A simple plan for a neighbourhood garage sale is symbolic of where Squamish is currently at as a community.
Some long-time residents have left or are leaving to seek cheaper housing and quieter locales. And a bit of our small-town feel is being diminished by increasing development.
We have though, an opportunity to build something new and amazing if we tap into the passion and desire to belong of the new people moving here. But, can we drop our guard and let that happen? That is the question.
Cue a plan by a local real estate agent to host a neighbourhood garage sale in Dentville this June.
On the one hand, the plan can be seen as merely advertising to drum up summer business, as some locals were quick to accuse on online Squamish forums when flyers for the event were distributed to homes in Dentville.
There is likely an entrepreneurial element to the plan.
Housing is a hot commodity in Squamish these days and many may be considering moving as real estate prices continue to rise, so not a bad marketing ploy to organize a family-friendly event.
But look more closely and other things are at play here that the skeptical and cynical miss.
The agent has lived in Dentville herself for three years. She began to consider moving to Squamish originally after one of her Vancouver clients moved here, she said, adding she fell in love with all Dentville had to offer.
“It is really vibrant and walkable,” she told The Chief.
When she lived in East Van she organized a huge neighbourhood garage sale there, she said.
At one time, long-time locals recall, Dentville had a strong sense of community with neighbours watching each others’ kids out the window as a game of street hockey or tag played out until the sun went down on what was then a proud forestry-based town. There were community barbecues and other events.
At some point, Dentville took on a slightly negative reputation as a less favourable place to live and has struggled to bring back its cohesion.
This plan for a community garage sale is — or could be — a sign that it is coming back.
This multi-family garage sale is the kind of initiative we need.
Granted, there is a degree of justified anxiety that many who built this town are leaving, and that is sad. But there is also a wave of new people here who want to continue the strong sense of community — neighbours caring for neighbours — that those ‘old-timers’ created.
But they have to be allowed to belong.
Yes, there is likely a business incentive behind this event, just as there has been for numerous sponsored races and events in Squamish for decades. In fact, most great local, community-building events have been backed by a business.
The 1st Annual Dentville Community Yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, June 2 .
