Whether you were born and raised in Squamish or moved here last week, there are a number of local political issues that confront all of us. Three truths are particularly important.
First, tourists don’t mind mingling with industry. The most visited cities in the world, including Singapore, London and Vancouver, all have industrial sections on their waterfront. Few seawall walkers complain about the huge piles of yellow sulfur that dominate the North Vancouver shoreline. On the recreational front, Huntingdon Beach in California has surf schools and huge numbers of sun seekers – along with a power plant across the street. Anyone who thinks an industrial facility seven kilometres from Nexen Beach will deter tourists from enjoying the amazing natural beauty and outdoor recreation we have to offer simply has not done his or her homework.
Second, our tax money is often wasted. It’s old news that almost $12 million of our tax dollars went to a series of consultants and lawyers to sell a large block of our waterfront for $15 million. If I told our talented local real estate agents that they would get a $2 million commission for selling the SODC lands for $20 million, it would have happened long ago, inclusive of the proper developer contributions, parks and upgrades. Our community coffers would also be more than $10 million fuller. The “I don’t know what to do so I’ll hire consultants” attitude has contributed to a huge, unfunded liability for which Canadian taxpayers are on the hook.
In May, the District of Squamish budget called for borrowing $8 million this year and next to cover operating expenses. Now council has decided to spend $1.3 million on signs but apparently can’t afford needed recreation upgrades. Wow. Give local artists and architects a hundred grand and we would have magnificent signage welcoming one and all.
Third, we have plenty to be optimistic about. In spite of the issues flagged here, we have lots going for us. The most important is the people who live here. Most are industrious, intelligent and well balanced, realizing that there is no free lunch and that growth issues merely need to be managed. We have water, at times too much. If you whined about that fact to Californians, you’d get no sympathy. The rise in the cost of real estate means we are becoming a location of choice. If you think it’s a bad thing, call the mayors of Tumbler Ridge or Fort McMurray for their view.
In short, we have it good. So let’s not allow our future to be squandered by those who are less informed, less diligent or less motivated than the vast majority of Squamish residents. Stand up and be counted.
