By Larry Murray
Chair - Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation
Two special events are taking place on the Squamish oceanfront. And both are "first" in what will surely be a string of firsts as Squamish rediscovers its oceanfront and all its wonderful possibilities.
The first is the recent hiring of SODC's first Chief Executive Officer. Mike Chin, on Monday (March 7). Many seasoned boards face hiring a CEO as a major undertaking even though they have the entire infrastructure in place to do so whereas the SODC board has been inventing itself while all of this was happening. As such, the board is naturally proud of this first major accomplishment.
What lies ahead for our CEO? A very complex undertaking. The community vision as defined in the Concept Plan calls for a multi-faceted oceanfront development. The marine development aspect of the project alone will involve extensive and sophisticated planning and organization. Essential communication and negotiations with government ministries and departments, planners, engineers and designers, as well as the necessary wading through of bylaws and legislation, will require exemplary executive abilities.
The fact that the oceanfront will also include business, light industrial and retail developments makes the process even more complex. The residential component is a whole world in itself as there will be extensive housing developments on the site. The growing tourism role in Squamish must be addressed; opportunities for hotel and convention centre and all tourism support components must fit appropriately into the location. And yes, this is a site that has environmental needs, as do all former industrial sites.
Mike has the experience and the qualifications to commence the transformation of the Squamish oceanfront. He brings strong financial, engineering, marketing and supervisory skills to the project. He has demonstrated his ability to work within a multi-disciplined team and to lead with confidence and respect. Walk the seawall infrastructure in the new Concord Pacific area of False Creek or the Westin Bayshore shoreline to see some of Mike's work.
The second focus for this report is to highlight the first physical event that SODC has undertaken through a partnership with the hardworking Squamish Trails Society. At this time, a new oceanfront perimeter trail is being constructed. John Harvey, Ted Prior, Coun. Ray Peters and their team of volunteers have carved this great new trail for everyone to enjoy.
The natural views are astonishing from this trail. Once again, we must realize and respect how special this estuary is as a world-class natural environment. The SODC Board hopes the opportunity for the community to visit this area will renew the sea to sky spirit in everyone's heart and mind. Visitors are asked to be responsible users of the area and to pack out what they bring in. Please be your own garbage control person! There are plans for an official opening of the oceanfront trail in mid March. Watch for announcements. Come and join this event and help celebrate our oceanfront, and the first of many firsts.
