Vote Greg Gardner

An Independent Voice For Squamish

Campaign Platform

The world is now discovering what we have always known - that Squamish is an incredible place to live. Our location definitely justifies the title Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada. It could also be said that our residents make us the Volunteer Capital of Canada. As we grow we must ensure that we retain the distinct character that gives us our community identity rather than become just another suburb. Some of the issues that I see as important at this critical time in our development are as follows.

Balanced Growth
We must ensure that the current residential boom does not occur at the expense of other important land uses such as parks, industrial, recreational, commercial and natural habitat. Critical issues right now are public access to the ocean, affordable housing and job creation. We must also continue to support the efforts of our trails volunteers to ensure that these valuable assets continue to improve rather than be harmed by development.
Homelessness and Food Security
The rapid growth of our town is placing pressure on existing services. Additional efforts such as increasing the frequency of the food bank and supporting the soup kitchen, the school breakfast program, and other food providers are necessary. The new initiative to provide more assistance to the homeless in Squamish must be a priority.
Second Access To Downtown
In my opinion, a second access to downtown is key to the revitalization of our business centre. It is also critical to the planned downtown growth. The location, planning and financing of this access is a very important issue which will require leadership and sound business judgment.
Financial Management
I believe that a much better job must be done in the planning, budgeting and financial management of future community projects. This must include full disclosure of, and the opportunity for community input on, these plans, budgets and finances.
Oceanfront Lands
I am very excited about the development of this incredible peninsula that we as a community now own. With these lands Squamish can now realize its potential as a seaside community with long overdue public access to the oceanfront.
In order to accomplish these goals a Master Land Use Planning Process was commenced 15 months and $1.3 million ago with a scheduled completion date of January 31, 2006. I am concerned that to date the community has not seen any proposed land use plan let alone been given the opportunity to comment on same.
The most definitive information that we have been given is that the development will probably result in construction of the upper end of a range of 723 - 2528 residential units on the property. (Q.13 SODC Frequently Asked Questions March 24, 2006). A development of 2500 units on 60 acres is a relatively high density residential project (almost twice that being proposed on the Interfor Mill site).
I would like to ensure that, going forward, the community's wishes for this project are heard and respected. This role is even more important given the decision taken last fall - without community input or debate - to sell 50% of the entire project to a private developer prior to completing the land use planning or rezoning process. I believe that our community will want to consider a mix of uses that include, in addition to residential and a perimeter walkway, a large oceanfront park (to serve not only the project's residents but all the residents of Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky corridor as well as our tourists), a public Arts/Culture building, trails, and job opportunities (e.g. hotel/convention center, marine facilities and a light industrial buffer zone on the west side). I note that all of these uses were identified in the charrette process.
I would like to represent your interests on the oceanfront as this planning process unfolds.
Employment Opportunities
With the recent loss of three of our major employers, and recognizing that our construction boom will not last forever, we must work toward ensuring that we have quality job opportunities in the future. Some examples of opportunities include:
  1. Tourism
  2. Film Industry
  3. Forest Products
  4. Port and Rail Related Businesses
  5. Educational Institutions
With respect to tourism, we should work towards the establishment of a destination marketing organization to promote Squamish. This organization will need funding and a hotel tax could be implemented for that purpose. An organized initiative to promote the film industry, which already provides employment and business to many in Squamish, should also be commenced.
Affordable Housing
It is imperative that we implement our recently completed affordable housing strategy to ensure that there is adequate market and non-market affordable housing available in our community.
2010 Winter Olympics
Currently there is no committee proving leadership at the District level to ensure that we are maximizing the benefits that Squamish can realize from the Olympics. One should be established immediately.
Flood Control
I strongly believe that we must continuously maintain and improve our dyking system which protects so many of us from disaster. The recommendations from the 2005 consultants report on the dykes should be funded and implemented.
Cultural Diversity
We can do a better job of embracing and recognizing the needs of our residents who are from diverse cultural backgrounds. Issues such as making leadership roles and new employment opportunities available in our community are important. We must listen to the concerns and ideas from everyone in our community. An example would be the need to support permanent public transportation for people working in Whistler.
Squamish Nation
Many exciting economic initiatives are occurring within Squamish Nation. We must have an open and productive dialogue as we work together on the progress of Squamish Nation in our community.
Senior's Housing and Amenities
As our population ages it is even more important to ensure that our seniors' needs are addressed. I would like to try to use the current development boom to find capital for seniors facilities.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation
The incredible recreational assets that we have not only improve the quality of our lives but also provide the primary draw for developing our tourism sector. Initiatives like improving trail signage, making area recreation maps available and focusing on promoting Squamish as a destination unto itself are needed now.
Elect Greg Gardner