As more highway-side businesses open their doors creating competition for the downtown, Cleveland Avenue merchants are getting more creative and bolder in their bid to attract customers.
But a watchful bylaw officer is ensuring no one steps out of line while attempting to improve the neighbourhood's vibrancy, and it's created some friction.
"The district's coming down on businesses that are creating a vibrancy, but they're not partnering at all in helping that along," said downtown Business Improvement Association president Eric Armour.
The district wants to complete the Official Community Plan before finalizing a downtown neighbourhood plan, which would lead to district-led downtown projects. And in the wake of the never-ending process, the merchants have to take the initiative, said Armour.
Recent attempts to make the downtown funkier include two temporary patios -Zephyr Café has a barricade made of old skis and Grilled Fromage has a mess of artistically arranged bicycle parts as its delineator - as well as greener entranceways, new awnings, and original window displays.
"It's just really trying to create a more vibrant atmosphere on Cleveland Avenue, which I think is great," said Billie's Boutique owner Alanna Volp.
This winter, Billie's Bouquet staff began peppering the store's entranceway with rose petals.
"People love it," said Volp, who has done the same thing at her Vancouver stores in the past. "They say 'It's so pretty,' and it draws them in."
However Volp found out the hard way that some initiatives to spruce up Squamish's main street will not be tolerated. A vigilant bylaw officer passing by the shop in early March noticed the rose petals and told staff they would have to sweep it up or face fines.
Staff did as they were told, and did not attempt it again.
"I don't want to get in trouble again," said Volp. "We do chalk on the sidewalk as well so far no one's said anything about that."
The Random Gallery clothing store across the street from Billie's was also approached when a vintage vehicle appeared on its property in conjunction with a downtown gathering of classic cars on May 2. In the afternoon of May 5, bylaw officer Kristine Day noticed the 1969 Oppel and a surfboard atop it displaying the word "Random."
"I went in to the store and advised the clerk that the vehicle couldn't be parked there, and that it would have to be removed asap," stated Day in a District of Squamish report.
The reason Day gave was the vehicle appeared to be on the sidewalk (she later determined that it was not, however it was her opinion it still posed a safety hazard), that it was unlawful to drive on the sidewalk (store owners contend the vehicle was not driven but rather pushed onto their property), and that a sign was displayed in contravention of a bylaw stating vehicles cannot be used to display signs in view of municipal streets.
"Both offences are subject to fines of $100 per offence per day," stated a letter Day sent to the storeowners May 7. "We ask again that you remove the vehicle immediately. Failure to do so will result in fines per day for every day the offence(s) occurs, and further legal action."
The owners removed the sign, however the vehicle remains, and a petition to save Oppel has already gathered almost 200 signatures.
"I'm frustrated that we're not allowed spice up Cleveland Avenue," said co-owner Alison Cross.
Internal municipal staff communication on the subject shows the district is considering a "brainstorming session" with the downtown Business Improvement Association (BIA) to determine "what kind of good ideas are out there and how we can assist with ensuring compliance and approvals are taken into account to ensure everyone has the same goals and cooperative attitude and understanding. Like we have in mind for the patio boardwalk."
Armour is not holding his breath.
"The Zephyr Café has been wanting to get a [fixed summer] outdoor patio on the street, and they've been working on a bylaw for that for over a year," said Armour.
He said there's no guessing how long the downtown neighbourhood plan will take.
"Meanwhile for all these small businesses down here, rent comes at the end of the month."
