The history books tell us the Athenians of old congregated in the Agora and the citizens of Rome assembled at the legendary Forum. Since the time of the Aztecs the residents of Mexico City have gathered at the Zócalo. Brussels boasts the Grand Place, Berliners flock to Potsdamer Platz and now it is written that soon the denizens of the Shining Valley will have their own public square.
According to the recently released Squamish Economic Development Action Plan, a downtown community plaza is high on this municipal administration’s bucket list. But in the age of iPhones, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram should tax dollars be tossed at what appears to be a concept rooted in ancient history?
Roger Brooks, the marketing consultant who spearheaded the Squamish branding initiative, has answered that question with an unequivocal yes. He believes central plazas “are an incredible way to boost the life and health of a community. They create jobs, bring locals and visitors downtown and inject life and vitality, as well as cash.”
To support that assertion, he points to hundreds of thriving centres across the U.S., including the highly successful Main Street Square in Rapid City, South Dakota with its interactive facilities and entertainment.
We know that Squamish is an archipelago of settlements, from Brackendale to Garibaldi Highlands, from Dentville to downtown and across the highway to Valleycliffe. That geographic expanse, coupled with the fact that many residents are new arrivals, underscores the need to create a focal point between our far-flung neighbourhoods.
According to Brooks, when his firm surveyed leaders in areas where plazas had been established they all said it was the “best thing we’ve ever done” for the community. To help launch the project in Squamish he suggests we tap into the resources of various groups currently planning and organizing events in town.
Downtown Squamish once had a bowling alley and a movie theatre where residents could rub elbows and exchange scuttlebutt. Since then there have been numerous examples of the bonding potential of large scale community gatherings. The well attended Tragically Hip farewell tour event organized by the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association is a good example. Our ongoing farmers’ market and the periodic closures of Cleveland Avenue for street festivals are additional illustrations. During the 2010 Winter Olympics the Brennan Park complex was transformed into the “Spirit Centre,” a venue that became more popular with each passing day. Brooks strongly recommends locating the plaza on the open lot at the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Winnipeg Street.
“This is simply an ideal location and true ‘center piece’ for downtown Squamish,” he says.
Given all of those considerations, the question is not whether Squamish is ready for a public meeting place, but when it should be launched.
