Mike Chin
CEO, Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation
First of all, let me say that I am honoured to be given the grand opportunity to lead the development of the Squamish Oceanfront lands for the community.
I have met many people over the past two weeks and thank everyone for their warm welcome. I hope to meet as many people in the community as possible and indeed consult with the community throughout the progress of the development.
The stage is set for the Oceanfront lands to be the pre-eminent development within the Sea to Sky corridor. We have all heard it before and now can actually feel the momentum growing.
Upgrading of the highway along the corridor, exposure/economic benefits of the Olympics, and Council's determination to economically and socially grow, among other forces at work, are a recipe for unprecedented success for the District of Squamish.In my mind, a cornerstone to this growth and diversification is the development that will happen on the Oceanfront lands.
I believe the lands to be the most prominent location in the corridor, and believe we must capitalize on this location.
In this respect, the development must endure the test of time and be something that the community will be proud of not only today and tomorrow, but 20 and even 50 years into the future.
The Charette Concept Design done for the lands to date is an excellent start to the design, and I thank all of you for your valuable input. We will be using the Concept Design as a starting point for the Master plan to be produced over the next year.
As we go through the master planning exercise, we will vet the design through the community to ensure your thoughts and ideas are heard. In this respect, I challenge you to look into the future knowing that the peninsula will likely be the major center of urban living in the corridor.
Dream and visualize beyond the present to the choices you wish your sons and daughters, and their sons and daughters, to have.
Let me know your issues and concerns, but provide me with the solutions to alleviate them. I am always looking for the Win-Win solutions, and with that determination, more often than not, find them.This development is about the future of the community.
I look forward to working with you all to ensure the Oceanfront lands and the District of Squamish take their prominent place in the Sea to Sky corridor.
