Lesley Weeks, the executive director of Tourism Squamish, has written a letter to the District of Squamish addressing several concerns about the District’s proposed 2025-2029 Financial Plan. Economic development topped the list of priorities, with Weeks requesting greater transparency and clarity regarding the allocation of funds and the future of tourism-related initiatives.
Weeks questioned the allocation of over $8.2 million in the Economic and Community Development budget for 2025, noting that detailed plans for these funds were not included in public documentation. “We would like to understand the District’s Economic and Community Development plans for 2025 and to offer more thorough feedback,” she wrote. Tourism Squamish has requested access to the entire General Fund budget to ensure it can provide meaningful input.
She also highlighted significant funding reductions in this area, with the budget set to decrease by over $2 million compared to 2024 and further cuts projected through 2029. “Given that Squamish is one of the fastest-growing communities in British Columbia, we would appreciate greater clarity on how the District sees these reductions aligning with the increasing demands of a rapidly expanding population and a thriving tourism sector,” she said.
Adventure Centre Renovations and Parking Enhancements
Weeks expressed support for the planned renovations to the Adventure Centre, including HVAC upgrades, roof replacement, and new flooring. These updates are being partially funded through the provincial Tourism Dependent Communities Fund. She emphasized the Centre’s importance, noting it welcomes over 150,000 visitors and residents annually.
However, she urged the District to prioritize enhancements to the Centre’s parking lot and include proposed features such as a Forestry Interpretive Centre. “We believe enhancements to the parking lot, the addition of amenities, and inclusion of the proposed Forestry Interpretive Centre would greatly improve access and enrich the experience for locals and visitors alike,” Weeks added.
Tourism Master Plan and Parks Development
Another pressing issue was completing the Tourism Master Plan, for which $100,000 was allocated in 2024. Weeks stressed the importance of finishing this initiative in 2025. “A comprehensive Tourism Master Plan will help manage growth, preserve environmental assets, and enhance both resident and visitor experiences,” she noted, adding that it aligns with ongoing studies like the Marine Action Strategy and Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Speaking of parks, she argued for updating the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2025 rather than delaying it until 2027. “Squamish has seen rapid growth in resident population and visitor numbers, leading to increased pressure on parks, trails, and recreation facilities,” she wrote. Tourism Squamish believes a timely update would help address current demands and ensure sustainable growth.
Marine and Airport Infrastructure
Weeks also called for completing marine-related studies funded in 2024, such as the Marine Impact Study and Community Boat-Launch Feasibility Study, which she sees as critical to Squamish’s status as a waterfront destination. “These studies are critical for achieving the goals outlined in the Squamish Marine Action Strategy,” she emphasized.
Regarding the Squamish Airport, Weeks advocated for long-term tenancy agreements for tourism operators and strategic planning to support aviation-related tourism. “Offering long-term tenancy agreements fosters certainty and confidence among businesses operating at the Squamish Airport,” she explained.
Weeks also discussed the need for updates to the Official Community Plan (OCP) to address tourism-related zoning. She emphasized the importance of clear guidelines for hotel accommodations in designated zones to aid developers in planning and help alleviate Squamish’s hotel shortage, particularly as new hotels are increasingly integrated into multi-use developments.
Read the entire letter here.
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