It is an understatement and becoming cliché to say Squamish is changing. It seems not a week goes by without talk of a new development or initiative in the district. Some changes have caused consternation among residents. The pending liquefied natural gas facility and its associated pipeline have divided neighbours and the frustrations of an increasingly clogged highway have filled social media pages.
The most talked about change is the increased cost of housing. The sticker price of a residential property is up 50 per cent over just three years ago and 74 per cent over a decade ago, according to June figures from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver. Stories abound of people who contributed greatly to this community, such as the Squamish Farmers’ Market’s Carolyn Morris and On the Farm’s Natalie Pereman, packing up and finding a new place to call home. These departures are a loss to the sense of community here.
For low-income folks, moving isn’t necessarily an option and staying is a constant financial battle. Life has also gotten harder for parents who can’t find childcare and small businesses that can’t find employees who can afford to live in the district. Some long-time locals also raise valid concerns that incoming residents don’t respect the industries that built the community.
These are real and complex problems that need to be addressed.
At the same time, some recent changes should be celebrated. Over the last few years Squamish has become a more open and tolerant place. Trevor Blackman-Wulff of Safe’n’Sound Squamish recalls as a gay youth and young adult being beaten and ridiculed here.
That seems unfathomable in the town with rainbow crosswalks that celebrate diversity and with Safe’n’Sound actively advocating for and supporting residents on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
While we bemoan the real issues our growing community faces, let’s also celebrate and support the positive changes we see. This Saturday is the official unveiling of the new crosswalks on Cleveland Avenue. On July 31, for the first time, a Squamish float will roll down the Vancouver Pride Parade route in the Test of Metal vehicle; How very apropos to represent the best of “old” and “new” Squamish.
Let’s gather and cheer the new crosswalks and line the Pride parade route applauding our Squamish contingent. Then we can go back to working on the other complex issues we face, feeling united and proud.
–The Chief
