Over the years a number of studies have been conducted that have been focused on the downtown. Some of those have only made it to draft form and others that were completed have never been implemented. There are many great aspects of those previous studies that we definitely should consider implementing. The last thing we need now is to hire another consultant to complete another study.
Transforming the heart of Squamish will not require a heart surgeon (consultant). What is needed is for the people of Squamish to get on board with this fresh initiative and bring with them your ideas, as weird and wonderful or crazy as you might think they are.
This is not the time for sarcasm or pessimism. I encourage everyone to get on board and play a part. This is going to be so much more than a simple beautification project. There are many partners required to make this a success. We will need property owners as well as merchants to see the benefits and participate -community groups like the BIA, chamber of commerce, Tourism Squamish, the arts council and others. I look forward to Squamish Nation playing a significant role.
This initiative is all about creating action items and laying out a plan and timetable for implementation. It will be so much more effective with full community participation. There are no pre-set action items as we are anxious to hear all your suggestions. Some considerations could include: burying hydro lines on Second Avenue, organizing festivals and fun events downtown, building a "town square," creating a new entrance or gateway, implementing a public art program, investigating the impact and possible alternatives of truck routes.
There are many aspects to creating a successful transformation. There is much that the District of Squamish can do to ensure this is a success. We have already initiated steps (quick wins) to start us off even before the strategic action plan has been created. We have dredged the Blind Channel to allow access for visiting boaters to visit downtown Squamish. We have purchased B.C. Rail property along the Blind Channel to ensure there will always be public access to the water's edge in the downtown. We have drafted a tax incentive program to encourage developers to build on their empty lots in the downtown. We have turned Stan Clarke Park in to an active people place. We have partnered with Vancouver Biennale to have an internationally acclaimed piece of art to draw visitors to the downtown for 2014 and 2015.
With full participation of our community, we will develop a 20-year strategic action list. This will ensure that future budgets are in place for these items and all of Squamish as well as outside investors and prospective business will see clearly the commitment that the whole community has toward the transformation of the Heart of Squamish. Stay tuned for innovative community engagement events.
