In the Chief last week there was an article on page 8 about the Squamish Nation vs. Garibaldi at Squamish Inc. In it I noticed "...the Squamish Nation was negotiating with the provincial government to take possession of a wood lot licence in the Cat Lake area at the same time GAS Inc. applied to the province [to] expand its study area so a golf course could be built around the lake."
I doubt it makes any difference to most who logs the wood lot as logging is ongoing in that area and already wiping out trails north and east of the lake. But at least they aren't near the lake - yet.But a golf course around Cat Lake - unbelievable! I guess it proves again that everything has a price and is for sale. It would be great if the District of Squamish and/or the provincial government would be more aggressive about preserving park space for everyone. Consider that we could lose a beautiful free outdoor swimming area. We could also lose more cycling and hiking trails and the campsite. Tree huggers can probably list birds and critters that will be evicted, not to mention the "C" words (clear cutting). I personally would regret losing access to Cat Lake in the summer. And all this so rich people can play fetch. I am surprised that this didn't take a more prominent place in the paper.
Squamish has long enjoyed Cat Lake as a local swimming and camping place. Speak up or we could lose it.
David Carlin
Garibaldi Estates
Ex-Liberal candidate supports Tourism Commission move
Editor,
I am writing this letter in support of the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of Industry.
Recently it was reported by the media that the minister's decision to move the Canadian Tourism Commission west to British Columbia was potentially ill-advised. I couldn't disagree more.
I would like to publicly offer my complete support of his position. The cost of this move to taxpayers would be minimal, and the benefits far outweigh the few points critics have raised. In just 4 years, Vancouver/Whistler will welcome the world to our doorstep, as we host the 2010 Winter Games. A once in a lifetime event, we should not miss the opportunity to leverage off this world class event and gain the most exposure from it that we can.
First and foremost, job creation in B.C. is an obvious benefit. Surely on that point alone, we all stand in agreement. The government has pledged to build stronger bridges with B.C., and the Minister's push to move the CTC to B.C. is an ideal opportunity to work towards that promise. Canadian corporations move their head office locations all the time to gain a greater economic advantage, why shouldn't the government? The move to Vancouver is just good economics, and makes sense. It will provide lasting benefits to Canada's tourism industry long after the 2010 closing ceremonies.
I have spoken at length to many constituents in my riding, and their support of this initiative has been overwhelming. I applaud the Minister's courage in petitioning this change to the CTC, and urge British Columbians to write a letter of support to the Ministry of Industry. It is my hope that B.C. will welcome the CTC to British Columbia in due time.
Blair Wilson
Past Candidate, Liberal Party of Canada West-Vancouver/Sunshine Coast/Sea-To-Sky Country
Woodlot a great loss
Editor,
As a regular trail walker along the Mamquam River I was appalled to visit the site earlier this month and find that a beautiful woodlot has been completely chopped down and removed. Upon a little inquiry I soon discovered that this land was cleared to allow the newly constructed Edgewater development a clear view of the Mamquam River - "only a stone's throw away" is how the slogan reads.
Perhaps the property owner and contractor did not realize that this woodlot not only provides important habitat for numerous wildlife, birds, plants, as well as an important site for rainwater to seep into the ground, but during the winter months this is an important Bald Eagle roost site. Shame on the developers for their shortsighted negligence in removing this important habitat.
Being adjacent to a magnificent river such as the Mamquam is a privilege that should be respected. The owners/developers have missed a huge opportunity to showcase this new development as being located at the foot of bald eagle and wildlife habitat! I encourage all others who are enraged at this tree removal to voice their concerns and demand that an equal or even better woodlot be planted in this area immediately!
Angel Rudson
Brackendale
YOUTHfest an amazing experience
Editor,
It is with great sadness that after a couple of months of weekly rehearsals, and then the two nights presenting the shows, that Squamish Youth Theatre's production of YOUTHfest has come to an end.Great friendships were made, new talent to be seen, and definitely some familiar faces that come out year after year because they enjoy being a part of something that contributes to the community we live in. I must admit that I personally enjoyed stage-managing for YOUTHfest and look forward to coming back in years to come.
