Trees, Bevers and Oceanfront - Oh My!

So they say the learning curve of a councillor is steep and the first year is the steepest. I can assure you ‘they’ are absolutely right. It’s almost been a year and while I’m definitely getting more comfortable I’m also still learning new things all the time.

For instance, this month I learned the phrase “can we clarify the motion please?” Basically that means, “When I put my hand up – what actions are going to be taken and what message is being sent”. Oh sure, now it’s seems so head slapping simple but sprinting up this learning curve is no easy task and I’m sure I haven’t seen the last of that one.

But thankfully this lesson was first learned at a Committee of the Whole meeting (COW= discussion meetings with the final decision made at council meeting). It was here I voiced concern over the plans to remove the highway trees. So when the vote happened I voted to have staff take our comments to the proponent. Well, turns out the motion was more than that and what I did was give the impression I was in favor of this plan. I quickly knew something was amiss and it was incredibly unsettling trying to figure out just what happened. Now I know to “clarify the motion”. Luckily I was able to clarify my position at the next council meeting but that part of the learning curve was quite unnerving.

In all honesty, one of my dreams is to have most of Squamish completely invisible from the highway. Picture it: thousands of evergreens planted thick the entire length of our community. I say ‘most’ because of course there would be the amazing entranceways at each intersection on the highway. Spectacular public art and signage letting everyone know what good stuff is just down road. Yes this means more signs on the highway but I think that’s a fair trade off. Sadly, not all highway adjacent land is District owned…. but this part is.

As well I simply have a hard time with the reasoning that people will only shop if they can see your entire store from the road.

I know some people truly believe this but I remain skeptical. It seems almost (but not quite) as silly as thinking we need big fake rock's saying “Squamish Commercial Area”.

Oh, I do enjoy this job :)

Ok, let’s get to the video shall we?
No. Not the beaver trap one – (sorry, too soon?:)
We’re talking the Oceanfront! The video and plan are online and awaiting your scrutiny. No rush, the link will be at the bottom of this email when you are ready.

So far the response has been “what are we waiting for… GO!” which is nice. Please give your 2c because this is the start of a beautiful relationship (with our oceanfront).

That’s about it for now. As always please don’t hesitate to drop me a line anytime (that’s what the job is all about) and please pass this on to others who may be interested.

Have a great one eh’
Bryan
604.848.9343
braiser@squamish.ca

PS. The simple and successful Squamish Local Socials are back. These casual events are designed for the community to come out and meet each other. Everyone is invited no matter how long you’ve been here. Tell anyone who might be interested - the first one of the season is THIS Thursday 7-9 at the Burrow. Hopefully see you there.

PPS. Hungry for “official” District of Squamish updates emailed regularly? – email communications@squamish.ca to get hooked up.
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OCEANFRONT – have at ‘er
http://www.squamishoceanfront.com/