As a new year dawns, it is a convenient time to reflect on what was and what may be.
As our Top 11 events of 2017 news feature testifies, much happened in Squamish over the past year.
Of course, much more happened than we could fit on such a list, such as the debate over the future of The Spit, the reversal of the salmon program cutbacks by the federal government and the spill into the ‘stinky pond.”
Squamish is a happening place and so it is impossible to review all the ups and downs. At The Chief we may have missed some, but we like to think we captured the majority of the town’s changes and events.
As we close the year, there are wounds to heal in Squamish including the divide between the ‘old’ guard and newcomers. There’s hurt over people and businesses who have had to leave our community because of the cost of living, but there’s also the excitement of new neighbours and fun things to do that we didn’t have in town before: new stores, attractions and restaurants to check out and breweries to visit.
A new year brings hope for what is possible. Will the long-awaited oceanfront park be complete by the time we welcome in 2019? Where will the Woodfibre LNG project be at by then?
Will much needed projects — such as Under One Roof and the planned BC Housing developments — that aim to bring relief to those seeking support and housing be well underway? Will the Between Shifts Theatre Society have its future secured, and what will have become of the Brackendale Art Gallery?
For certain, a new Squamish council will have been elected — but will it be familiar faces in the chamber or new ones?
Though the newly-minted Squamish Nation band council is not likely to impact Woodfibre LNG, as those approvals are well behind us, it will be interesting to see how the new faces on the council impact the planning of many other projects the Nation is a part of locally, such as the Cheekye Fan housing proposal.
And what of issues that aren’t specifically local, but may impact us in Squamish, such as the actions of the Trump government in the U.S., the “me too” campaign and even the price of Bitcoin?
Whatever 2018 brings, The Chief will be here with you, for the good and the bad.
Thank you for allowing us into your homes and hopefully into some of your hearts.
May this coming year bring you good health, much time outdoors and friends and family by your side.
From all of us at The Chief, Happy New Year.
