With a spirited celebration by the sea, the people of Squamish reclaimed the oceanfront lands as their own on Saturday (Sept. 22).Vendors, musicians, and throngs of residents crowded together on the waterfront site, marking a new chapter in the Oceanfront development project.
This second attempt to develop the former Nexen lands promises to involve more public input than the original plan, which fell through amidst a controversial public-private partnership nearly one year ago. In a speech to the crowd of about 100, Mayor Ian Sutherland stressed it was the community's turn to take the reins.
"We really want to hear what you believe will make this the best piece of property in British Columbia," said Mayor Ian Sutherland. "We as a community can decide the future of this site."
A short downpour during the afternoon festivities briefly dampened the audience numbers, but the rows of empty wet chairs in front of the stage didn't break the presenters' enthusiasm.
Rene David of Westmana Development -part of the new Peninsula Landowners' Collaborative tasked with creating a masterpan for the entire downtown waterfront - threw his hands up as he encouraged the community to embrace one of their great landmarks."I hope you enjoy yourself and have a beer on Westmana," he laughed.
The celebration was a refreshing a step forward for the Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC), said the group's new chair John Turner.
"We've been in neutral for the last 12 months," said Turner. "I hope people are understanding that it's going to be a new beginning." Many people who attended the event came with their own visions for the land in tow.
Squamish resident Elizabeth McKiel said she'd like to see it preserved in its natural state. "I like to see it left just the way it is, completely natural, so people can enjoy it."
Deborah McQueen, who organized the evening bonfire and concert, said she would like to see the land used for community gatherings and festivals. She helped create an onsite bar for the event using the sustainable technique of stacking straw bails sealed together by concrete.Even these younger residents had high hopes for the beach.
"I want octopuses and dolphins here," said seven-year-old Hannah Magee.
