Our elected officials need to think about the long-term consequences of their short-term decisions. Over the past few years, there has been many decisions made by our elected officials that have made me wonder, what are they thinking – or are they thinking at all? Squamish council approved the spending of $17,500 on “blue trees” and $40,000 on a manmade climbing rock in the park when we are surrounded by natural mountains.
Now let’s talk about Great Wolf Lodge, perhaps one of the most successful destination resorts in Canada. The lodge near Niagara Falls has increased the amount of money flowing into the community by way of local jobs and wages along with a very large increase in the realty tax base paid by the resort. Why would members of our council request that the applicant guarantee staff housing? Did the Sea to Sky Gondola supply staff housing? No.
Look at the destination resort north of Squamish, Whistler, and ask them how much staff housing they have. Based on the total staff, only about 12 per cent are lodged in staff housing, while the rest find housing on their own; this is what I was told by a Whistler human resources manager.
Remember that Great Wolf Lodge is a destination resort. Why would our elected officials request a discount for local residents? Once again, the gondola does not offer a local discount.
If you look carefully at the overall budget that is managed by our elected officials, there is very little long-term planning and funding to move us forward in the next five to 10 years. Like it or not, as a direct result of the cost of housing in Vancouver, Squamish will become a bedroom community of Vancouver. Our elected officials need to think globally but act locally, in support of what is taking place outside the district that will have an impact on all of us in the future. Our elected officials need to think outside of the box, and then think outside of the box that the box came in. There always are consequences of decisions made by our elected officials. Every time they talk or vote, they need to think about the long term consequences of their short term decisions.
Voters have long memories, and the next election we all will remember the blue trees and the manmade rock along with the lack of professional decision-making. Also, they need to stop the protectionism around Squamish.
Bill Cavanagh
Squamish
