Under bright autumn sunshine, Squamish’s newest green space, Miyíw̓ts (pronounced my-oats) Park, officially opened today. Located along the Mamquam Blind Channel, the park offers playgrounds, walking paths, and waterfront views, providing a new outdoor place for locals.
The District of Squamish, in partnership with Kingswood Properties and Bosa Properties, has officially opened Miyíw̓ts Park, at SEAandSKY (Waterfront Landing).
Miyíw̓ts Park, meaning "mouth of the river" in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language), was named in recognition of the park's location, where a channel of the Squamish River once ended.
Kálkalilh aka Deanna Lewis from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation led the opening ceremony, offering a traditional blessing and sharing the significance of the park's location. During the event, Lewis presented the witnesses with a small offering of thanks, a tradition in her community. "It’s an offering of thanks, 50 cents," Lewis said.
"Traditionally, we didn’t have money; hundreds of years ago, we gave seafood or handmade gifts like tools or a game set. Today’s equivalent is money, so this is just a small gesture."
Lewis also emphasized the park’s significance for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people. "Our songs come from the water, and water is how we pray. The closer you are to the water, the closer you are to our spirits and ancestors," Lewis said.
She shared memories of the site, recalling a time when it was almost off-limits to her community. Now, she said, it’s a place for the Nation members to "live, work, and play."
“This park represents over a decade of vision, planning, and collaboration,” said Lucas Berube, senior director of development for Bosa Properties. “It’s more than just a green space—it’s part of a complete community that will offer housing, public spaces, and ecological restoration.”
The park offers a wide range of amenities, including walking and cycling paths, a playground, a pump track, and a basketball court.
“Opening Miyíw̓ts Park to the Squamish community is a significant milestone in transforming a former industrial site into something that benefits the broader community,” said Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford.
According to a press release, the key component of the park's design is its focus on ecological restoration. “Over the past several years, Kingswood and Bosa Properties have conducted extensive remediation work, including the treatment of contaminated soils and the removal of abandoned boats and debris from the Mamquam Blind Channel.” reads the press release.
The landscape has been revitalized with native vegetation to protect the natural shoreline.
“We’ve created something special here today, but there’s much more to come,” said Berube. “We’re looking forward to completing over 1,000 homes, another waterfront park, and the pedestrian bridge in the coming years.”
The pedestrian bridge is expected to be complete this winter.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
