By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: March. 7, 2012
Economic Development, Improving transit, and district business processes are the top three council priorities for 2012, the District of Squamish stated in a press release on Tuesday, March.6th.
The council will endeavour to strengthen the district’s economy by developing and maintaining an attractive and welcoming business climate for local businesses, the press relases notes, and for those who may look to invest or locate business in Squamish.
“We heard a loud, clear message from the community in recent months,” said Mayor Rob Kirkham.
“The community wants jobs to be retained and new opportunities to be created in Squamish.”
District also hopes in the coming few months to review and examine the various aspects and opportunities of transportation in workshops and community meetings throughout 2012.
The focus will include reviewing local transit and transportation, exploring partnerships, as well as exploring various opportunities related to commuter and corridor-wide transportation.
As far as improving district business processes is concerned, the district has begun a core service review of the building and planning department.
“Extensive interviews with the development community and staff identified that improvement to the district’s business processes were not just necessary, but crucial,” Kirkham said.
The council also outlined secondary priorities.
- Community Communications and Engagement
- Infrastructure Capital Asset Long-Range Planning
- Brennan Park Revitalization
- Explore Boundary Expansion Opportunities
- Plan/Build New Brennan Park Fitness Centre
- Dredge Mamquam Blind Channel
- Green Waste Pick-up/Composting
Some of the policy initiatives that are well underway and expected to be complete by 2012.
- Marine Management Strategy
- Squamish nation Serving Agreement
- Subdivision Development Control
- Safe Routes to School
- Real Estate Strategy
- Corridor Trail
- Recreation Master Plan
- Upper Mamquam Blind Channel Study
- Dyking
