When Clasina Van Bemmel saw the property in 1999, she instantly fell in love with it. But 15 years later, she's wondering if her dream of building a $12-million non-denominational spiritual hub will ever become a reality.
"I think the idea is so unique that the planning department in Squamish doesn't know what to do with it," the Arizona resident said.
A year ago, Van Bemmel applied for rezoning on the more than 36,000-square-foot lot on the southwest corner of Cleveland Avenue and Main Street. The rezoning would pave the way for a four-storey building that includes a 4,000-square-foot community sanctuary, 40 individual seniors apartments, a vegetarian restaurant and a resident kitchen and educational retreat facilities.
The vision for what she's calling the Inspiration Centre came from Van Bemmel's many trips to India, Nepal and Japan, places that hold the tradition of communal living with an added spiritual component, such as an ashram.
While the lifestyle within an ashram or monastery may be too structured for many Westerners, Van Bemmel said she's proposing a blend of all worlds.
"I don't want to live in a seniors' centre where people watch TV all day," she said. "I would like to live with people in an environment that explores spirituality."
The residential units would include 16, 600-square-foot studios and 24 900-square-foot apartments, all on the third and fourth floors. The second floor would include a large yoga and Tai Chi studio, while the main floor would house a sanctuary, a restaurant, bookstore and art gallery. The restaurant could be run by the people who live there, or by the community, Van Bemmel said.
"This place is really for people to explore," she said, noting it will serve as a community and volunteer hub.
The 69-year-old considers this her last project. Van Bemmel grew up in social housing in the Netherlands. At 16, she left to travel the world. Van Bemmel later arrived in Canada and carved a business out of the tourism industry in Whistler.
With no more than a Grade 7 education, she was successful enough to retire at the age of 51. The Inspiration Centre is her way of growing old while giving back to the community, Van Bemmel said.
"I have already accomplished everything in this life and I now have the great fortune to be able to give back and hopefully make life on this planet a little better before I leave."
One-hundred and sixty-three people are on the project's email list. In an effort to get the ball rolling, Van Bemmel plans to drum up more support on Sunday, April 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the project site.
"I need some input from residents," Van Bemmel said, noting she will be there with information cards. "I hope people come and meet me."
The Inspiration Centre is a unique project that's breaking new ground in Squamish, district officials wrote in an emailed response. Staff met with Van Bemmel in February and is preparing to bring the project forward to council at a Committee of the Whole meeting in late April or early May. Once council provides direction, staff will work with the applicant to bring the rezoning forward to first and second readings as soon as possible, officials noted.
For more information on the project visit www.theinspirationcentre.com.
