Never has leadership been more important to Squamish. As the Garibaldi at Squamish $3.5 billion resort project received the provincial go-ahead on Friday, the Oceanfront Lands changed hands to a developer this week and other big projects, including other housing developments and a possible liquefied natural gas plant, moved on to new stages, one thing became clear: Our leaders need to guide Squamish toward its future.
The Garibaldi at Squamish resort is a particularly important project, as the plan includes villages to accommodate 22,000 people – more than the current population of Squamish. Since the Sea to Sky Gondola opened in 2014, the area’s stunning beauty has been showcased to the world, and surging real estate prices reflect our new desirability.
The provincial environmental certificate issued last week has conditions but represents a huge step forward for a project that has been discussed for decades. It’s time our council recognized that this family-friendly resort could actually be built. Garibaldi at Squamish could be a critical part of our future, employing as many as 6,000 people. And the gorgeous natural setting and more affordable skiing close to Vancouver could bring big tourism dollars to Squamish as well as an estimated $50 million in new district tax revenue and spin-off effects for local businesses.
Why, then, is Mayor Patricia Heintzman telling Vancouver media that the project is “not viable,” killing our reputation as a ski town even before it’s built? “My gut is telling me it’s not the best terrain for a ski resort,” she told The Vancouver Sun, then discussed the “challenging” weather – but did not mention the recent days of rain on Whistler Blackcomb, Cypress and Grouse Mountain. (The same leader told the world last year that Squamish is “rough around the edges” and described toilet actions in her recent Chamber of Commerce speech.)
Meanwhile today, snowmobilers are happily driving through the snow on Brohm Ridge, and local business owners are excited at how the resort would increase year-round demand for sports equipment and restaurant meals. The proponent willing to invest $3.5 billion obviously believes it’s viable. In Europe, clustered ski resorts prosper together.
Our mayor, councillors and other local leaders including the chamber should consider the idea that the Garibaldi resort could be built. It’s their job to help create a strong future for Squamish, not just selling our precious assets such as the oceanfront, but creating local jobs and a vibrant economy. Telling the world that the snow-cased mountain would not be a good place to ski is a damaging start. Squamish needs stronger leadership.
– Editor Christine Endicott
