Squamish truly shines when the sun is out. It doesn’t get better when the days get longer, warmer and everyone hits their A game. The routine is as classic as a perfect day off is taken up by (insert astoundingly expansive list of awesome daytime activities), then head home for a beverage and a nice campfire in the backyard.
But wait. This year is different, as you need a permit for a backyard fire. Bear with me for a second as there are no good reasons we should charge for it, but there are good reasons to have it for free. It’s good because it lets the muni know who has a pit, so when a call comes in, they already have info. Also, it’s a good way to educate; personally, I hope part of the permit is letting neighbours know when you’re going to be burning so they can take their laundry off the line.
As for the current fee – I’m working to remove that at the next council meeting. Crazy fact: charging $30 is not a cash grab. Sadly, it doesn’t even cover the district’s cost to administer a $30 permit (not an exaggeration). I want them to be free online so people read and submit the pertinent information, print and voila! Problem solved.
Now, if only everything else was as easily solved.
Which brings us to the exhaustive list of “sky is falling” issues. Not a week passes without me hearing another head shaker. I also get “this town is awesome!” notes, but dealing with those is easy. The tough ones lately seem to highlight the challenging power limitations of municipalities when the province or the feds have minds of their own.
But even with all that, there is an undeniable vibe in this town of imminent drastic change that I haven’t felt since pre-Olympics.
Or it may just be the warmer weather, longer days and sunshine on a patio 885 meters above sea level. The gondola is out of control. It’s been running a week and minds are being blown at a rampant rate by unparalleled views of the postcard town we love. And just wait until bikes are allowed next year — game changer, my friends. Game. Changer.
Oh, and usually at this time of year I update you on LMLGA conference initiatives, but after five years of dedicated attendance, I sadly had to miss this year because of family-feeding work commitments.
Of course, there is much more on the go but space is limited, so I’ll end as I always do: with an invitation to sign up for my email newsletter (at bryanraiser.com or email me). It’s a glimpse into this nutty job and a reminder that I’m here to listen, so drop me a line anytime. That point is huge, since this job is all about communication.
