Unlike any other period in the past, there is a growing divide between people who are chafing at the bit to move to Squamish, or presently live here, and love the place, and those who can’t wait to get out of town, or have already hightailed it.
For a number of locals, getting a foothold in an economy that is transitioning from its forestry and railroad industry roots to the retail/service sector is unsettling. In one of The Chief’s recent weekly (unscientific) polls just over 75 per cent of respondents said they were staying put because they had friends in town, they liked the access to the outdoors, or they worked in Squamish. But nearly 25 per cent reported they were moving because they could no longer afford to live here.
Another poll asked respondents whether they were feeling positive or negative about the future of Squamish. Thirty-five per cent of those who answered the call ticked the negative box.
Former Squamish restaurateur Les McDonald was priced out of the local housing market and headed to Kingsville, Ont. According to recent posts emanating from his Facebook page, he and his family couldn’t be happier in their new digs on the shores of Lake Erie. But he hasn’t ruled out a return to the Shining Valley. He says, “When a four bedroom home on a massive lot with an in-ground pool sells for around $250,000 I may consider moving back. Wink Wink.”
After having an epiphany on the top of Mt. Erskine, on Salt Spring Island, Gord Gunner submitted a lengthy letter to the editor of The Chief in which he declared it was “time to fix up the house and get the hell out of Squamish.” According to Gunner this town is “lacking in so many things” and is “just too behind the times.”
Adriana Smith, who lived in Squamish for 26 years, recently moved to Dunderave, in West Vancouver, where she is paying $1,430 for “a gorgeous one-bedroom.” She posted this cryptic message on The Chief’s Facebook page: “Once everyone who cannot afford to live here leaves, there will be an economic disaster as every business closes due to staff shortages. No more lattes for you!”
While numerous disenchanted residents are waving goodbye, more and more people are relocating to this neck of the woods. In 2015, the New York Times rated Squamish as one of the best places to visit.
And in 2017 BC Business magazine ranked the community among the top three areas in the province to work. The town boasts a young, energetic and entrepreneurial demographic, with 63 percent of the population under 40, according to Stats Can. And with a reported average household income of $110,838 and income growth of 18.66 per cent over five years, according to BC Business, Squamish appears to be holding its own in the community success sweepstakes.
So, what’s not to like here?
Well folks, that all depends on what side of the great divide you’re on.
