This letter was sent to District of Squamish mayor and council members and copied to The Chief for publication.
After attending the Squamish Oceanfront development open house on Oct. 28, I am writing to congratulate your team for the hours, months and past six years of research and consultation that has gone into the planning process.
In this day and age of the cautious human psyche, due in part to the recent economic downturn and political mistrust of the HST flip-flop, it is understandable that there is resistance to such a large project.
Your efforts to consult and engage the various partners including public open forums must be highly commended.
Being newcomers to Squamish (two years), my wife and I decided to settle here for its natural beauty and our love for the outdoors, however, the main reason we chose Squamish over many other B.C. communities was for the longer term business and growth opportunities and the untapped social potential of the waterfront.
This place truly is a jewel!
The challenge ahead lies with striking a balance of attracting residents, small business and artisan style shops showcasing the unique face of Squamish while defining our oceanfront and downtown as a destination.
This must be balanced with attracting new business investment focusing on the knowledge base component of the plan to create additional tax base and revenues to help finance the project.
The type of knowledge base business I foresee will fill the opportunity gap that Squamish is currently experiencing.
New business investments that provide middle and upper management, year round employment opportunities will reduce our current dependency on the small owner operator and seasonal service industry jobs.
It will be these types of business that will sustain Squamish long after the project has been completed and they will continue to keep our community vibrant.
I look forward to the public hearing on Nov. 30 as the future of Squamish unfolds.
Chuck Prenevost
Squamish
