Editor,
Within the coming month we should have a decision from our provincial government regarding [Garibaldi at Squamish] GAS ["GAS fate now with ministers," The Chief, May 21].
While some will welcome a decision against moving the project forward the numbers who want to see it approved seem to be growing as more and more people in our community are realizing just how dependant we are on the construction industry for a healthy and diversified economy.
The unfortunate emergence of yet another project failing to pay its bills for labour and materials goes a long way in demonstrating that we do not in fact have the thriving construction industry some of those terminally opposed would have us believe we do.
Further evidence of this is apparent in the increasing number of approved development sites which have sprouted for sale signs instead of shovels in the ground.
Despite the phenomenal potential Squamish has with the Oceanfront Lands, we must face the reality that there is no one standing by with the funds necessary to make that dream come true, in part or in whole.
Our financial liabilities associated with those lands are fast approaching their assessed value and without finalized plans and funding in place we may well miss the boat before a single dollar flows into our community from this opportunity.
If we embrace and enable GAS it will increase our chances of attracting the people and money necessary to develop the Oceanfront and thereby bring about a natural revitalization of our downtown core.
With GAS we have an experienced and qualified team of developers prepared to put their own money on the line. Their pockets are deep and their commitment is deeper. Many of the billions of dollars associated with this project will flow through local businesses in all sectors, including those who have chosen to publicly oppose GAS.
The 35 per cent tax increase imposed upon Squamish Terminals is unlikely to affect the jobs held there, after all it's not possible for them to pack up and leave town. It is however hard to imagine that such a move will go unnoticed by large employers who may be considering Squamish as a potential location to do business in.
The smaller yet still significant increase imposed upon homeowners is just the beginning of what is to come should Squamish fail to increase its tax base through growth.
We are spending more than we are taking in and there is nothing sustainable or smart about that trend!
It is my hope and belief that the provincial government will do the right thing for the people of Squamish and B.C. by green lighting this project.
It will then be up to our local government to work with, instead of against GAS Inc. to ensure we take advantage of what is without a doubt the biggest investment in our future available to us.
If will be up to each of us to make sure that our mayor and council know what we expect of them as stewards of our future here in Squamish.
Richard Tripp
Squamish
