Editor,
We, the people of Squamish have the power to shape our community. We have the power to refuse to stretch our boundaries to include the GAS development into the District of Squamish (DOS).
There is no way this will go through as a mountain resort, or any other type of independent entity. The developers have not budgeted for fire protection, school seats, policing, hospital beds, etc.
The only way they can make the numbers work in their favour is if they parasitically tap into our resources. The GAS proposal boasts the numbers of tax dollars it may generate, but does not account for these very expensive services, and makes no mention of the slumping ski industry.
To say that GAS is out of our hands, and that the province will force it on us if they so choose breeds apathy. It makes people feel that there is no point in voicing opposition because the province will make it happen regardless.
I do not believe that the Liberals will force GAS on us, especially since there is little or no data that substantiates their claim that ski hills in the area are profitable. Whistler Blackcomb has had a terrible year, and many employees are being laid off or having their wages cut. And that's the best terrain in North America! How will a ski hill on Brohm Ridge do by comparison?
How will the provincial government justify the risk to the taxpayers of B.C., and the potential tax burden to the citizens of Squamish? They can't. And so, if the DOS says no, GAS is effectively shut down.
Jessica Reid
Squamish
