Praise for a local
Squamish’s John Harvey was recently one of three finalists for a 2016 Premier’s Award, which recognizes citizens for their contributions to the province.
Harvey was recognized for his involvement with the Sea to Sky Synergy Project that connects youth in the justice system with employment opportunities.
“It was humbling,” Harvey said of being nominated for the award. “I have been dreaming that what I do in town should be replicated. I have been dreaming that for many years because what I do is a model that is not really done anywhere else.”
Harvey’s work with at risk youth on community infrastructure projects is a result of a partnership between the Ministry of Children and Families, PLEA Community Services Society of BC and the District of Squamish.
Harvey is also currently trying to raise $130,000 in his quest to create a rustic campground in Squamish. More information about that project can be found at mamquamrivercampground.ca.
Councillor’s Quest
District of Squamish Coun. Karen Elliott is the new Quest University ombudsperson. Elliott was appointed to the role in August.
The position, independent of other operations at the school, is to “assist in the informal resolution of concerns and complaints related to the application of university policies, rules and procedures,” Elliott said. Through an annual report, the ombudsperson also recommends improvements to university policies, rules and procedures that are unclear or unfair, Elliott added.
New development?
Calling all developers in Squamish. Do you have a recent development that you would like featured in Discover Squamish magazine? We are looking for projects that have been built in the last year or that will be constructed in the near future. Please email [email protected] with your information.
Nation finances
The Squamish Nation’s finances are in good shape by the looks of the consolidated financial statements released last month. The Nation’s revenue was $75,987,676 for the year ending March 31, down from $94,827,666 in 2015. Expenditures for the year came to $65,612,639, up about $2 million from the same period in 2015, which saw expenditures of $63,739,479, including salaries and benefits. All told, the Nation has an accumulated surplus of $106,149,627 as of March 31, up from $95,774,590 in 2015.
FortisBC grants
FortisBC representatives recently handed out a series of grants to Squamish groups.
The Howe Sound Women’s Centre received $7,500 to support its Violence is Preventable youth education program. Garibaldi Highlands Elementary received $5,000 to help fund its French library. Airhouse Trampoline Academy also received $5,000 to help it create a Squamish Nation Academy Coaching Program for Squamish Nation Youth. Finally, the Squamish Air Cadets received $2,500 to help outfit the local Air Cadet Marksmanship Team.
FortisBC and Woodfibre LNG are also holding their annual Darrell Bay shoreline cleanup on Sept. 28 at 2 p.m. To participate, visit the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup website or email Elliot Moses with FortisBC at [email protected].
Locals board
Two of Squamish’s “mompeneurs,” Klara Langeloo and Stephanie Clark, have launched a business focusing on encouraging Squamish residents to buy local. The women’s theLocalsBoard.com is an advertising service where local businesses can raise awareness for their products and services. Framed boards are hosted at 35 businesses around town and 10 more are set to go up in October, according to Langeloo. “Everyone seems pretty excited so far,” she said.
Both women moved to the district in the last few years and the Locals Board developed out of the struggles they encountered trying to market their own small businesses.
