The Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) announced in a press release Wednesday (Aug. 8) that CEO Mike Chin will complete his contract on Sept. 9 as he moves on to an unspecified "next challenge in his career."
The corporation utilized Chin's extensive development background for over two years as he guided the board and District of Squamish council in opportunities for the municipal Squamish Oceanfront development and a masterplan for the downtown peninsula.
"I am truly sad to depart from the company and this fabulous opportunity for the community," said Chin. "The district, with these lands, is indeed the envy of many. I am absolutely confident that the community will arrive at the right decisions to enable these lands for present and future generations of Squamish."
Mayor Ian Sutherland extolled Chin's virtues following the announcement.
"Mike has been a tremendous asset for SODC and Squamish," said Sutherland. "Along with the board, he has laid the groundwork for a successful project. His hard work and enthusiasm will be missed."
Sutherland went on to chastised residents who criticized Chin while he acted as CEO.
"Unfortunately those people who took great joy in criticizing the process and criticizing SODC and criticizing Mike don't have any better ideas and they're going to realize pretty soon what Mike has done and what a great influence he's been for the district," he said.
The Oceanfront Board of Directors will be presenting a development action plan to council in the near future, states the news release, but delays in the process since potential development partner Qualex departured last October may make finding a replacement challenging, said Sutherland.
"Truthfully I think given the circumstances it would be very difficult to attract a CEO right now," he said. "The fact that SODC is a bit in a state of limbo and previously council hasn't been able to decide what they want to do about it - it would be very hard without clear direction to attract a top quality CEO right now."
