Photo: Squamish Public Library
By Eric Andersen
Published: March 21, 2014
In the December 1969 elections, Alice Makowichuk topped the aldermanic polls – the first female elected to local government here since Jean McRae in 1948.
John and Alice Makowichuk had built the Kosy Motel on Scott Crescent in 1956. Alice was to dedicate much time and energy over the next several years to the Board of Trade Tourism Committee, Squamish Ratepayers’ Association and Howe Sound Fall Fair.
Photo: Squamish Public Library
The Makowichuks sold the motel and moved to Judd Road in 1962, and established a large garden in the good Brackendale soil. Alice was a perennial Fall Fair and PNE prize winner in vegetables, flowers, home baking and sewing.
“There is not enough ‘difference’ in the present council”, Makowichuck said during her 1969 campaign. An “independent voice and outlook” was needed. “Women should have a representative on council – that’s right, ladies. Increasing taxes reduce your share of hubby’s income.”
“I propose to keep the electorate informed as to what council is proposing and doing. … The taxpayer must be given the greatest possible encouragement to public discussions. It is my wish to bring administration closer to the average citizen.” (1969) “My guiding factor … keep them informed; act as an unofficial ombudsman.” (1971)
Immediately following her election and through the early 1970s, “ALDERMAN MAKOWICHUK REPORTS” was a weekly newspaper feature column. There was no regular public reporting of council discussions prior to this.
“I would like to see the occasional ‘free-for-all’ public meeting so that people could say what they felt without having to make a prior appointment.” (1975)
A local housing board, Downtown waterfront park, 2nd Avenue upgrading, industrial park and secondary industry development, and new recreation centre complex and pool were among the other initiatives Alice Makowichuk promoted during her four terms on council before retiring in 1977,
Perhaps Alice Makowichuk’s greatest community project legacy was the Centennial Fields, at today’s Brennan Park. She was, without question, a key catalyst in the beginning efforts to build the sports fields facilities we have today.
