Historically, councils have annually set priorities which provided direction for staff to focus energy and resources. This year your council recognized that conducting this exercise annually was very shortsighted and not in the best interest of long-term planning for the growth and prosperity of our community.
For the remainder of our term, we have decided that in addition to the many issues that we continue to work on such as economic development, transit and infrastructure deficit, we as a community will focus on the transformation of the Heart of Squamish, our downtown.
We have no interest in creating another study to sit on the shelf. Instead, we will create an action plan with specific projects, timelines and required financial commitments. This plan will include action steps to be initiated in 2013 and 2014 (quick wins) as well as projecting over the next 20 years for projects that are not immediately possible or require significant funding.
Some exciting possibilities to consider include one-way streets, closing streets to traffic, bike paths, angle parking, extending underground wiring, flowers and banners to include Second Avenue, creating a town square, a new entrance or gateway structure, waterfront walkway, signage and wayfinding, public art, festivals, activities and events, an expanded farmers market and street vendors, sidewalk cafés, tax incentives to encourage development, a new city hall/courthouse, turning downtown into the vibrant heart of our community.
I am very excited about Squamish's recent acquisition the Blind Channel property adjacent to Pavilion Park. This land was acquired through the provincial government. Free Crown Grant land must be used for municipal purposes, which will definitely include public access to the water's edge.
This action plan will be created with the support and input from the community. Participation by community groups like the Downtown BIA, Chamber of Commerce and Arts Council is highly valued. I would encourage everyone to participate in this exciting new initiative. We need support from business owners, landowners, and residents of the downtown, but to be successful we will require ideas from everyone who is proud to call Squamish home.
I sincerely hope to see many of you at our first open house for this downtown initiative on Monday, May 13, at 6 p.m. at Howe Sound Inn and Brewing. Let's make it a full house.
