Squamish council lent support to an ambitious plan to build a brand-new social housing project downtown at a District of Squamish council meeting Tuesday (March 11).
Spearheaded by the Squamish Housing Options Group, the project is intended to provide housing for the homeless. The multi-use building would include a new home for the drop-in centre, a permanent shelter on the second floor and small self-contained suites on the third and fourth floors.
The Housing Option Group is made up of representatives from a number of Squamish non-profits and agencies that serve homeless and at-risk individuals in need of housing.
"We have met with BC Housing and Vancouver Coastal Health and they indicated interest in working with Squamish, if the district can offer a site," said Heather Evans, Squamish Housing Options Group spokesperson.
Council passed a motion to support in principal the use of a portion of the lot behind the Squamish Public Library for a supported housing facility subject to staff bringing forward a report in April advising of any competing uses for the land.
"I think we need to move forward with this quickly because the money there today may be gone tomorrow," said Coun. Corrine Lonsdale.
The Helping Hands Society will move the project forward in terms of working with BC Housing said Evans. Helping Hands will take on the role of developer of the building in conjunction with a design team.
Public budget talk scheduled
Residents will have a chance to weigh in on the upcoming municipal budget at town hall meeting at the Adventure Centre, Tuesday (March 31) at 7 p.m.
The meeting is part of council's focus on community engagement. Coun. Patricia Heintzman even suggested offering free transit to the event but logistics prevented the idea from becoming a reality.
"I think it is important the community comes out to the meeting. It's an important issue and it's your tax dollars," said Coun. Paul Lalli.
Mayor Greg Gardner said taxpayer engagement is critical because the budget process prioritizes projects in the community.
Staff will present proposed budgets at the meeting for consideration and feedback.
City Hall bottled water banned
It might be hard to find bottled water at municipal hall soon. Council discussed the idea of banning the sale of bottled water at the district.
"Many municipalities are banning sales of bottled water and I think it makes a statement to encourage people not to use bottle water," Heintzman said.
The discussion was sparked after council received a letter from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities encouraging local governments to reduce the use of bottled water in their own facilities.
The letter also calls on municipalities to develop awareness campaigns about the positive benefits and quality of municipal water supplies. Kim Anema, District of Squamish chief administrative officer, said staff will follow up on the letter.
Hospice week declared
Volunteers with the Squamish Hospice Society improve the quality of life for the dying and their loved ones in the community. Their work is often behind the scenes.
"We hope to increase public awareness of the services we offer. All the services we provide are done by volunteers," said spokesperson Kevin McLane. "This year we want offer more services to those struggling with personal trauma."
Council made an official proclamation that Hospice Palliative Care Week take place from Sunday May 3 to Saturday May 9. Hike for Hospice Palliative Care will kick off the week on Sunday May 3.
The hike will loop around the Oceanfront and starts at 10 a.m. with a starting point yet to be determined. McLane said pledge sheets will also be available closer to the date of the hike.
