Lest we forget, alternative view. Success can be measured by longevity, or success can be measured by accomplishments.
Quest University was persuaded by the Option ’96 council to locate in Squamish. Quest put Squamish on the map as an international learning destination, diversifying our economic base and introducing significant growth potential. The Option ’96 council also set the stage for the current Squamish Estuary Management Plan. SEMP now includes Squamish Nation and the forestry sector, as well as senior governments and land owners. The expansion of SEMP signatories provides greater land-use security.
The New Directions council’s branding process changed the Squamish logo and tag line from “Woods, Winds and Wonders” to the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada” signalling the intention to move away from being known simply as a logging town. Construction of the Adventure Centre, with its innovative design, indicated to community and visitor that tourism is an important part of our economic mix. This new direction opened the way for the Sea to Sky Gondola. The Nexan land purchase for $2 was a great coup. It’s interesting to speculate that there might have been buildings in place, taxes gained and money saved if New Directions hadn’t been voted out of office, leaving Ian Sutherland a lame duck mayor.
Yes, running as a slate in Squamish is a high risk ad-venture. However for those not interested in being career politicians, the rewards of moving Squamish forward may be worth the cost. It certainly was in my case. Hardwired for Adventure, for sure!
Meg Fellowes