The purpose of this letter is to inform your readers that YOUTHfest is for everyone whether it be taking part or enjoying the show. A lot of devotion and time is put in to see our local youth as well as adults shine in the art of drama. Also, it is a testimony that youth can still contribute to this community in a constructive and positive way.
I would like to thank Adriane Polo for producing YOUTHfest and the directors: Amanda, Dan, Kelly Ann, Michelle, and Adriane. Without you there would not be any showing of our talents, and especially nights to remember that were full of joy, laughter, and many stories we can tell our friends and family. Despite forgetting our lines and improvising or the occasional laughter on stage, it was a lot of fun! The audience seemed to enjoy themselves as well!
For your readers out there, I understand that Sea to Sky Entertainment presents Squamish Youth Theatre's production of YOUTHfest annually in the spring. Auditions take place in late January and are open for children and adults. It is a great way to meet people, build friendships, have fun, and be a part of something to take pride in.
On a personal note, I am going to miss each and every performer, actor, actress, director, and behind-the-scenes individuals. It was a great honour to be a part of a performance with such amazing people and each talented in their very own way. Let's do it all again next year!
Michael Enders
Squamish
Goodbye Squamish
Editor,
Squamish is being corrupted and we are all sitting back and watching it happen, not knowing what to say or do. Our little town needs our help; the small town that we have grown up to love and enjoy will be no more if we don't say something to the people who need to listen.
We sat back and watched Interfor shut down, not really believing that it would ever happen, but now reality is kicking in, and not only has the blood supply of Squamish shut down but they are also apparently planning on developing townhomes there - but that's to no one's surprise, seeing all the construction that is taking place here. Not many people disagreed about Squamish growing, but I don't think anybody expected Squamish to grow at this rapid pace. The people of Squamish wanted growth so we wouldn't have to drive all the way to Vancouver for all those little things, but we still need to drive to Vancouver; all they are building in Squamish are townhomes and restaurants. They are destroying everything we adore about Squamish for the betterment of the Olympics and Whistler, not Squamish. When all the hype is over and the Olympics are gone, what will be left of our little town; will there even be a difference between Squamish and Vancouver? Is that what we want?
I was born and raised in Squamish. I've left to live in Vancouver for school and just recently I lived in the States for a year. When I came back this time, I came back to a place I still loved but also to a place that just didn't feel right, because I couldn't even recognize it. I told myself that if all of this construction keeps up I might as well just move to Vancouver rather than see the place I love be destroyed by people who really don't give a damn, and that scared me. I realized that is not what I want for this little town, and that is why I want to put a stop to all of this madness. I know that the majority of people in town feel this way because of the recent vote we had. The people of Squamish voted "no" because we know that this has gone too far. That was a great step and now we have to take a further leap and stop what is going on right now, because if we don't do it, then in three years we will have major regrets.
As you take a hike around Squamish now, if you haven't already noticed, you should pay attention to the lack of trees that surround Squamish. At first I really thought that we were just having an amazingly dry spring, which we are, but even if we weren't I should not hear the traffic from the trails that I have taken all of my life, and I definitely should not be able to see the traffic.
Squamish has been known for its picturesque nature scene and has been envied for how man can live with nature with such ease, but in the past few years we have had many problems and they are only going to grow. We have all seen it and turned a blind eye to it, not wanting it to be our problem, but it is our problem because we let it go this far. We know the devastating impact that all of this construction has had on the nature of Squamish. We need to stop being so greedy and actually think about Mother Earth for a change, not just the money in our pockets.
We are being laughed at; look at how they have destroyed our homes and corrupted our minds to making us think all of what is going on is okay. We moved to Squamish for a reason and stayed for another reason. We need to show them that we do have minds of our own and we are now going to lie down anymore. If you want Squamish to remain the simple place it was and not a huge pit stop for those going to Whistler, FIGHT.
Mandeep Sahota
Squamish
