I am a supporter of the Garibaldi at Squamish project. CEO Dave Negrin is asking the people of Squamish, the Squamish Nation, mayor and council to allow his company to go through a master planning and rezoning process. This will clearly put us in the driver’s seat and we will direct if and when this project will proceed.
I like the fact that the two backers of this project, the Aquilini and Gaglardi families, are homegrown British Columbians who employ thousands of people and have proven business success. I do not believe they would invest in a project that didn’t make sense. We as a community have for years tried to transition into more of a tourism economy, and now we are very lucky that we have investors who would consider investing millions of dollars here. I believe in fair play and opportunity for everyone, and it is time we the people of Squamish catch some of those skiers and tourists who travel to Whistler. Let the expansion happen in Squamish and let’s create a new tax base and employment for our children. Let’s have the entire corridor become a world-class destination that will bring more visitors than we currently receive. The new highway was built for the entire corridor to attract investments like Garibaldi at Squamish.
I strongly believe that the decision on whether or not this all-season resort proceeds should be in the hands of the people of Squamish and the Squamish Nation. Mountain resorts coexist in North America and Europe and I am sure can coexist and complement each other in British Columbia. I am excited that the Gaglardis and Aquilinis believe Squamish is a city in which they want to invest and are allowing us to decide whether or not this project can proceed.
Paul Lalli
Squamish
