garibaldi's birthday.
The monument is situated at Watts Point just north of Britannia Beach, one of few north/south turnoffs on Highway 99 and with a perfect view of Mount Garibaldi.
"I moved to Squamish in 1973 and quickly became aware of all things Garibaldi," said Gordon when contacted by Richter.
"So when I read a news story in early 1982 about the upcoming 100th anniversary of Garibaldi's death I thought that Squamish should do something to honour the occasion."
Gordon said his intention all along was to raise more money and expand the monument to include information.
The Garibaldi Legacy Pavilion will be a viewing platform. Members of the Vancouver Italian community have agreed to fund its construction, which will cost $150,000.
The plan is contingent on support from the District of Squamish and the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOT). MOT requires the district's agreement to be the first point of contact for the ministry and assume responsibility for the structure.
Councillors were supportive of the project but concerned about the conditions when the pavilion was discussed at the council meeting on April 5. Since then the district has agreed to the conditions as long as a legal document is drafted between the District of Squamish and Giuseppe Garibaldi Foundation, eliminating any district liability or responsibility.
A letter from B.C. Hydro supporting the project is also required.
Despite the various support documents needed, Richter said he's optimistic about the project going ahead and is hoping to announce a ribbon cutting for the beginning of June.
