With just two stations available in Squamish, local radios troll airwaves like desperate fishermen in a sparse sea.
But a group of residents are embarking on an aural mission to establish a community radio station by the people and for the people. And more than a dozen residents with a flare for sound and community building met for the first time at a session entitled Squamish Listens! Be Part of the Heard at the Hotspot Annex on Jan. 20 in order to develop a vision.
As Community Capacity Building Strategy development leader Erin Stewart and 小蓝视频ing Communities Consulting director Kimberly Armour led the group through brainstorming exercises, it was apparent that the radio station would be fuelled by the need to connect an accelerating community.
"I think this community is changing so quickly and I don't really see that much of a community voice," said Stewart Hughes. "Having that community spirit on radio is definitely something we need."
A community radio station would promote cohesion and provide a means for various cultural, artistic and other groups to share talents and ideas. It would integrate much of Squamish with the turn of a dial.
"It becomes a focal point. And that's what this community really needs," said CJ Unsworth.
"[Squamish] has its own identity, which is developing fast, faster than a lot of people that live here are even noticing. And the people who are making the changes the most seem to be the people who are not being heard."
Like much of what makes Squamish special, the radio station is intended to be a grassroots, not-for-profit endeavour. It will also cost money and require a lot of planning and leadership.
And there's still the question of whether to launch the station on the Internet or the radio. While it's easier to establish on the Internet, it doesn't cater to the casual ways audiences prefer to listen, like while driving or lounging at home. However, establishing a radio broadcast requires a more complicated licensing and application process. It would also be more expensive.
In the end, the group decided that starting with Internet and progressing to radio would allow for smooth progression.
Theresa Negreiff and Jesse Redden are responsible for creating a working draft to distribute to the group. Meanwhile, the Hotspot is helping to collaborate future meetings.
Armour said she is optimistic more people will get on board. After all, there is high demand because a community radio station is long overdue.
"With the right leadership and direction it's something that can be very well received and needed in Squamish," she said.
Anyone interested in contributing to the planning process is welcome to attend the next meeting at the Hotspot Annex on Wednesday (Feb. 3). The meeting starts at 7 p.m.
