Staff at the Howe Sound Women's Centre are taking a close look at a promise of support made by Westmana Development on Tuesday (Jan. 8).
In a statement released to media, Westmana spokesperson René David said the company is offering assistance the Howe Sound Women's Centre Society and Sea to Sky Community Services Society in their bid to relocate to a permanent home. The company is willing to help to organize a Squamish-area community fundraising campaign and match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000.
"We know how much the community values the services these non-profit societies provide and Westmana is pleased to partner with the community to help these worthwhile organizations relocate to a permanent location," said David in the statement.
The women's centre is searching for a new location to make room for Westmana's new waterfront residential project. The centre had previously been allowed to use the property without charge when it was owned by Interfor.Although the centre's move-out date had been set for Dec. 31, without an available piece of property, the group has been given extra time on their Loggers Lane location.
Site preparation for the half-acre area slated to turn into a 69-suite condominium community is scheduled to begin in early spring. David said the target date to have the group moved out of the building is February.Howe Sound Women's Centre director Allison Twiss said both the centre and Sea to Sky Community Services are willing to accept donations, however, she noted more discussions are needed before the offer is embraced.
"The fundraising effort was only mentioned to us yesterday in the letter," said Twiss, reading from a written statement. "The fundraising activity has not be agreed to or authorized by Howe Sound Women's Centre Society nor the Sea to Sky Community Services as neither non-profit boards have been apprised of the situation and therefore we can make no comment."
Twiss said she was unsure how the offer fit into a previous understanding with Westmana. In Oct., Twiss said Westmana was willing to pay for the cost of moving the building, provided the centre could come up with the land. The centre would also have to pay for site servicing and a new foundation.
Since that time, the centre has not been able to acquire property that meets their criteria of being downtown, visible, safe and long-term. Westmana's current commitment is to match donations from the Squamish area up to $100,000.
This could result the non-profit societies each receiving $100,000 to help with the cost of relocating to a permanent location. David said this offer would be in addition to their original plan to cover the building's moving costs.On top of this, Westmana employees and consultants will work with the societies to organize the fundraising campaign, which would kick off as quickly as possible this month or next. The campaign could involve a major fundraising event, a phone appeal or other initiatives.
"Westmana is pleased to offer real assistance to these societies that contribute so much to the public good and sustainability of Squamish," David said. "We believe the residents and businesses of the area will embrace this opportunity to ensure the services these organizations provide are continued."
Westmana Development Corporation, established in 1996, is currently developing more than 3,400 residential units on resort and urban land holdings in Squamish and the Okanagan.
